For our most recent dinner party, we hosted twelve and I enjoyed putting together the menu and decor. The dining table can seat eight comfortably but for this party I split the seating up in to two tables of six. Because I wanted to use decorations I already had, and not buy things specifically for this party, the two table settings were not identical but they shared a sparkly theme.
In the kitchen, I set the table with a white table cloth and black napkins. I filled the center with my spray-painted-white pumpkins, two small glittery pumpkins from Michaels, silver sash, a mirrored ball, and a mercury glass container from Z Gallerie.
I used shot glasses (found in the dollar bin at Target) as both party favors (that guests could take home) and place cards. I made little name tags and used ribbon to wrap the tag around the glass.
In the dining room, I set the table with a black tablecloth (and black napkins) but used the leftover burlap again as a runner with silver tinsel, mercury glass vases, and more silver pieces on the runner.
I pre-mixed one house cocktail, courtesy of a recipe from Martha Stewart, the cider smash, and it was a smash!
Although I did have quite a number of items on the menu, I made it easier on myself by preparing several things ahead of time. For instance, I made the desserts and cornbread for the dressing two days ahead. Here’s the pumpkin crostata.
I think there were a few minor misses (the toffee bars didn’t turn out the way I’d hoped) but overall, it was a fun and festive evening with great food, friends, and family.
Have you added any sparkle and shine to your home lately? Or made any new (or old) delicious recipes?
-J
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