8 Rules Designers Use to
Entertain Now – Decor Advice for the Chicest Dinner Parties
A softened approach to 90s minimalism is the perfect look
for an understatedly glam party – these designers
explain how to create the vibe
Feature Ellen Finch
Photography Zara Home, Kelley Shaffer, William Jess Laird
Part of the allure of the trend for 90s minimalism reinvented is the subtle glamor and the party atmosphere it naturally creates: those moody tones, shiny silver accents and fancy frills add up to a celebratory scheme. So how can you apply the look to your next dinner party
or gathering – and what do designers have to say about entertaining in style? We spoke to a few stylish people to find out.
1
Use directional decor to create flow
When guests arrive, they may naturally gravitate towards the host – so relieve some of the pressure from yourself while you’re busy in the kitchen and use clever furniture arrangements to encourage guests to mingle elsewhere. “My house was designed to host from the beginning: we made sure that we had a big dining room table, an area we could always use as a bar, and lots of seating,” says Lauren Sands, the Brooklyn-based founder of chic design gallery LES Collection. “I always have different groupings of candleholders in different locations to show people: this is the seating arrangement to go sit at.”
2
Pull focus to key areas with artful decor
If you’re throwing a dinner party, your attention might naturally be focused on perfecting the table – but don’t neglect decorative touches in the rest of your living spaces, because guests will mingle here before the meal begins. “The kitchen island is usually the heart of the gathering, so I leave part of it open for guests to place their drinks,” says interior designer and collector Adriano Balestra, who founded LA antique furniture gallery Studio Balestra. “I also love creating eye-catching flower arrangements on the island to draw guests in. Candles, especially tea lights, are essential for adding warmth and coziness throughout the space. I prefer leather coasters and linen napkins to add a touch of sophistication. A silver ice bucket for chilling champagne or wine is a must-have.”
3
Keep lighting soft and low
The big light should remain off for any gathering – except, perhaps, the chandelier. Dimmable lights are your friend, as are candles. “My house is on a dimmer system, so I have different settings for different occasions,” says Lauren Sands. “When guests are over, none of the high hats are on; I will use chandelier lighting and some lamps, but mostly I use candlelight.”
“I’m not a fan of bright recessed lighting or harsh lighting during meals,” agrees Adriano Balestra. “I dim all the lights and rely on ambient lighting as much as possible. Nobody wants a bright light shining down on them while dining. Warm, dimmed lights with candles create an intimate, memorable atmosphere for a sophisticated dinner.”
Kelley Shaffer for LES Collection
4
Mix and match to avoid a one-note scheme
A tablescape inspired by 90s minimalism is always going to feature clean, simple lines – but to avoid anything too cliche, and to soften the look, these pieces should be paired with contrasting shapes and textures. “For me, it's always about the mix,” says Lauren Sands. “I like to have a mix of metals, a mix of materials, a mixture of textures – and it doesn't have to be a lot of things, but I like to make sure everything doesn't feel too matchy-matchy.”
Take, for example, LES Collection’s new Ribbon tableware collection – minimalist pieces with a pared-back palette of off-white with a black rim, and a softly undulating shape. “My favorite way to style those pieces is with a vintage pewter set of flatware that has these mermaid-like curves,” Lauren says. She will also pair them with an embroidered tablecloth by French artist Sarah Espeute, and candlestick holders she designed herself. “One of them is a low candlestick holder in a darkened bronze brass. It only takes a skinny taper and I just love a ton of them down the table; they’re so low-profile that you can see over them, but they bring warmth and an organic feel. Finally, I’ll pair it all with a hand-blown glass that feels a little wonky.”
5
Balance cool metallics with softer elements
Cool-toned metallics like stainless steel, chrome and silver are a key feature of current tablescapes, whether you’re inspired by 90s minimalism or the 70s dinner party revival – but there are styling tricks to avoid the look from feeling too cold. Designer Thea Bloch-Neal, designer and founder of NC-based Curated by Thea, turns to a specific color palette. “I love pairing silver and brown – it’s such a classic, warm combination,” she says. “When setting a tablescape, I like to group items in sets of three to balance the tones. So, if you have silver and brown elements, try adding a third color like pale yellow, cream, or soft blue to bring everything together.”
Table linens will also instantly soften the scheme. “Creamy, textured linens, both in the napkins and the tablecloth, are a really great way to bring in warmth,” says Lauren Sands. “If I had a beautiful wooden table but I wanted to do silver martini glasses and silver flatware, I wouldn't place them straight onto the wood – I'd put a tablecloth down to soften it all.”
6
Create a minimalist centerpiece
For a 90s-inspired tablescape, a centerpiece might feel like a contradiction – but there are ways to create a focal point in a scheme like this without losing a sense of refinement. “For a clean, streamlined centerpiece, try using just one type of flower – like all tulips or all baby’s breath,” says Thea Bloch-Neal. “This keeps the texture interesting without feeling too busy. I also love using a cluster of fruit or vegetables as a centerpiece – it’s unexpected and adds clean lines. Artichokes, persimmons, and pears work beautifully.”
Keep your arrangement low and compact so that it doesn’t obstruct conversation, or need to be moved before dinner. “I have some sculptural pieces like candlestick holders and vases from some of the artists I work with, and they really don't need flowers,” says Lauren Sands. “If I'm in a pinch and need to make the table feel more elaborate, I'll mix those in. It still feels beautiful and interesting but a little bit more minimal.”
William Jess Laird for Sophie Lou Jacobsen
7
Mix in vintage pieces for a characterful table
As well as ensuring that your table is unique to your style, vintage pieces can offer the point of contrast that any tabletop always needs. “A sleek, organized table is essential – I love using almost black Japanese cedar dishes with polished silverware and Baccarat glassware, finished with linen placemats and napkins – but a contrast between sleek new pieces and older, textured elements keeps the setting balanced and intriguing,” says Adriano Balestra. “To avoid a one-note look, I might add a vintage piece like a Japanese tsubo with texture and patina.”
8
Specialist tableware isn’t just for
maximalist schemes
You might have seen that ultra-specific tableware like oyster plates and digestif glasses are trending in the world of dinner parties – but far from being for elaborate schemes, these can have their place in a 90s minimalist-inspired look (particularly as they offer that vintage element mentioned above). “These unique pieces add a layer of sophistication and surprise,” says says Adriano Balestra. “At a recent dinner, I included specific glassware for water, white wine, red wine, and martinis since I knew some guests would enjoy a martini. It added a delightful, unexpected element that enhanced the evening.”
“I have a large collection of butter dishes, oyster plates, knife rests, and so on, and I always get vintage because there’s plenty out there,” says Lauren Sands. “Sometimes I'll mix in an artist-made piece: I have these great oyster plates that are so fun and colorful. It doesn’t have to feel too maximalist – you wouldn’t use all of those pieces at lunch, because they have to make sense in the context. You might bring in just one butter dish – and I also like including knife rests where you might normally place a spoon.”
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