By this time, party prep is in full swing. With only a couple of weeks left on the calendar countdown, everyone is busy getting ready to host family and friends. Usually, that involves a massive clean, elbows deep in a turkey and setting a stunning table. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner for 4 or have invited the entire extended family, making the dinner table feel inviting and look extra special is sometimes the hardest part, so we’ve turned to the experts for pro tips.
All year long, we follow the feeds of editors, influencers and socialites who sit down at the most beautiful fashion dinners. Who better to steal ideas from than the designers we already love? Long tables, dim lighting and fresh flowers are a given, but what about cascading twinkle lights from Dries Van Noten, monogrammed napkins captured by British Vogue’s @sarahharrisuk or Kate Spade’s giant beribboned boxes at each place setting?
Check out our top picks for fashion girl table inspiration.
Dolce & Gabbana’s post-show dinner was an Italian-inspired feast and included striped dessert stands set up like a fruit market. Make sure to line your platters with bright, (edible) flowers too.
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fashion dinner party tips
If you’re not a fan of the snow, take inspiration from Valentino and bring the tropics to the table with gigantic falling fronds and bowls of fresh pineapples.
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fashion dinner party tips
Nothing beats the simple table settings paired with impressive twinkle light installation at this Dries Van Noten dinner in Paris. The best part? Instead of place cards, the guests’ names were printed right onto the plates.
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fashion dinner party tips
It’s too bad this shoe isn’t life size. Don’t be afraid to dress your table and get creative with real-life objects as place cards. These mini Charlotte Olypmia shoes are tres cute.
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fashion dinner party tips
If you’re planning a buffet, Chanel’s overflowing table is the place to turn. Tiered plates and stuffed fruit bowls look like a fairy tale table. Fill any holes with tall tapered candlesticks.
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fashion dinner party tips
Trust British Vogue to know their colours. Turquoise and gold is a sophisticated colour combo and trickles right down to the monogrammed napkins too.
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fashion dinner party tips
If you’re hosting a big dinner (or lunch, or brunch), line one extra long table with tons of candles in low glass jars for plenty of sparkle like Misha Nonoo.
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fashion dinner party tips
I bet no one was disappointed to sit down at this table. Giant gift boxes (like these pink and polka dotted Kate Spade ones) would be way more popular than a Christmas cracker.
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fashion dinner party tips
There’s nothing I don’t love about Moda Operandi’s dinner table with the prettiest pastel paper flowers and a 3-D mural to match.
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fashion dinner party tips
Make a statement with oversize elements like Holt Renfrew’s massive candlesticks. They’re tall enough that they won’t block conversation, but definitely something to talk about.
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fashion dinner party tips
If you’re after a moody affair, dim the lights and take notes from Cartier’s dark dinner party complete with dramatic black tablecloths and napkins.
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fashion dinner party tips
If you’re hosting a holiday brunch, this Hill and Friends breakfast has to be part of your Pinterest board. The cutest bacon and egg cookies were paired with sugary muffins, pink smoothies and googly eyed lattes.