Creating Memorable Gatherings With Style And Warmth

Photo courtesy of Bria Blair Creative | This carefully curated table setting was designed to bring friends together to celebrate a fashionable influencer. The setting included a custom drawing of the friend and vintage Chanel embellishments used to wrap party favors for each guest.

In an era dominated by digital interactions, when social media reigns supreme and conversations are often reduced to emojis and quick texts, people are rediscovering the magic of in-person gatherings. The dinner party, once a staple of social life, is making a grand return. More than just a meal, it’s an intentional way to reconnect, build deeper relationships, and counteract the loneliness that many feel in our increasingly virtual world.

From intimate gatherings to elaborate themed affairs, more hosts are rediscovering the joy of curating an experience that brings people together over food, ambience and meaningful conversation. We spoke with three local experts—Bria Blair of Bria Blair Creative, Kristin Schweitzer of Back East Home, and Laura Tarket-Johnson of T is for Table Colorado—to gather their top tips for hosting a stylish, seamless and memorable dinner party.

START WITH A THOUGHTFUL CONCEPT

According to Blair, owner of Bria Blair Creative, a well-designed dinner party begins with intention. “I start by understanding what the occasion is and what the focus should be—whether it’s a birthday, an engagement or just a gathering of friends—and I build from there. I take inspiration from fashion, and current trends in textiles and color palettes to create a layered experience.”

She encourages hosts to get creative. “Think of unique offerings that make the night special, like customized table settings, interactive food presentations or a fun signature cocktail,” she says.

SET THE TABLE WITH LAYERS AND PERSONALITY

The dinner table is more than just a place to eat, it also sets the tone for the entire evening. “Tabletop design should be layered,” Blair advises. “I start with the base layer, which could be a linen, but sometimes you don’t need one. Then, build visual interest with placemats, chargers, unique plates, utensils, floral arrangements and even small party favors. The goal is to tell a story about the moment you’re creating.”

Kristin Schweitzer of Back East Home echoes this sentiment. “Don’t be intimidated—use what you have! Mix and match your dinnerware. If you want to add a touch of luxury, a high-quality paper napkin with a seasonal design can be an easy way to elevate the look.”

She also recommends setting the table a few days in advance. “This way, you’re not scrambling last-minute, and you can focus on the food and guest experience instead.”

ENGAGE THE SENSES

A successful dinner party incorporates all five senses. “Lighting is crucial,” Blair points out. “Tabletop lamps are trending right now, and candlelight is always a win for creating a cozy atmosphere.”

Schweitzer agrees. “Most people won’t remember exactly how the table looked, but they will remember how they felt. Dimmed lights, tea candles and warm surroundings make for an inviting space.”

And then there’s scent. “It’s a growing trend to have a signature party scent,” Blair shares. “For example, having caramel popcorn going can add an extra layer of warmth and nostalgia to the night.”

MAKE GUESTS FEEL COMFORTABLE AND WELCOME

A host’s No. 1 priority should be ensuring that guests feel at ease. “Think about guest flow,” Blair advises. “Offer a variety of beverages, including mocktails, and consider easy-to-eat foods. Charcuterie is popular, but sometimes small bites throughout the evening work even better.”

Schweitzer suggests making the entrance welcoming. “Greet guests at the door with a drink in hand. And don’t start doing dishes while guests are still there—it signals the night is ending!”

Laura Tarket-Johnson of T is for Table Colorado emphasizes the importance of pre-planning. “The biggest mistake hosts make is getting so caught up in the details that they forget to enjoy themselves. Choose dishes that can be prepped ahead of time. If needed, recruit a friend or family member to help with plating so you’re not stuck in the kitchen.”

ENCOURAGE CONNECTION AND CONVERSATION

Seating arrangements can be an underrated yet effective tool for fostering great conversations. “If you have guests who don’t know each other, be thoughtful about mixing personalities,” Blair advises. “A shy person might feel more comfortable next to someone engaging and outgoing.”

Schweitzer also suggests incorporating a fun, interactive element. “One of the best dinner parties I hosted included a simple game where each guest wrote five questions before dinner. After the meal, we passed around a bowl and took turns answering. It made for some great laughs and meaningful moments.” 

KEEP IT STRESS-FREE AND ENJOYABLE

For those new to hosting, the biggest takeaway is to plan ahead and keep things manageable.

“You don’t have to cook everything from scratch,” Schweitzer reminds us. “My 83-year-old mother hosted a dinner party where she used her best china, lit candles, and served take-out. It was a wonderful evening because the focus was on being together, not stressing over the food.”

Tarket-Johnson agrees. “Don’t get so caught up in the minutiae that you forget to enjoy yourself. Set up as much as possible ahead of time—bar, table, appetizers—so when guests arrive, you can focus on them.”

THOUGHTFUL HOSTESS GIFTS AND FINAL TOUCHES

If you’re attending a dinner party, don’t arrive empty-handed.

“Always bring a hostess gift,” Schweitzer advises. “But make it something the host doesn’t have to attend to right away. If you bring flowers, have them pre-arranged in a vase. Consumables, like a beautiful olive oil or a set of specialty napkins, are also great choices.”

BRINGING BACK THE JOY OF GATHERING

Ultimately, the magic of a dinner party isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a warm and inviting space where guests feel cared for. As Blair puts it, “Curate your party with intention and love. When you do that, the food, the drinks and the overall experience will all come together in a way that makes people feel truly welcome.”

“There really are no hard-and-fast rules, just guidelines. It’s your party—do what you want,” says Tarket-Johnson.

So go ahead: Set the table, light the candles, and bring your people together. The dinner party is back, and it’s better than ever. 

BACK EAST HOME
The Shoppes at Columbine Valley 5950 S. Platte Canyon Road, Littleton 720-216-1635 

BRIA BLAIR CREATIVE
The Streets at SouthGlenn, 6853 S. York St. Ste. 123, Centennial 303-681-5687 

T IS FOR TABLE, COLORADO
The Streets at SouthGlenn 6955 S. York St., B-409, Centennial 303-347-9988 

* Visit T is for Table Colorado’s Facebook page to receive its “Hosting a Memorable Dinner Party” checklist, plus a coupon for your first purchase. 

Holly Shrewsbury loves bringing big ideas to life, crafting stories that connect people. When she’s not creating campaigns or building partnerships, you’ll find her exploring the outdoors with her family, coaching youth dance or planning her next adventure.