How to set up a room for a dinner party

A dinner party is a fantastic way to invite your friends into your home for some delicious food and great conversation. Now that I finally have a real dining room and a patio, I suspect Chris and I will be doing some more entertaining. Setting up for the party is half the fun!  Tablescaping and lighting often take the backseat to food, drink, and music, but can make just as much impact.  Picking out great accessories like table runners, pillows, and lighting is nice way to change up your scenery without breaking the budget!

Tablescaping

I love tablescapes but don't yet have the dishware and serveware to really stretch my tablescaping legs (bring on the wedding registry).  Here are some tablescapes that make me swoon from my fabulous friend Monvi Drona

via Manvi Drona

Lighting

Intimate dinners can get by with soft lighting in the form of luminaries, candles, and lanterns.

via Pinterest

For a large party you can always go with extravagant lighting! Outdoor lighting is always fun and there a lot of different options. I would love to do something like this for my barn wedding. A dimmer switch would be perfect for this occasion so the lights aren't too bright to throw of the mood!

via Pinterest from Finally Famous

Even a gorgeous chandelier can make any simple table stand out and feel elegant. If you need some lighting ideas Visit Downlights Direct to find the perfect pieces for your next party!

via Houzz.com

This post in partnership with Downlight Direct.

Some of my favorite Thanksgiving decorating ideas

I can't believe how quickly the holidays come and go. I feel like Thanksgiving comes before I even have time to think about decorating, so I made it a point to get on the ball early this year. Here are some decorating ideas and Thanksgiving decor I'm liking:

Greenery as centerpieces.  Sage in Ball jars make the tablescape look fresh.

I tend to like seasonal decor in unorthodox colors, and the amount of white in this Thanksgiving set up rally caught my eye.  I especially like the way they've set up the sideboard with yummy deserts on display.

Check out the pretty felt leaves as a table runner in light blue.

Stamped napkins are a nice and personal little touch.

How do you plan on decorating this Thanksgiving?

1. BHG, 2.-3. Daily Grommet, 4.-5. BHG, 6.-7. Country Living

Dining room love with a casual style

My dining room, er, nook in my living room, is really in a sorry state so I'm hoping some of these images get my butt in gear and give me some ideas for sprucing up the space!

Gorgeous table - and right by a cozy fire!

3 above via Maison Interior

So pretty.  I'm considering a round table for our space.  Even though round tables aren't the best use of space (ie: not great for tight spaces), I feel like they are more intimate.

via Anthology

Love the modern pendant hanging from the medallion.
via Bolig Magasinet

via Heart Home Magazine

via Me and Alice