City-dwelling influencers have long been dazzling their followers with pictures taken at luxurious bars, clubs, and parties. However, over the past year, influencers have been revolutionizing the party game by hosting and posting classy yet lowkey candle-lit dinner parties. Having aesthetically pleasing and elegant dinner parties are in—and here’s how you can do it.

Theme

Setting a loose theme and running with it can help you determine the vibe you need to channel for the night. Seasonal themes are a great alternative to overdone holiday parties. A spring equinox theme, for example, is fresh, subtle, and the perfect excuse to decorate with flowers. Focusing in on a color scheme—like pastels or amber warm tones—is another great way to give your party a cohesive look without being tacky.

Atmosphere

Establishing a mood for the night can also help guide your choice in decor. Want something more warm and cozy? Hang up string lights and place fuzzy throws around the room. Going for a new wave, posh feel? Invest in a disco ball and a sunset lamp. Consider your choice of music, too. There’s an abundance of hour-long jazz playlists on YouTube and Spotify. If you have a record player, put on a classical or folk album. Special attention to lighting and sound instantly elevates your dinner party.

Decor

Adding little touches around your space can help the party feel more elegant. Instead of your typical potted scented candle, break out some tapered candles with holders. Tablecloths, coasters, and matching dish sets are also great additions. Flowers and other plants are nice touches to freshen up a space. Place sprigs in vases or empty glass bottles for an easy, beautiful centerpiece. It’s important to remember that getting a hold of some new decorations doesn’t have to break the bank! The Goodwill home section is always filled with colorful jars and unique glasses. The Blessing Barn, a nonprofit consignment shop located in Beacon Hill, sells lots of houseware items. From decanters to tea sets to placemats, they’re a great place to stock up on new decor for a fraction of the price.

Seating & Guests

Deciding who to invite can be a stressful process. Don’t be afraid to mix friend groups: new connections and shared stories are bound to emerge as the night progresses. If you’re planning on eating around a dinner table, craft some homemade placeholders to assign your guests where to sit. Again, try seating people next to someone they haven’t met yet. It’s a great way to start up conversations and forge potential new friendships. Just try to make sure everyone is within speaking distance of someone they know in case conversations get slow or awkward.

Food

We’ve all seen charcuterie boards on TikTok and Instagram, and there’s a reason it’s so popular. The easy-to-eat app ensures that there's a variety of choices for everyone to enjoy. It also eliminates the awkward silence and scrape of silverware on plates that traditional served meals oftentimes create. Your menu can also play into your theme, if you choose to use one. Take time with your presentation. Adding a sprig of mint to your drink pitcher or decorating a cake with edible flowers are little touches that enhance the elegance of the night.

Hosting the Perfect Dinner Party