How to Throw a Dinner Party that Looks Effortless (And Actually Is)

So often, I’ll see elaborate dinner parties online and think to myself, ‘wow that looks amazing, but I can’t even imagine how much time that took to put together’. I’m guilty of it too, believe me, and there’s definitely a place for those type of parties. BUT sometimes you just want things to look nice without having to spend hours and hours laboring over every single detail.

For those times, you have today’s post… How to throw a dinner party that looks effortless (and actually is)! I teamed up with Macy’s for their big semi annual home sale (which kicks off today) to bring you all the tips, tricks, and DIYs for the easiest dinner party you’ll ever throw, that still looks super stylish and thoughtful.

I even have the breakdown of everything I used to put the party together, in case you want to shop this look while getting your discount on. Save 30-50% plus an additional 15% off home and 10% electronics, furniture, mattresses, and rugs with promo code HOME at checkout, on Macys.com. Click through for the full breakdown and all the easy entertaining ideas…

Get This Look

First things first, you’ve got to (quickly) set the stage for this effortlessly chic dinner party, right. So, I put together a big ol’ list of everything I used to bring this dinner party to life. Pretty much everything you see (except for food and plants) in these photos is from Macy’s. One-stop shopping is definitely high on the list of to dos for an effortless party. Here’s the full breakdown…

Kate Spade New York Concord Square Accent Plate // Kate Spade New York With A Twist 4-Pc. Tidbit Plate Set // Kate Spade New York all in good taste Deco Dot Accent Plate // Hotel Collection Modern Porcelain 12-Pc. Dinnerware set in Rose Quartz // Hotel Collection Modern Porcelain 12-Pc. Dinnerware set in Stone // Hotel Collection Gold Flatware 20 Piece Set // Hotel Collection Linen 2-Pc. Modern Natural Napkins // Thirstystone Marble Board with Copper Handles // Hotel Collection Wood Salad Set // Martha Stewart Collection Set of 2 Heirloom Copper Plated Canisters // Lenox Tuscany Stemless Wine Glasses 6 Piece Value Set // Lenox Tuscany 6-Pc. Juice Glass Set

Mix and Match

I love mixing and matching dinnerware for parties. It especially comes in handy for larger parties when you don’t have enough matching plates, cups, etc for everyone. So, embrace it!

Bonus points if you can keep things in the same color scheme. For example, the plates I used on the end caps of the table have a black pattern in the middle plate, to tie everything together with the other set. And then I used the same Kate Spade Tidbit Plate Set on top for continuity.

DIY Thank You Placecards

Nine times out of ten, people have assigned seating for dinner party guests because they want the place settings to look cute with everyone’s name, etc. I’ve done it myself, so I know the truth. 🙂

Keep the look of placecards without assigning seats, by adding a simple thank you card instead. The gold foil may look fancy, but they’re actually just old greeting cards that I’ve been saving. I cut out the thank you message out from each one and made them into skinny placecard shapes. No one will ever know.

A (Very) Simple Salad

I love making big, hearty salads for dinner parties as the main course (if you add protein like chicken, fish, or steak it’s pretty filling) because it’s VERY easy to throw together. Your guests are coming to hang out with you, not have a catered meal from a world-renowned chef, so give yourself permission to make the food simple. My strawberry fields forever salad is one of my faves rn and it only takes a few minutes to make. Recipe here: strawberry pecan salad. 

If it tastes good, no one will care that they’re not chowing down on a 3 course meal. And if you offer up some good  artisan bread to go with it (Whole Foods has some really good ones actually), you’re golden!

Herb Garden Centerpieces

To keep things easy, I went with planted herbs as centerpieces, instead of flowers. No arranging necessary! Just plop the herbs (I used basil) into canisters, mine are from Martha Stewart, and they’re ready to go.

You’re a Peach Place Settings

Along the lines of simple place setting ideas, add a piece of fruit and maybe even a small leaf underneath, behind the thank you place card for another whimsical touch that takes two seconds.

Drink It Up

Cocktails are great – they really are! But for the easiest dinner party you’ll ever throw, cocktails are out the window. Go with a few bottles of wine instead that pair well with the meal.

As for non-alcoholic beverages, sparkling water is always a good option or a big batch of (virgin) punch or lemonade.

For more info on the Macy’s semi annual home sale, head over to Macys.com. And be sure to use the code HOME at checkout for an additional 15% off home and 10% electronics, furniture, mattresses, and rugs, on top of discounts of  30-50% plus!

And that’s how you throw an effortlessly chic party without much effort! Let me know if you have any questions or your own party tips to share. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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This post is in partnership with Macy’s and ShopStyle. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands who help keep Paper & Stitch running.

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