Decor Gold Designs

Home decorating, interior styling

  • Home
    • Hello
      • Contact
      • Privacy Policy
      • Disclosures and Photo Usage Policies
  • Home Tour
  • Shop
    • Favorite Pieces from My Home
      • Accessories
        • Beautiful Blue & White Home Accessories
        • Blush Crush
        • Faux Flowers and Branches
        • Candles
      • Pillows and Throw Blankets
      • Bedding
      • Rugs
      • Mirrors, Art, & Wall Decor
      • Lighting
      • Tabletop
  • Blog
  • Shop My Instagram
  • Sources
    • Living Room
    • Kitchen and Breakfast Nook
    • Master Bedroom
    • Guest Bedrooms
    • Dining Room
    • Entry
  • Shop Fall

Stay connected and get all the latest

Tips for Hosting a Perfect Dinner Party

Hello! I’m so glad you have decided to visit our Bloggers Patio Party Tour! The talented Kathleen of Lindsay Hill Interiors is hosting us today and I’m truly grateful she included me! Kathleen has an amazing website and she was actually the first to share my home on her blog…so fun to look back and realize how many changes I’ve made over the past months!

Outdoor summer patio party

You can find links for all of theses amazing bloggers at the bottom of the page. If you are here from the site of my friend, Bree of Z Design at Home, welcome! Let’s get started…

So, you want to host a summer dinner party.

We absolutely love hosting parties. But, then we realize what we have gotten ourselves into. We begin thinking about the sheer volume of decisions which need to be made. As you can imagine, it can be overwhelming.

However, in a moment I will share with you how you can streamline this process and pull off any party you have committed yourself to.

When my husband and I decide to go out, invariably the conversation centers around what we are in the mood for food wise, as well as the ambiance of the restaurant. Truth be told, the latter may lean a bit more heavily in our decision making process.

The “Five W’s” are always a great place to start to ensure you stay on point when planning for a dinner/night out as well as hosting your own dinner party.

  • Who – Is this going to be a family style gathering or is it primarily going to be for adults?
  • What – Will this be cocktails and appetizers or will it be a several course dinner? Any specific theme? Be sure and share the menu with your guests ahead of time.
  • When – Beyond the date, it is important to let your guests know the duration of the event. Plan on 4-5 hours at a maximum. 
  • Where – Will this be hosted indoors, outdoors or both? 
  • Why – Any relevant specifics need to be shared here (milestone, event, etc).

Now, the above starting points help guide the entire process for the evening not only for yourself, but it also allows your guests to plan accordingly. Be sure and spell out these points clearly for those you invite.

Beyond the Five W’s, the most important components for this party will be the five senses. You want the entire experience to be visually stimulating. From the look of the food to the look of the table. No detail can be overlooked.

Summer outdoor patio party with flowers white linens and beautiful white and pewter dishes-2

When we host parties, we try to keep it elegant yet simple. For example, a white linen tablecloth works well indoors and outdoors.

Outdoor patio dinner with flowers white dinnerware and pewter and beautiful salads and fruit-9

Also, crisp white flowers on the table will work with any color scheme you may have. I clipped these from my crepe myrtle shrubs as you may have seen me do recently in my summer tour.

Summer outdoor patio party with flowers white linens and beautiful white and pewter dishes-4

Classic white dinnerware is always our choice. Noticing a theme? Always try to keep the background neutral.

Outdoor patio dinner with flowers white dinnerware and pewter and beautiful salads and fruit-15

With a neutral background, the vibrant colors of the food and accompaniments will be that much more appealing. I swear the contrast makes the food taste better!

Outdoor patio dinner with flowers white dinnerware and pewter and beautiful salads and fruit-10

When hosting outdoors, be sure and string together some outdoor lights for ambient lighting. We keep ours up year round and just love them. Ours are located just outside the patio, but here are a few choices you will love.

Speaking of ambiance, the music choices should be classically familiar but not too loud.

And now for some tabletop details:

I always keep plenty of refreshments outside and what better serving item than this stunning pitcher. The beauty of it literally took my breath away at first sight!

