What you need to host a sit down dinner or lunch at home

The way you set your table will depend on what kind of dinner or party you're having. Formal and casual dinner party table settings can look very different. With a little help from our catering friends (AYT) www.atyourtable.com.au, here are some tips and tricks for how to set your table for any occasion.

According to AYT the first thing you will want to do when you start to think about your table setting for your next dinner party is whether you are having a formal or casual meal. While you can really play around with your accessories, when you are setting your table for dinner there are two different ways to set it depending on the level of formality of your meal, so let's start with the essentials ...

Table & Chair Hire

Depending on your size of party, you may need to hire additional tables and chairs. Tables and chairs can be hired with us at Walkers Party Hire, we have a range of size options in tables, which can come with appropriate size table linen. What is the format of your party - sit down style on round tables, or long rectangle tables or perhaps you want to create a square table set up? To help you check out our table hire range of table hire here

And don't forget to match your chairs to the style of dinner party you're having. We have a range of casual or formal seating for hire - including the very popular 'Gladiator' chairs (padded folding chair, also perfect for indoor or outside parties), or for a more chic vibe the 'Tiffany' chair looks stylish and can also be used indoor or outdoors. Tiffany chair comes inclusive of a matching cushion! Check out our range of chair hire here.

How to style your dinner party table

When you are styling your dinner party table, whether it be formal or informal, you can really use this opportunity to let your personal style shine through. Once you have the basics of each type of table setting down, you can add in accessories and personal touches that will make your guests feel special, says AYT owner Ellie Mistry.

At Walkers Hire we can assist with styling of your table, with our own Head Stylist. As part of Walkers Hire service we offer a free discussion with our Head Stylist to help you organise your party styling.

Table Linen

Tablecloths and placemats are the way to bring in color and texture to your dinner party table. If you are going neutral, switch up the textures of your linens on the table to add in layers and interest. Your napkins are another opportunity to bring more depth to the style of your dinner party table. Walkers Hire has a range of essential table linen items, check out our range. For more intricate and themed linens talk to our party hire experts.

Plates and glassware

You can really play around with your glassware to create a specific feel to your dinner party table. For a vintage and boho vibe, you can use mixed styles or even colors of glassware. For something more formal but still full of character, consider mixed styles but in one unified color. Check out or range of glassware hire from our Matraville branch.

Accessories for your table

Here is where you can really add in serious style. Candles, napkin rings, placeholders for name cards, and flowers- all of these things complete your dinner party table setting. Try to stick to a color palette so no matter how you mix things up you will end up with a cohesive and intentional look to your tabletop. One very important thing to remember when accessorizing is to always let the food shine and don’t block your guests’ views across the table with oversized flowers or other arrangements. Need a little help styling your table, take a look at https://www.instagram.com/styl...

Consider your menu

Now that you've got your table and chair hire sorted, your styling concept ready to go - focus on your food and check out www.atyourtable.com.au ... depending on what kind of meal is being served, you may want to adjust your table settings to suit. If you are doing a full plated dinner, the classic formal or casual table settings will work. If you are doing small plates, buffet, stations, or a tasting menu you will want to set your table accordingly. If you need some ideas to get you started you can contact us here and we can help get you started.

Want help estimating how many tables you’d need for your guest count? We can do that too.

In the context of events and parties where you're setting out tables and chairs, a beautifully styled table sets the scene and enhances the overall theme, making the occasion more memorable. So, lets start your party planning now, talk to us today!