Scour vintage shops, ebay or [...]]]> Now that the holidays have ended and the decorations have come down, I find myself looking for ways to bring a little sparkle back into my table settings.  This DIY napkin ring project is perfect to tackle with a free hour, and will add so much personality to your table or party.

Scour vintage shops, ebay or garage sales for a variety of whimsical brooches that you can quickly transform into gorgeous napkin rings.  How fabulous for a ladies lunch or bridal shower, right?

Click here for the cull instructions from Southern Living.  Happy Crafting!

With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, I thought this was a fitting napkin/table setting to feature this week.  The added touch of a menu card and a sprig of rosemary elevates the classic pocket fold of the napkin.  A menu card is simple to produce and for large meals, such as Thanksgiving, it’s a great way to inform [...]]]>

With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, I thought this was a fitting napkin/table setting to feature this week.  The added touch of a menu card and a sprig of rosemary elevates the classic pocket fold of the napkin.  A menu card is simple to produce and for large meals, such as Thanksgiving, it’s a great way to inform your guests what they will be eating.

What type of table setting will you be using for your Thanksgiving table?!

Image via Salt Harbor

Gourds are popping up everywhere this Fall when it comes to decor for your home and table.  Add a touch of style to your party this season by carving out small gourds and using them as napkin rings.  It’s a quick, inexpensive, stylish addition to your dinner table.

Image [...]]]>

Gourds are popping up everywhere this Fall when it comes to decor for your home and table.  Add a touch of style to your party this season by carving out small gourds and using them as napkin rings.  It’s a quick, inexpensive, stylish addition to your dinner table.

Image via inmagine.com

One of the easiest ways to dress up your place setting is to add a simple embellishment to your napin – such as a vegetable!  A bunch of radishes tied with twine offer a pop of color, an apple with a tag stuck in it serves as a place card, the possibilities are endless….just take a [...]]]>

One of the easiest ways to dress up your place setting is to add a simple embellishment to your napin – such as a vegetable!  A bunch of radishes tied with twine offer a pop of color, an apple with a tag stuck in it serves as a place card, the possibilities are endless….just take a spin thru the produce section of your local grocery store or farmer’s market for inspiration.

Image via Inmagine.com

Add a touch of drama to your fall table setting by using peacock feathers.  The rich, jewel tone colors are perfectly in line with the Fall fashion trends and the feather adds a touch of luxe to any decoration.

I found some great peacock feathers at amazon.com – loose feathers to stick in your napkin rings like [...]]]>

Add a touch of drama to your fall table setting by using peacock feathers.  The rich, jewel tone colors are perfectly in line with the Fall fashion trends and the feather adds a touch of luxe to any decoration.

I found some great peacock feathers at amazon.com – loose feathers to stick in your napkin rings like the picture above, a peacock feather wreath (perfect for your front door….even better, use it flat on a table as a centerpiece!  Fill the inside of the circle up with floating candles in cylinder vases….oohh….love that idea!), and tall peacock feather sprays that would be stunning in an elaborate wedding centerpiece.

I can’t wait to try out this trend….what are you going to do with peacock feathers this Fall?!

Image via nancyluichin.com

We love entertaining at home, so I am always looking for new recipes and creative ways to set my table.  I think this dinner party invitation from Minted sets the tone for a casual, yet polished evening.  Setting the table is easy for me during the late summer months.  Sunflowers are in bloom and [...]]]>

We love entertaining at home, so I am always looking for new recipes and creative ways to set my table.  I think this dinner party invitation from Minted sets the tone for a casual, yet polished evening.  Setting the table is easy for me during the late summer months.  Sunflowers are in bloom and they are my favorite!  They just scream festive to me!  Tie the sunflowers idea into your placecards too.  You can create this festive, colorful place setting by simply using a sunflower stamp on a basic white placecard.  I think the napkin fold is really pretty…..see below for the instructions (click on the image for a bigger view).

Now, in terms of food…..I love dishes that are simple, yet full of flavor and style!  These grilled mushroom kabobs look delicious to me!  I found this recipe on Cully’s Kitchen.  I’m a sucker for barbecue chicken…and this recipe for grilled chicken with white barbecue sauce has been calling my name for a while now.  Perfect for a summer dinner party!  Now for dessert….it’s summer, so fruit must be involved!  Try to mix it up a little by trying something new like a goat cheese and fruit tart.  Not only does it sound delicious, but look at it!  Any guest would be oh, so impressed!

What are some of your favorite dinner party ideas?  Have a recipe to share….have a table setting idea….leave a comment and share your ideas with us!

Images: invitation (minted.com), sunflower centerpiece (inmagine.com), napkin roll (via Napkins with a Twist), table setting (horchow.com)

]]> http://www.thepartydress.net/2009/08/dinner-party-straight-off-the-grill/feed/ 0 http://www.thepartydress.net/2009/08/napkin-of-the-week-summer-bouquet/ http://www.thepartydress.net/2009/08/napkin-of-the-week-summer-bouquet/#comments Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:01:37 +0000 Kelly http://www.thepartydress.net/?p=3208

Entertaining this weekend?!  Here is a thoughtful idea…

Gather flowers from your garden and create tiny bouquets for each of your guests.  Place them on each person’s napkin – not only will it dress up your table setting, but it will serve as a delightful party favor too!

Image [...]]]>

Entertaining this weekend?!  Here is a thoughtful idea…

Gather flowers from your garden and create tiny bouquets for each of your guests.  Place them on each person’s napkin – not only will it dress up your table setting, but it will serve as a delightful party favor too!

Image via Inmagine