Outdoor patio dinner with flowers white dinnerware and pewter and beautiful salads and fruit-14

Additionally, the glassware is also very special.

Don’t you just love the handcrafted pewter stems?

Outdoor patio dinner with flowers white dinnerware and pewter and beautiful salads and fruit-16

Below, I used beautiful salad plates to coordinate with the glassware. If you look closely, you will notice there are two styles. You can find them here and here. You don’t have to only use matching pieces. It is much more fun to mix and match, especially in a setting such as this.

Summer outdoor patio party with flowers white linens and beautiful white and pewter dishes-9

The salad is simply fa combination of field greens, strawberries, mandarin oranges, red onions, almond pieces, and poppyseed dressing. It is perfect for summer!

Summer outdoor patio party with flowers white linens and beautiful white and pewter dishes-6

I love the color fruit adds to a summer table. I served it on this lovely pewter piece.

Summer outdoor patio party with flowers white linens and beautiful white and pewter dishes-7

I added a sweet dip which is so easy to make. It is made of one part cream cheese and one part marshmallow cream. I love how it looks in this gorgeous coordinating bowl.

Outdoor patio dinner with flowers white dinnerware and pewter and beautiful salads and fruit-12

When everything comes together, the look is quite inviting and appetizing!

Outdoor patio dinner with flowers white dinnerware and pewter and beautiful salads and fruit-21

Outdoor patio dinner with flowers white dinnerware and pewter and beautiful salads and fruit-7

Hosting a dinner party should be a fun affair. With a little planning and some utilization of the above tips, your guests will think you are a professional party planner.

The next stop is our host, Kathleen’s post. Enjoy!!! 

Lindsay Hill Interiors
Zevy Joy
Kelley Nan
The House of Silver Lining
Citrine Living
Haneen’s Haven
Randi Garrett Design
Z Design at Home
Decor Gold Designs

Summer outdoor patio party with flowers white linens and beautiful white and pewter dishes-8

Thank you for visiting! If you will like to receive weekly emails when I have posted a new blog post, please subscribe here.

*Affiliate links have been used in this post

*I have partnered with Arte Italica to show you some of their beautiful pieces

Filed Under: Decorating, Entertaining, My Home 31 Comments

Subscribe to get the latest

« How Your Kitchen Became The Social Hub
The Sheer Bliss of Linen »

Comments

  1. Kathleen says

    July 6, 2016 at 9:46 am

    Oh Jen – how I wish I could come to one of your amazing parties! Your ideas are wonderful, and the setting is absolutely breathtaking! I just love how intimate and cozy your patio looks while still maintaining your elegant style. Love, love, love!!

    Thanks so much for joining me on this little tour – you always add a special touch, and I love getting to work with you!

    xox

    Kathleen

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      July 6, 2016 at 11:52 am

      Thank you Kathleen! How kind you are sweet friend! You made this blog hop an absolute pleasure and I’m flattered and grateful to be included!

      Reply
  2. randi says

    July 6, 2016 at 9:47 am

    This is breathtaking Jen! Your porch and those dishes are stunning! Why can’t we be neighbors?!!!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      July 6, 2016 at 12:39 pm

      You are the sweetest Randi! You never know…maybe we will be neighbors someday!

      Reply
  3. Bree says

    July 6, 2016 at 10:06 am

    Jen! I knew this would be stunning and it most certainly is!! Your amazing and I love all of your dinnerware. And that pitcher…you are right, it’s breathtaking!! Happy summer my friend:)

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      July 6, 2016 at 1:17 pm

      Thank you Bree! I’m so glad I appreciate your kind words about the dinnerware…Arte Italica pieces are amazing! Thanks again sweet friend!

      Reply
  4. Oscar @OscarBravoHome says

    July 6, 2016 at 10:15 am

    Everything looks so dreamy and fresh…love your pictures! The setup, the salad, everything looks amazing!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      July 6, 2016 at 1:24 pm

      Oscar! Thank you so much my friend! You are so kind to visit and leave such a generous comment! Thanks again!!!

