Ideas for Fancy Dinner Tablescapes

When you host a dinner party, you often want a tablescape or setting to feel high-end and fancy. This can be accomplished in many ways that do not necessarily involve purchasing expensive china or crystal. Small accessories such as candles or flowers can give any dinner table sophistication. Simple items and techniques can separate your table from all others and make the party extra memorable for guests. Does this Spark an idea?

Napkins

Napkins are an important feature for the overall scheme of the table. Cloth napkins are considered more formal than paper napkins and typically used in nicer restaurants. Solid color napkins are easy to match to other items on the table compared with multicolor or patterned napkins. Fold napkins and place them on the plates to add instant elegance to any table. Rolling napkins and finishing them with napkin rings is another dressy tablescape option.

Candles

Candles are a staple for any fancy tablescape and an easy way to add ambiance to a dinner party. Candles come in all shapes, sizes and colors but "less is more" is a good rule of thumb. Crowding the table with many candles can be too busy looking, cumbersome and even dangerous. Try one large neutral-colored candle or a few slim taper candles in holders for a simple and elegant centerpiece to a dining table. Non-scented candles are always best around food as the scent of a candle can conflict with the main attraction of the evening.

Flowers

Fresh flowers are a classic choice for a fancy tablescape and add a natural element to your table. Like candles, a large bunch of flowers can look too busy and distract guests. A tall vase or flower arrangement also can block people's views and interrupt the flow of conversation. Sometimes a single tulip or rose from the backyard garden is all it takes to add sophistication to a tablescape.

Small Gift

When celebrating a special occasion like a holiday, a small gift on every guest's plate is a fancy and distinctive touch. A single flower or a piece of candy can be a nice surprise as a guest takes his seat. Around the holidays, a little nutcracker or snowflake ornament can serve as a party favor by which all of the guests can remember the dinner.