Party Ideas

Simple Elegance

Throwing an elegant outdoor dinner party doesn't have to mean using expensive tableware.

Outdoor Fiesta

What better way to celebrate summer than an outdoor fiesta? This table was dressed with orange burlap layered over a red tablecloth for a bold, colorful touch.

Lobster Bake

It wouldn't be summer without an outdoor lobster bake. Cover the table with newspaper for an inexpensive way to bring festivity to your party.

Garden Tea Party

Gather up your girlfriends for an elaborate garden tea party. Use natural elements such as moss and fresh flowers to dress up the table.

Green and White Party

Choose fresh, lively colors to create a delightful summer theme. Use plain white dinnerware and pair it with a vibrant tablecloth pattern to spice up the look.

A Day at the Beach

A beach-inspired outdoor party is an easy and budget-friendly party idea. To make a shell centerpiece, fill a hurricane glass with store-bought shells or shells collected from your last vacation.

Elegant/Dramatic Tablesettings

Give Guests a Preview

Elegant letterpress menu cards add a nice finishing touch to the place setting and tell guests what yummy dishes are coming. Personalized, they will become mementos of the event for everyone to take home.

Add Black for Big Impact

Use a black place mat, napkin, and charger, but lighten the look with a white dinner plate. For a more traditional Thanksgiving color, try linens in chocolate brown.

Choose a Charming Mascot

Provide a bit of whimsy to your gathering with a cute little critter. Pewter place card holders paired with letterpress cards pay homage to the humble squirrel.

Repeat as Necessary

Rectangular tables scream for repetition. Todd used four arrangements and two dramatic silver antler candelabras to complete his look.

Select Something Large and Something Small

The best-looking tables mix up the scale. Choose something big for dramatic impact, and finish with something small, such as these little votives. Success is in the details.

Give a Parting Gift

Send each guest home with a token of your gratitude. Todd treats guests to scented candles in beribboned black boxes. The fun squirrel card reminds guests of his mascot and the wonderful meal they shared.