      Reply
  5. Shannon Fox says

    July 6, 2016 at 3:46 pm

    That is one incredible looking table… and that pitcher is divine!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      July 6, 2016 at 4:23 pm

      Thank you so much Shannon! That means a lot coming from you my friend! And yes, divine!!!

      Reply
  6. Shauna says

    July 6, 2016 at 6:23 pm

    I am beyond WOWED by this Jen! So elegant yet inviting. Love your outdoor sofa, it looks so cozy! You’re photos are effortlessly beautiful as always! Can’t wait to see you next month my friend!
    xoxo

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      July 6, 2016 at 10:19 pm

      Oh Shauna, you always find the kindest words to leave here! Thank you so much sweet friend! I can hardly believe I get to meet you in a month!!! Can’t wait! I hope you had the most wonderful day in the sun! xo

      Reply
  7. Annie says

    July 6, 2016 at 6:56 pm

    Jennifer, how very stunning! I love getting to see what you will do and how you add your touch to your beautiful spaces indoor and out. The spread on your table looked so pretty and delicious all at the same time. Wonderful job friend!!!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      July 6, 2016 at 10:06 pm

      Annie, you are so kind! I feel the exact same about you and your beautiful spaces. Your taste is impeccable and I can’t wait to finish the tour tonight and see the rest of your stunning photos!

      Reply
  8. Kelley Nan says

    July 6, 2016 at 7:20 pm

    Oh, Jen- absolutely knocked it out of the park. I love your tips , that colorful salad, but those dishes are TO DIE FOR! You are so good and inspire me with each post. I can’t wait to be with you SOON!! xoxo

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      July 6, 2016 at 9:59 pm

      Thanks so much Kelley! Aren’t they special? I could barely get through unpacking them because I was so excited! You inspire me too! Every single day!

      Reply
  9. Kris {Driven by Decor} says

    July 6, 2016 at 9:08 pm

    That’s one beautiful spread!! So inspiring to see how you keep it simple but it’s still so, so stunning!! Love the white tablecloth idea and I might just steal that pitcher if I ever find myself lucky enough to be at your house 🙂

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      July 6, 2016 at 9:57 pm

      Thank you so much Kris! Your comment means so much to me! And you are welcome here anytime, but I’ll be hiding the pitcher!! 😉 xoxo

      Reply
  10. Haneen says

    July 6, 2016 at 9:41 pm

    Jennifer! This js absolutely breathtaking! Love every detail! Kudos, friend! Xo

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      July 6, 2016 at 9:56 pm

      Thank you so much sweet friend! I have loved everything you’ve posted on Instagram and I’m headed over to read the whole post soon! Can’t wait!

      Reply
  11. Tana - Your Marketing BFF says

    July 7, 2016 at 10:24 am

    Oh my girlfriend! Stunning in every way. I can totally picture us sitting there together, sipping wine and having a lovely, long chat. What a beautiful day that would be!!!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      July 7, 2016 at 11:01 am

      Thank you Tana! What a fun day that would be! I do hope it happens in the near future! xoxo

      Reply
  12. Paula says

    July 8, 2016 at 10:11 pm

    Your table was eye popping! Those salads looked as though you could reach in and have one! Your style is just beautiful and I love the idea of the white tablecloth to make the food look that much more appealing! Your photography is outstanding. The dinnerware is over the top ☺️ and that silver pitcher is ?

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      July 9, 2016 at 3:00 pm

      Oh my gosh Paula! You just made my weekend!!! Thank you so much! And as far as the dinnerware and pitcher, Arte Italica deserves all the credit. Their piece are the most gorgeous I’ve seen! Thanks again and have a wonderful day!

