Dinner Party Decorating Ideas On A Budget

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Hannah Thomson Photography

1. Set the tone the second guests walk in. When I stepped into Bronson van Wyck's home for a casual Monday night dinner party, I was greeted by these beautiful Chinese Snowball Viburnums.

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We're often preoccupied with arranging fresh flowers for the dining table, but fresh bouquets on an entry table and side tables around the house are equally impactful.

Hannah Thomson Photography

2. Let the dogs roam free. They're members of the family anyways, let your guests meet them! Only if they're well-trained, of course.

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Bronson and his dog named Cat pose for a pre-dinner picture.

Hannah Thomson Photography

3. Presentation is EVERYTHING. Whether you're serving fancy hors d'oeuvres like caviar or classic potato chips.

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Silver caviar set, bowl, and gravy boats from Christofle.

Hannah Thomson Photography

4. Always have champagne on ice. Even if you're serving a signature cocktail and wine, chill some back-up bubbly.

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Christofle champagne bucket.

Hannah Thomson Photography

5. Say no to paper napkins. Have a stockpile of ironed linen cocktail napkins at the ready.

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Christofle crystal glasses are the perfect compliment to white Sferra cocktail napkins.

Hannah Thomson Photography

6. When bringing together new friends, assign seats. Hosting a dinner party is the best excuse to introduce friends from different walks of life. Plot guests into conversations by sitting them next to each other. Direct them elegantly with a place card.

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A classic place card gets some zhoosh with a tasseled Christofle bookmark.

Hannah Thomson Photography

7. Delicious spirits call for gorgeous glassware. The lip and weight of a glass can make or break a beverage.

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A fleet of Christofle crystal in Bronson's kitchen.

Hannah Thomson Photography

8. A well-planned meal deserves a menu. Even if there is nothing to order, it tremendously enhances the tablescape.

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A menu card is an entertaining detail that doesn't go unnoticed.

Hannah Thomson Photography

9. Get creative with your centerpieces. Dish up visual interest with objects of curiosity: Bronson lined his table with friend Martyn Lawrence Bullard's Silver Kingdom crown collection for Christofle and silver mint julep cups sprouting with edible herbs.

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An unexpected crown centerpiece made the tablescape.

Hannah Thomson Photography

10. You're the host, make a toast. You've been checking in on the kitchen and refreshing beverages all evening, chances are you haven't had a moment to talk one-on-one with everyone—stand up and thank your guests for attending.

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Bronson makes a toast.

Hannah Thomson Photography

Sarah Bray Contributor Sarah Bray was a style writer for Town & Country.

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