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Dinner Parties Are Making a Major Comeback—and I'm Eyeing These 10 Festive Items for My Next One
Today’s dinner parties are far from boring, especially when you have these items in your party closet.
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Dinner parties originally started out as a fun way to socialize with friends, but over the years they got the unfair reputation of being a stuffy and unenjoyable way to entertain. But dinner parties don’t have to mean cooking a five-course meal for your partner’s boss or stressing over hosting extended family at the holidays—they should be a low-pressure way to hang out with the people you love while sharing some good food and your drink of choice.
Hear me out: For months, we all dealt with pandemic-related social distancing. But even now that these restrictions have eased up, many of us still have busy schedules and much less face-to-face interaction with our favorite people (which is a total bummer!). With technology, we’re able to “catch up” with a friend over Facetime or social media, but I’m craving that connection that can only come from meeting in person.
I think it’s high time we embrace the dinner party again, but this time with a lot less formality and a lot more fun.I’m here to make the case for hosting fun dinner parties—and buying tableware to match the tone. From cheeky cocktail napkins to groovy 70s-inspired tablecloths, the latest products incorporate bright colors and happy motifs to make entertaining enjoyable again. Here, the 10 products I want to scoop up for myself.
Whether you order takeout or make a beef bourguignon from scratch, this lilac marbled tablecloth will make your meal look gorgeous. The groovy pattern brings me instant joy; I’d pair it with the matching napkins, white plates, and plenty of yellow blooms for a major dose of color.
Wiggle & Rope Candlesticks by Lex Pott - Pack of 2
Wiggle & Rope Candlesticks by Lex Pott - Pack of 2
Add beautiful texture and movement to your table with these multicolored paraffin candlesticks. They fit in a standard candle holder, and you can choose from two designs (wiggle or rope) and four colors (blue, orange, green and mint) to customize your tablescape.
Wildflowers I Handmade Grand Bowl
This smooth stone bowl features a pattern that originates from a watercolor inspired by Alaskan wildflowers. Fill this food-safe bowl with fruit as a fun centerpiece or use it as a gorgeous vessel to serve your favorite dinner party dish.
Add some whimsy to your next dinner party with this evil eye placemat inspired by the traditional symbolic talisman. With these on the table, no one will say a bad word about your cooking!
Cotton Hemstitch Embroidered "Party Animals" Cocktail Napkin
Cotton Hemstitch Embroidered "Party Animals" Cocktail Napkin
Happy hour just got a little happier, thanks to these adorable “party animal” cocktail napkins. The set of six napkins includes an elephant, monkey, zebra, leopard, dog and crane that all carry different drinks.
Tablecloth with a Twist
Remember Twister? This cheeky tablecloth from House and Parties is inspired by the classic board game. If you’re feeling particularly rambunctious after a few cocktails, you can lay it on the floor and play with your dinner party guests (the tablecloth even comes with matching napkins and a custom game spinner!).
I love a table that’s not overly matchy-matchy. These hand-blown glasses are inspired by paint strokes on a canvas, and each one has different colors for a unique touch. I think they’re a beautiful way to mix things up and keep your dinner party feeling festive.
How cute are these hand cheese boards? I'd use them to arrange a Mediterranean-inspired mezze with bowls of olives and hummus, cheese, pita, and crudités. Say it with me: Easiest dinner party appetizer ever.
Adam Lippes Four Coquille Dinner Plates - White
Adam Lippes Four Coquille Dinner Plates - White
Make even a simple meal feel special with this set of beautiful bone china dinner plates. Each piece is finished with a scalloped edge and delicate teardrop border, adding some whimsy and interest your table.
Venus Fly Trap Candlestick
If you're looking for a conversation starter at your next dinner party, these carnivorous plant-inspired candle holders are sure to do the trick. They come in two sizes—short and tall—and look absolutely stunning grouped with live plants down the center of your table.
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