Tis the Dinner Party Season: Tablescapes, Gathering Tips, and More!
By Emma Geary - November 13, 2023
All images styled by LAB & photography by Kate Wing
Bows are coming back in a big way. Use your favorite ribbon to add a tiny touch of luxe to your wine glasses.
Back by popular demand, it’s one of our team’s favorite projects: Meet this year’s Dinner Party in a Box! What started as a creative collaboration with Galleria during a COVID holiday season in limbo has evolved into a creative campaign to share tabletop essentials, gathering tips and styling tricks for a memorable evening with others. Besides, connecting with those you love (in style!) is what the holiday season is all about!
With the soft glow of candlelight, the aroma of delicious food in the air, and the laughter of your favorite people, hosting a dinner party is a way to intentionally connect those you care about and bring thoughtfulness to your gatherings. It’s also the perfect opportunity to let your creativity and style shine.
Using the Dinner Party in a Box styling kit and a selection of Galleria goodies, we created two unique tablescapes that showcase the many ways to play with color, pattern, and intention in design. In addition to setting the table in style, we also created a dinner party playlist that is sure to get the party started. LISTEN HERE!
Here are a few tips for making your next dinner party shine:
Back to Basics: Investing in quality flatware, serving ware, and dining sets lays the perfect foundation for every occasion. Using solid colors as a neutral base allows for the more decorative elements of your table to really shine. Whether you’re trying out a new trend or playing up the evening’s theme, having quality basics is the perfect place to start.
Get Personal: Make your guests feel at home with personalized place settings. This could include anything from a custom name card (bonus points for a special note on the back!) to a mini floral arrangement they can take home at the end of the evening. These tiny details add a touch of care to every corner of your table and will make your guests feel truly special.
Sustainable in Style: Using cloth napkins is not only better for the environment, but adds texture to your tablescape. Swapping out your napkins is an easy and affordable way to transform the table’s look and add a fun pop of color to each place setting.
Glow On: Lighting is everything for an evening event, which is why we love using candlelight as much as possible. By using a variety of taper candles, votives, and unique candlestick holders, you can vary the height of your light. With a variety of taper candle colors throughout Galleria’s stores, this is another opportunity to add an unexpected pop of color.
Use the beauty of your backyard to accent the table! Whether it’s greenery or dried fruit, using natural elements from your home is an easy way to add layers of detail.
Don’t be afraid of color! Add warmth and brightness to your table with layers of color and different patterns.
Galleria has everything you need to set the perfect table. Explore elegant tableware, luxurious linens, and statement decor pieces that will transform your table into a work of art. Cheers to a season of gathering, connection, and sharing a great meal around your table.
Want more? Visit Galleria in person and online for your tabletop essentials and the best of table trends and festive decor. Plus, read our special feature in the latest issue of The Collective Newspaper!
Emma Geary
Emma is a writer living in Minneapolis. When she's not checking out a new brewery with friends or blasting Taylor Swift in her car, you can find her dreaming up ideas as the Brand + Editorial Manager at LAB.
