Hosting a successful Spring dinner party requires a little planning and preparation on the guest list, the look and the flavors; and then, by the time the guests arrive, you'll be able to relax into the evening to set the tone for a fun and memorable event. So let's get into the details!

Define the Mood
Particularly in the North East (of the US!) Spring arrives with a bang: the bulbs bloom, the blossom flourishes and with it comes a dramatic end to a less-sociable period of the year. We are all excited by the opportunity to catch up with friends and get out and about: a great reason to get a group together and host a Spring dinner party.

Design The Look

You're hosting, so reflect your style.

This Spring dinner party had two parts: cocktails and canapés in the garden and dinner inside. For a unified theme I picked a palette of green and white.

Outside we had the swirling Sloan Green & White Linen Tablecloth coupled with Maze Linen Cocktail Napkins. The tulips flowering in the beds provided a beautiful background.

Inside, the dining table was set with Huddleson Leaf Green Linen Placemats and White Linen Napkins.

Plan the Drinks
Setting up a bar with a signature cocktail, a red and white wine option, and a couple of non-alcoholic options is the perfect way to greet people and allows guests to keep themselves topped-up without needing you.

The signature cocktail for this dinner party was The Derby: Bourbon, Grand Marnier, Sweet Vermouth, Lime Juice, and Mint + Rosemary to flavor and garnish. Mix in a pitcher with plenty of ice.

Map Out the Menu
Simplicity is your friend here. Opt for dishes that can be prepped ahead so you’re not tied to the kitchen and can relax and enjoy the evening. Pick fresh, seasonal ingredients where possible and when in doubt, stick to what you cook best!

Get Ahead on Prep
Doing as much as possible in advance makes all the difference. Finish your shopping, prep ingredients, pre-make dishes and chill drinks earlier in the day (or the day before). If the host is relaxed, the guests will relax and lead to a much better event!

Set the Table
Obviously the most important part! This was a relatively casual get-together, so I picked placemats rather than a tablecloth. I often prefer to pick a napkin that complements the placemats (or tablecloth) rather than matching exactly, so I chose crisp white linen napkins to pair with the Leaf Green Linen Placemats, whose flowing watercolor stems have just the right fresh Spring look.

To pull the the green and white styling through the rest of the design, I used green and white plates and green and white candles at varying heights down the length of the table. If possible use enough candles to avoid having to use overhead lighting to create a beautiful ambiance. The three floral arrangements were ferns, calla lilies, hellebores and some deep red kangaroo paws to add a contrast.

Let the Evening Unfold

It’s a balancing act between remaining attentive and staying relaxed. Keep track of what needs to go in or out of the oven and keep an eye out for glasses that need refilling, but try to be present at the table and take part in the evening!

Leaf Green Linen Placemat and White Linen Napkin

Not everything will go exactly as planned and that’s fine. The most important part of entertaining is to enjoy it! What people remember most is how the evening made them feel: welcome, comfortable, and well looked-after. And if you do the prep before they arrive, that is almost guaranteed!