Designer Samantha Pynn shares her tips for how to use your table décor to set the stage for three different types of parties — cocktail, buffet and all-day drop-in.
Cocktail party
- Keep it small and simple. Put out things you can grab and easily mingle with — napkins, small plates, minimal cutlery and things you can grab, like chocolates and strawberries.
- Offer a few drinks — champagne and red and white wine — and use only one type of flower.
- Keep things on trays. This will make it easier to replace food and other items on the table.
- Seating: tabouret (a stool that doubles as a side table or nightstand)
Earthy-elegant buffet
- Pre-plan. Make a workback schedule and pre-make food. Have all your dishes clean and ready for use and have the dishwasher unloaded.
- Make it easy for everyone to help themselves. Use big bowls, casserole dishes and oven-to-table stoneware. Label things, like gluten-free bread, so people know what they’re eating.
- Roll up cutlery in napkins and put out plates and cups.
- Seating: foldable chairs
All-day drop-in
- Anything and everything goes. Mix dishware for a modern vintage theme.
- Put out snacks, crayons and activities for kids.
- Seating: poufs