If you’re someone who loves to host dinner parties, then having a gorgeous tabletop to impress your guests might be something that you’re interested in. This kind of decorative touch only adds to the atmosphere and helps to enhance the dining experience. While you might have your cooking skills down and the ability to piece together an exciting, delicious menu for the evening, use the following tips to help you style your table like a pro.

Is There a Theme?

A good place to start is to consider how your table settings will fit in with the night’s overall theme. For example, are you creating a menu from a particular cuisine? Could the décor you choose for the table reflect that? Or is it a special occasion that you’re celebrating? If there is a theme for your evening, use that as a foundation for your table-setting inspiration.

Invest in Quality Dinner and Glassware

Another way to make your table settings look amazing is to make sure you’ve invested in quality dinnerware and glassware. Mixing and matching plates can offer a quirky style that sometimes works, but if you want to make your tabletop sophisticated, then stylish and contemporary styles of plates and wine glasses could be the way to go. You should also make sure you have the right style of glasses for the wine or other beverages you’re serving. For example, sparking wine or champagne should be served in pieces like these champagne flutes from Avoir Interiors.

Dine by Candlelight

Candles are perfect for mood lighting, and they will also help to enhance the décor on your table when your guests are dining. Make sure that the candles you choose to use aren’t too big, as they can get in the way, but tapered candles or tealights in pretty holders can look lovely and will set the right tone for a relaxed evening meal.

Flowers

Floral arrangements will also look wonderful as part of your table setting, but again, be mindful of the flowers you choose. Blooms that are too fragrant can be overpowering and might distract from the food, as will arrangements that are too big. If you are going to be flowers in a vase to sit as a table centerpiece, make sure that they have been cut so people can still look over them and have a conversation. If you want to try something a bit different from flowers, a vase filled with fruit, sand, or smooth pebbles can also be an attractive feature.

Tablecloths, Runners, and Napkins

A quality tablecloth or runner down the middle can be a nice touch, particularly for special occasions or the festive seasons. You should also make sure you are providing your guests with napkins at the dinner table and try to match them with the tablecloth or color scheme you have chosen for your décor.

If you want to make sure your tabletop looks just as well presented as your food, consider these styling tips.