      Reply
  13. Renée says

    February 14, 2017 at 12:18 pm

    Gorgeous setting…I can appre iate al the work you went through. We also luv to have our friends over…mostly during the summer months when we can use our backyard, we can accommodate about 24 people. we have a lawn area, a 2 level deck, a brick patio and an enclosed (screened in) area that we luv to call our ‘florida room’. But last July was our 50th wedding ann. and we had a guest list of 52 people..no way we could fit all these people in yard, let alone in our bungalow..so we decided to have a picnic in a vineyard..under the big top! We did not want our family and friends to spend $$ to come celebrate with us..so on the invitation we ask that they bring their own picnic basket..just that…we would supply the rest. So we had pink Champagne (from the vineyard) with excellent hot and cold hors d’oeuvres ([email protected] person) ..hand made just for us at a local Belgium Pâtisserie. To accompany lunch (noon to 5.00) there were white, red and rosé wines. The dessert consisted of individual fruit tarts (1 per) ….(size of a small plate) also made at the Pâtisserie and to wrap it all we had a Port style wine accompanied by 3 different kings of cheeses along with red & green grapes and some almonds. great day..no complaints re food!? but a lot of planning. We had 6 tables of 8 (with white linen tablecloths- came with rental of bug top) and our family table of 12. We hunted down 30 mini vases for flowers, white, green & mauve (for vineyard), we had square white plates for lunch and smaller gold plates for hors d’oeuvres & desserts, the utensils ,napkins and coffee cups were also in gold. The glassware was,supplied by vineyard . The vineyard is open to the public on w/ends..there motto being ‘bring your picnic but not you’re wine’! hence the idea of a picninc! They have outdoor speakers with classical music but we were allowed to bring our own cd’s.Our guest were supposed to have a guided tour of the vineyard in the afternoon but we renewed our vows, our pastor being our friend, and by the time that was over…we had a diluge!! Rain coming down like crazy..we even had little green frogs trying to come in the tent?? But we had a great time and our guests appreciated bringing there own food and all the effort we had out into this celebration….We started planning on January 4th 2016 for July 23rd..e got there in time! So all this to say ” you are right aboutthe 5 W?..and it does take A LOT OF PLANNING AND A LOT OF WORK!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      March 19, 2017 at 8:53 pm

      Hello Renee! What a great party that must have been! I hope you took lots of pictures and enjoyed every moment! Happy Anniversary to you….so wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing!

      Reply
  14. Sue says

    March 20, 2017 at 10:23 am

    WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A MENU TO GO WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL SETTING

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. An Elegant Holiday Table - Holiday Entertaining Blog Tour - Decor Gold Designs says:
    October 17, 2017 at 10:52 pm

    […] husband transplanted the plant that was in it. (You can see my fall patio here and my summer patio here). It is the perfect look and size for a statement floral and centerpiece for this […]

    Reply
  2. Romantic Spring Dining Room Table - Decor Gold Designs says:
    March 27, 2018 at 3:41 am

    […] chargers and goblets are by one of my favorite brands, Arte Italica. You may remember this outdoor tablescape with additional Arte Italica pieces. I also created a colorful tablescape using their pewter rimmed […]

    Reply
  3. Simple Ideas for Patio Dining - Decor Gold Designs says:
    May 25, 2018 at 6:54 am

    […] I use nice dinnerware, glassware, and flatware. Nothing too fancy, just some of my everyday pieces. If you are entertaining adults, I encourage you to skip the paper and plastic. More tips for outdoor entertaining can be found in my Tips for Hosting a Perfect Dinner Party  post. […]

    Reply
  4. 7 Tips For Easy Summer Entertaining - Decor Gold Designs says:
    June 2, 2018 at 2:11 am

    […] How to Host a Perfect Outdoor Dinner Party  […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hi! I’m Jennifer

Hi! I’m Jennifer
  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

FAVORITE FINDS

Recent Posts

  • Christmas Bedroom in Shades of Green
  • Cozy Gift Ideas
  • Holiday Party + Gift Ideas
  • Traditional Fall Pumpkin Centerpiece
  • Big Changes!

Archives

  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • September 2022
  • July 2022
  • April 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016

Copyright © 2023 · Decor Gold Designs · site design by Your Marketing BFF

Copyright © 2020 · Decor Gold Designs · Privacy Policy · Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in