5 Dinner Party Design Styles for Summer
Posted on March 22, 2017
We still have a bit before summer but I’m getting excited and hey, you need time to plan anyway. I wanted to introduce some dinner party styles this year, rather than themes. What’s the difference? Themes are usually incorporated in every aspect of the party and are usually pretty obvious. The design style is subtle and seems a bit more effortless. You don’t want people to think you’re trying too hard; you want them to think that this is just all you. In layman’s terms: this is just how you roll.
Rustic
Dark, heavy woods are good here. Think cutting boards, mason jars, and for your cuisine: beef, meaty veggies, and sauces. It’s summer so servings should be lighter than if you were having a winter holiday party.
Classic
To me, classic dinner party is Betty Draper meets Frank Sinatra. The style and era are not far off from each other, but both the feminine and the masculine are represented. Consider sticking to the traditional seating arrangement. If music is playing keep it to simple strings; no pop. For drinks: chilled white wine, and you can also offer an old fashioned.
Social
A social dinner party is great when you have more than eight guests, and/or guests who don’t all know each other. Not being resigned to a certain seat at one big table gives people a chance to mingle. You would preferably present the food buffet style, and could set up lovely wooden card tables for the dining portion. Prepare food that does well outside for an extended amount of time.
Foodie
This party is all about the food; delicious, pretty, in season food! Keep the table simple. Decorate with colorful fruits, basil plants, and uncomplicated flowers. Rather than using salt and pepper shakers: use a salt dish and spoon, and a pepper grinder. As for the actual food – serve at least one thing your guests have never had that they will remember forever and always attribute to you.
Artistic
This is one of my favorites because anything goes. You can go the colorful, bohemian route, or you can keep it low-key with artsy accents. Think vintage and comfortable. Use it as an opportunity to show off your style and maybe even your work.
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