Hosting Essentials for an End-of-Summer Soiree

As the end of everyone’s favorite warm-weather season nears, don’t let yourself fall into the end-of-summer blues. Take advantage of the sunny weather and flexible free time with friends and fresh recipes. Celebrate the season’s close by hosting an end of summer soiree filled with laughter, good eats and friendship gathered around the dinner table. Here’s how to start.

Pick a Party Theme

Everyone loves a good theme. In this case, make your focus an ode to summer’s favorites. Simply pick your setting, a meal packed with natural and fresh-grown summer ingredients, and let the food do the talking.

Having staple dining ware is a must for a cohesive look across the table. Start with the basics, neutral-colored plate settings, such as whites or creams, will provide your table with a solid base. Elevate the look with textured plates. Villeroy & Boch’s Manufacture Rock Blanc collection provides a natural look with a special feel. Opt to dress the tablescape by layering plates for different courses. The Manufacture Rock Collection also has round and square plates perfect for different courses.

Make Colors Pop

Don’t be afraid to add a touch of summer’s playful spirit with pops of color across your table. Start by setting the scene with various summer florals and foliage displayed proudly in textured vases to give the table height. The Rose Garden Home Vase is a decedent pink colored glass vase that provides a splash of color to the table, while complimenting summer florals, such as pink peonies or carnations.

Another way to incorporate colorful accents to the table is with glassware full of personality. The Boston Goblet from Villeroy & Boch can elevate any setting with eye-catching crystal glassware that comes in vibrant colors such as Berry, Saffron, Rose, Green, Lavendar and more. These trendy glasses take any cocktail to the next level, even if you’re looking to serve guests water in an upscale way, the Boston Highball glass can do just that. For a sweet treat, check out the Boston Dessert Bowls, so that you can have your cake (or in this case ice cream) and eat it too in matching glassware across the board.

Details Matter

Setting the table’s finishing touches can be as simple as patterned napkins lying underneath flatware or take it a step further by bringing out the luxe flatware for the special occasion. Gold flatware will have your guests feeling like they are dining at a five-star restaurant.

To serve up appetizers or d’oeuvres, wow your guests with a stylish assortment of serving stands and trays. A go-to at any gathering is the Artesano Original 3-Tier Serving Tray/ Stand. The combined premium porcelain and natural wood materials make finger foods look sophisticated. The Artesano Original Acacia Antipasti Board is a great option for housing cheese and meat platters with its rustic look.

Endless opportunities of summer memories are yet to be made to close out the season. It all starts with your own recipe for the perfect dinner party: plates bursting with seasonal flavors, glasses brimming with fresh cocktails and quality time with loved ones seated around the table.