How To Host A Modern Day Dinner Party

Kitchen suppers and riotous family meals may be the default dining experience in today’s informal home, but setting a beautiful table can turn a good meal into a truly memorable occasion. Who better to inject new life into the art of the table than England’s finest tableware brand, Wedgwood and lifestyle blogger Anneli Bush?

Read on as Sally talks you through her dinner party essentials

Photo by Wedgwood

Wedgwood

The Dinner Service:

Whether you mix and match ranges or stick to a single collection, your china sets the tone for the entire table.

The Arris range is a contemporary collection which actually works just as well for lunch or coffee time, so it’s a smart choice.

For dinner though, it is dramatic charcoal and metallic tones, together with bold octagonal-shaped plates, that come into their own. Layer chargers, plates and bowls to create your own unique, versatile service and make a really strong statement.

Anneli recommends always trying to leave plenty of time to lay the table so that you can enjoy planning the whole setting and don't have to worry about it in the midst of cooking.

The Menu

When planning your menu, think about how the food will look when you serve it. If your tableware has a floral theme, consider decorating with edible flowers or in the case of the Arris Octagonal plates, serve up a circular dessert in the centre of the pattern as Anneli has done with her mouth-watering polenta, lemon and honey cake.

Seating Plan

Should you set out place cards? Guide people to their places? Or simply let them sit wherever they like? It really depends what kind of event it is and how important the placement is to the success of the evening.

Place card holders do offer the chance to add a new dimension to your table design - or simply add a small gift for each guest and allow the gift tag to act as a place card.

The Linen

Although the current restaurant trend is for bare tables, in the right setting, table linen can add layers of colour and texture to your table. Rougher linens lend a hint of French farmhouse - but Irish linen is elegant, soft and timeless (perfect for a special dinner party).

The Stemware

Crystal gives unparalleled sparkle and a reassuring heft in the hand but good quality glass is perfectly acceptable and may give you the chance to mix up your look with some more innovative - and less expensive - pieces. A favourite with Anneli thanks to its "dreamy metallic rose colour", the Arris stemware is a modern and stylish addition to the table that is also great to drink from.

The Flowers

Both Sally and Anneli agree that flowers are a must (just remember to avoid heavily-scented varieties, such as more perfumed lilies).

When planning your flowers, of course you must think of your colour scheme - but follow Anneli's advice and think tonal rather than matchy-matchy. A big vase on a crowded table can be tricky to talk around so consider low level arrangements or single blooms in a row or cluster of small vases.

Don’t get hung up on cut flowers either - luxuriant foliage or collections of small pot plants such as herbs or African violets can actually be more interesting.

The Candles

There is a certain drama created by a striking candelabra as a centrepiece but, as with your flowers, sit down at the table in advance to check your candles aren’t directly in your eyeline and blocking your guests. Slim candlesticks are an elegant choice - and they leave more room for the food...

And last but certainly not least...

Bon Appetit and enjoy the occasion!

Get 10% off Wedgwood´s Arris collection with code ARRIS10 (valid until 31st May).

Unless otherwise stated all photos are by Anneli Bush. Head to her blog for more style and interiors inspiration.