“Dressing a table is all about the details,” says Susan. Clearly. Friends are always thrilled to visit her L.A. home for any and all occasions—from casual brunches to her annual holiday bashes (like this one). Before guests arrive, she’s giving up her tried-and-true tricks to a stylish affair.
Get Heavy with Metals
Whether its bangles or barware, Susan loves a healthy mix of metallics. “Clear plates and glasses with a gold or silver rim are so versatile,” she says. “They let you dress up or dress down the table. It’s like investing in a great black dress.” For a fancier fete, bringing even more metallics into play, including candlesticks, flatware, and even glassware, adds extra shine and instantly ups the style ante.
Nothing makes a meal feel like an occasion quite like a silvery candelabra and some long taper candles.
Treat Your Guests
Susan uses place cards as a way to set her parties apart, gifting each guest with a little something before the meal even starts. “I like things that reflect the occasion or the moment,” she says. “I’ve used photos, playing cards, mini-flower arrangements…” Another trick? Go for variety. “I won’t usually buy a bunch of the same thing. I like to tailor the color or style to match my guests’ personalities.”
Clear plates and glasses with a gold or silver rim are so versatile. They let you dress up or dress down the table. It’s like investing in a great black dress.
Blend Well at the Bar
A well-stocked help-yourself bar is a fixture at Susan’s soirees. But what makes hers, well, prettier? “I line my bar, which is usually a console table I reposition for the party, with a runner that matches the dinner table to make them feel more related. My other go-tos are a mix of sparkling glassware layered on a tray and a decorative piece with a bit of height, like this sunburst objet. It’s nice when everything isn’t totally utilitarian.”
Join the Discussion