How to Throw a Memorable Dinner Party

There’s nothing like throwing a memorable gathering with friends and family. And when it comes to planning, every detail counts. From perfecting the ambiance with intentional interior design and decor to finding the most delicious recipe to serve on the table, each step plays an important role in setting your desired party mood. Any good host knows it! So if you’re searching for hosting tips or need help finding a gift for the difficult-to-purchase-for-party planner in your life, use this as a guide to help you along the way.

Define your go-to hosting essentials needed to bring the party to life.

1) Linen Napkins by Madre - $50

This gift is for someone who loves to host. Nothing elevates a tablescape as easily as a set of linen napkins. Madre Linen, a woman-owned company based out of Portland, OR, offers an array of delicious colors outlined in a bright red trim – avocado, tamarindo, crimini, and oyster, to name a few.

2) Cocktail Glasses by Mamo on Coming Soon New York - $28

These cocktail glasses by Mamo are perfect for an evening nightcap or slow sipping at friendly gatherings. We love the different colorways you can choose from.

3) Lisa Says Gah x Great Jones Dutch Baby - $150

If you know someone who gets excited by cooking homemade meals, they’d probably love receiving this limited edition Lisa Says Gah Dutch Baby in collaboration with Great Jones. The custom vintage alpine print gives it the sweetest touch!

4) Grande Cookie Sampler by Lark Fine Foods - $58

Lark Fine Foods is another one of our favorite woman-owned brands from the east coast. We’ve yet to taste a cookie they made that we didn’t love. We’re partial towards the pistachio cherry, but all pair wonderfully with coffee and tea!

5) Cake Stand by East Fork - $168

You don’t necessarily need fancy desserts to make the snacking moment worthwhile. Our favorite party hack is purchasing an ordinary-looking cake from the supermarket and sprucing it up with berries, frosting, and a cake stand like this one from Estelle to take it to the next level.

6) Seedlip Garden Non-Alcoholic Spirit by Seedlip Drinks - $32

The holidays = party after party! This is the perfect gift for non-drinkers or drinkers who want to take a break from booze without missing out on the fun. We’ve tried many non-alcoholic spirits, and Seedlip Garden reigns supreme, especially when substituting gin.

Create a well-designed ambiance with artwork and other decorative items.

7) I Can’t Artwork by Jillian Evelyn on Artsper - $267

What better way to light up your space than with a vibrant pop-inspired screen print? This artwork by Jillian Evelyn, entitled I Can’t, is the perfect example of the exasperation and joy we feel during the holidays.

8) Lounging In Verbier by Slim Aarons on Artsper - $3,009

Slim Aarons’ photos bring us back to parties past. Get inspired for your next fete with imagery from the French Alps or an LA poolside. What’s better? The investment value of such an iconic work!

9) Tabouret sirène avec écailles by Guillaume Piéchaud on Artsper - $12,875

Who said furniture has to be boring? This mermaid stool by Guillaume Piéchaud lets us live our childhood dreams with an adult budget. Pair it next to a cozy couch for maximum chicness.

10) Bud Vase by FACEVESSEL on MOCIUN - $60

These one-of-a-kind vases are made in Providence, RI, by artist Neal Drobnis. These happy vessels are sure to inspire floral creations and put a smile on their recipient’s faces, much like the ones painted on them.

11) Sunrise over Elafonisi by Lali Torma on Artsper - $805

Get lost in the linework of Lali Torma’s Sunrise over Elafonisi. This minimalist work fits in every space. Upgrade your simple line drawings with this soothing-but-complicated drawing.

Find those special moments of surprise and delight for your guests to enjoy.

12) Line Drawing Hand-Painted Twist Candles by Misette - $65

A pair of interesting candles are a must on our dinner party hosting list. This pair of twisted beauties would not only look good on your tablescape, but they’d make for a great conversation piece too.

13) Candy Stripe Pink Custom Menus by Rum Cake Studio - $299

Showing up to a friend’s dinner party with custom menus printed out is just the type of surprise and delight we love to see at gatherings. We love the designs that Rum Cake Studio creates, and think gifting someone a set of custom menus for their next soiree would be such a fun gift.

14) Bucati Candle Holder by (A.o.t.) on Artsper - $215

This aluminum candelabra by Copenhagen-based design studio (a.o.t.) transforms a room. Serving an industrial-but-unconventional style, (a.o.t.)’s works are easy conversation starters. The perfect decorative addition to any home, gift it to yourself or any design-lover.

15) Bread Mirror by Carla Finley of Apt 2 Bread - $135

This impeccably twisted bread mirror is for your cool friend who loves a carb or two (and let’s be real, we all have that friend or are that friend.) Each one is handcrafted by Carla Finley of Apt 2 Bread, based out of Brooklyn, NY.

‍

^{Photo Credit: (Left) The Make Haus}