Let me just preface with: I am not a master of the “Dinner Party.” In fact, the thought of hosting stresses me out. I’ve been told I’m not bad at it, but always feel like I’m not good enough- type 3 on the enneagram, anyone? For better or for worse, I got my dining room ready for a cutie dinner party with family or friends!
When my best friend’s birthday came around this year, quarantine provided the gift of necessity. We weren’t comfortable going to a restaurant, but did want to get together with our closest friends to celebrate such an important day. I hesitantly volunteered my home and my best friend gave me all of the details of what she had in mind for her big day!
Setting the Table
Glasses
I linked these pink glasses for a few of y’all when this was happening, but I really wanted to share them with y’all because 1. They were on sale when I bought them 2. They’re on sale now 3. They come in a different color! I felt it important to invest in some nice glasses or dinner party because it makes a simple dinner (or take out, ha!) a little more exciting. We enjoyed rose apple cider in our pretty pink glasses!
I also linked this style of glasses in different colors. I love the idea of using the goblet ones for an ice cream party!
Dinner Plates
Ironically, my best friend gifted me this set of plates from Target last Christmas. I had chosen this set on a previous Target trip because I like how that you can add on pieces as you need. To complete my dining room, I added 2 dining sets, but didn’t add any mugs because ya girl is a coffee mug FAN. My husband knows my love for mugs, but he does warn against buying more! 
If you’re not looking to invest in a whole set of dinner plates, there are also some great disposable options now that totally have me fooled whenever I use them. Some of these come with a whole set up. Our entire holiday season will be on a much smaller scale. While that makes me sad, I’m also excited for the opportunity to make things a little fancier than usual (then I’ll be ready for the whole family)!
Flatware
This was the actual kickstarter to my journey to be the ultimate hostess. My aunt and uncle so kindly gifted us my complete flatware set as a wedding present. When we got married three years ago, Gold was just not a common option for house decor. Planning my dream home was A TASK! Luckily, there are options for less now! We have a separate set for regular use, but these just made the whole table POP! 
Florals
Aside from purchasing things that would stay in my home forever, my friends and I also invested in some florals from The Secret Garden RGV. Honestly, we may have gone a bit overboard, but the florals were something that we couldn’t have put together on our own and I’m so glad we decided to source out! 
I did have a few additional items at home already, which made this tablescape even more special. I think every adult should have some candle holders…even if mine are from the dollar section! I’m gonna link up some similar ones that I may upgrade to when the time is right!
I know it may feel silly to some to have a separate set of items for dinner parties (I was one of those people), but it was so nice to share “my best” with the people that I care about. I’m thinking of adding a set of plates and bowls for my island for larger gatherings, but with social distancing, I think I have some time to wait!
Shop the look
Y’all this look wasn’t the look I intended on for this event. I ended up wearing that (sold out) dress for godson’s presentation at church! I was casually strolling in target to get some cider for the party when i found myself in the clothing section (IDK how since they’re literally on opposite sides of the store). This cardigan is from Who What Wear’s line at Target. Apparently, “grand millennial” is a style that I greatly associate with because this is the second cardigan I rock in a short amount of time!
I hope this post gave you a little inspiration for your upcoming holiday dinners. Like mine, I’m sure they’ll be on a much smaller scale and maybe it’ll also give you the opportunity to make your normal tablescape a little more exciting! Have you ever hosted a dinner party?
Love & Fall,
Aly