By Kelsey Marie
July 31, 2025 at 1:53 AM PST
Entertaining Summer Dinner Party
Summer’s Best Hosting Hack? Let the Table Do the Talking
One novice host’s take on creating a relaxed and artful summer dinner party with personality, playlist, and plenty of style.
Entertaining Summer Dinner Party
Summer’s Best Hosting Hack? Let the Table Do the Talking
One novice host’s take on creating a relaxed and artful summer dinner party with personality, playlist, and plenty of style.
By Kelsey Marie
July 31, 2025 at 1:53 AM PST
Hosting isn’t something I’ve always been comfortable with. In fact, this summer marked the first time I set out to gather a group of my girls around my own table. I’ve long admired the effortless hosts—the ones who know how to strike the right balance between beautiful and lived-in, curated and effortless. This dinner party was my way of stepping into that world.
Takeaways
New
Round table with
charcoal finish invites
conversation and togetherness
Complementing colors
and eclectic chairs create
a vibrant, personal look
Mood set with
curated playlist and
signature festive drinks
Intentional but relaxed
home atmosphere makes
gatherings feel meaningful
It was the first time I really went for it: full menu, proper setup, curated playlist, drinks, dessert—all of it.
I hosted a few of my friends at home for a July dinner that felt like a vibe. My husband helped with the flower arrangement and made the coffee. We set the table, turned the music up, and turned our home into a space that felt intentional without feeling too polished. That’s the energy I wanted to create. One that’s relaxed, personal, and full of color.
@kelseydashmarie Officially entering my hosting era!!
Setting the Mood Starts with the Table
Before anyone took a seat, the table already told a story. I styled it around my Crate & Barrel dining table, which I love for its round shape and textured charcoal finish. It’s the kind of piece that invites conversation, and I especially love it because it doesn’t put anyone at the head of the table; it just brings everyone in. I played with contrast by pairing it with colorful, eclectic chairs that felt more like me than the expected minimalist, ultra-modern set.
I’m still learning how to host, but I’ve learned this: a few beautiful pieces go a long way. Most of mine came from HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls, which are my go-tos for affordable, elevated finds. The tableware came together effortlessly with rimmed plates, matching bowls and saucers, the cutest dessert spoons, and wooden salad servers. I added a cake stand for the Berry Chantilly cake, tiny butter knives, cloth napkins, printed sardine coasters (because I’m in my tinned fish decor era), and a big glass vase for a flower arrangement that added height and softness to the setup.
The colors didn’t match. They complemented. That’s always my approach when styling a table—lean into what feels collected, not overly coordinated.
@kelseydashmarie This is your sign to make caramelized peach Bellinis at your next dinner party!
Food, Flowers, and Details
We started the night with roasted caramelized beach bellinis. I also made a non-alcoholic version with sparkling water so everyone had something festive in hand. The playlist was French café music with a modern twist. It was soft enough to talk over, but noticeable enough to set the vibe.
The menu was simple but thoughtful: an olive and feta checkerboard with warm focaccia for dipping, steak frites with chimichurri, Caesar salad, and that Berry Chantilly cake for dessert. We made everything ourselves—except for the cake, which was a treat I proudly picked up from the store.
One of my favorite moments came before we even ate—when my friends started complementing the interiors. It felt good to know they saw the intention behind everything. Creating a space that reflects who we are has taken time, and hearing it appreciated out loud meant a lot.
The Art of Hosting (in Progress)
Hosting is about being present rather than perfect. I’ll be honest—when the girls showed up, the steak hadn’t even hit the pan yet. My husband had to jump in and help pull it all together. But once we sat down, all of that faded. The conversation flowed, the food was delicious, and the night felt full.
If you’re new to hosting, here’s my advice: start earlier than you think you need to. Prep what you can ahead of time. And don’t stress about matching your flatware to your napkins. Curate a vibe, not a Pinterest board. Let your table reflect your personality. That’s what people remember.
This dinner party reminded me that gathering doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful. All it takes is good friends, a little music, and a table that knows how to show up.
Shop the Story:
Crate & Barrel Willy 48” Charcoal Brown Pedestal Dining Table
This sculptural pedestal table by Leanne Ford set the foundation for my summer dinner party. Its round silhouette encourages connection, while the charcoal wood finish adds depth and texture to any dining space. It’s a versatile anchor piece—elevated yet approachable—that made styling the rest of the table feel effortless.
Teakhaus Long Paddle Serving Board
A long paddle serving board is the kind of versatile piece that makes casual entertaining feel elevated. Whether you're plating an antipasto spread or arranging a fresh loaf of bread with dips, this board brings warmth and intention to the table. Its natural wood finish and elongated shape make it a stylish staple for any host’s collection.
Mode Living 4-Pack Linen Bel Air Cocktail Napkins
Cocktail napkins are a small detail that makes a big impact when hosting. This Turkish-made linen set adds an understated elegance to any table setting, offering both function and charm. Whether you're serving aperitifs or dessert, these soft, beautifully woven napkins are a polished touch that complements a curated, well-styled dinner party.
Mode Living Set of 4 Capiz Placemats
These woven orange placemats bring vibrant energy to any summer table, but it’s the cowrie shell trim that truly sets them apart. Bold, textured, and full of personality, they nod to global style while feeling right at home in a casual or elevated setting. Whether layered under white dinnerware or styled with mixed prints, they instantly become the conversation piece.
Cambridge 20-Piece Stainless Steel Zaylen Mirror Flatware Set
This 20-piece stainless steel flatware set adds a polished finish to any tablescape. With its mirror-like shine and clean lines, it strikes the perfect balance between functional and refined. Whether you're hosting a laid-back dinner with friends or planning something more formal, this set brings subtle sophistication to every place setting.
Krups Divine Espresso Machine
With its compact design and vintage-inspired style, this espresso machine is a charming addition to any kitchen counter. It’s perfect for brewing rich, café-quality espresso at home—ideal for rounding out your hosting experience with a shot (or two) after dessert.
Schott Zwiesel 6-Pack Whisky Juice Glasses
Crafted in Germany, this set of six whisky and juice glasses strikes the perfect balance between elegance and everyday functionality. Their timeless design makes them a versatile choice for any gathering—from welcome drinks to after-dinner pours.
Godinger Rippled Gold Tone Footed Cake Plate
This Rippled Gold-Tone Footed Cake Plate is an elegant way to display your desserts with flair. Whether holding a store-bought Berry Chantilly cake or your favorite homemade treat, its gold-toned base and rippled glass detail bring a touch of glamour to any tablescape. A timeless piece that makes even the simplest sweets feel special.
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