10 Essential Picks for a Fabulous Dinner Party

Enjoy good food and good company in great style.

NiftyPrintables Dinner Party Invitations - What better way to enjoy good food and good company than with a stylish dinner party? Contrary to popular belief, hosting your own doesn’t have to be a super stressful, overwhelming fiasco. Just make sure you’ve got these essential items and you’ll be saying “Let’s eat!” in no time. — Patrice Peck Want to make sure your loved ones take your dinner party seriously and actually come on time? Mail them personalized invitations and they’ll be sure to get the message loud and clear. (Photo: Nifty Printables via Etsy)

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NiftyPrintables Dinner Party Invitations - What better way to enjoy good food and good company than with a stylish dinner party? Contrary to popular belief, hosting your own doesn’t have to be a super stressful, overwhelming fiasco. Just make sure you’ve got these essential items and you’ll be saying “Let’s eat!” in no time. — Patrice Peck Want to make sure your loved ones take your dinner party seriously and actually come on time? Mail them personalized invitations and they’ll be sure to get the message loud and clear. (Photo: Nifty Printables via Etsy)

Afro-Vegan: Farm-Fresh African, Caribbean and Southern Flavors Remixed by Bryant Terry - Whether you’re a top chef or a cooking novice, cookbooks can be a great source of inspiration for your party menu. Consider checking out renowned chef and food justice activist Bryant Terry’s Afro Vegan for some innovative takes on African, Caribbean and Southern cuisine. Each dish comes with a specific musical pairing, so you’ll also get a jumpstart on your party playlist.   (Photo: Ten Speed Press)

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Afro-Vegan: Farm-Fresh African, Caribbean and Southern Flavors Remixed by Bryant Terry - Whether you’re a top chef or a cooking novice, cookbooks can be a great source of inspiration for your party menu. Consider checking out renowned chef and food justice activist Bryant Terry’s Afro Vegan for some innovative takes on African, Caribbean and Southern cuisine. Each dish comes with a specific musical pairing, so you’ll also get a jumpstart on your party playlist.  (Photo: Ten Speed Press)

Marimekko Kontti Apron - This gorgeous, multicolored apron proves just how well fashion and food go together. You’ll look so good, you just might forget to take it off for the main course! (Photo: Marimekko)

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Marimekko Kontti Apron - This gorgeous, multicolored apron proves just how well fashion and food go together. You’ll look so good, you just might forget to take it off for the main course! (Photo: Marimekko)

Sensations Decanter and Wine Glass - A decanter helps your wine to aerate before serving your guests. In other words, this hand-blown glass beauty will help your vino reach its full potential and make quite the statement while you entertain.  (Photo: Maxwell Williams Sensations)

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Sensations Decanter and Wine Glass - A decanter helps your wine to aerate before serving your guests. In other words, this hand-blown glass beauty will help your vino reach its full potential and make quite the statement while you entertain.  (Photo: Maxwell Williams Sensations)

Umbra Acacia Serveware Starter Personal Appetizer Tray and Condiment Server  - Appetizers are the perfect way to get guests mingling among one another. Serving them on elegant personal platters is a great way to make sure there are enough tartlets and crostini for everyone. (Photo: Umbra Acacia Serveware)

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Umbra Acacia Serveware Starter Personal Appetizer Tray and Condiment Server - Appetizers are the perfect way to get guests mingling among one another. Serving them on elegant personal platters is a great way to make sure there are enough tartlets and crostini for everyone. (Photo: Umbra Acacia Serveware)

Photo By Photo: Umbra Acacia Serveware

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Anthropologie Heredia Tablecloth  - Not only will a beautiful tablecloth help to set the evening’s mood, but it will also cover any nicks or stains on your dining table.  (Photo: Anthopologie)

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Anthropologie Heredia Tablecloth - Not only will a beautiful tablecloth help to set the evening’s mood, but it will also cover any nicks or stains on your dining table.  (Photo: Anthopologie)

Centerpiece - What’s a dinner party without a statement-making centerpiece? From fresh flowers to romantic candles, a simple yet sophisticated tabletop decor will add that special X-factor.  (Photo: Ikonica / Radius Images/Corbis)

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Centerpiece - What’s a dinner party without a statement-making centerpiece? From fresh flowers to romantic candles, a simple yet sophisticated tabletop decor will add that special X-factor. (Photo: Ikonica / Radius Images/Corbis)

S/4 Beaded Place Mats - This fun set of place mats will add a touch of artful texture to the table and also make for easy clean up. (Photo: One Kings Lane)

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S/4 Beaded Place Mats - This fun set of place mats will add a touch of artful texture to the table and also make for easy clean up. (Photo: One Kings Lane)

Photo By Photo: One Kings Lane

CB2 Platform Dinnerware - This slick, handmade porcelain dinnerware is a great option for those hosts looking to create a modern vibe. The best part? They’re dishwasher safe, which is a major post-party plus.  (Photo: Crate & Barrel 2)

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CB2 Platform Dinnerware - This slick, handmade porcelain dinnerware is a great option for those hosts looking to create a modern vibe. The best part? They’re dishwasher safe, which is a major post-party plus.  (Photo: Crate & Barrel 2)

Hybrid Eudossia Porcelain Fruit Plate Design by Seletti - The East meets the West in this remarkable dinnerware project. The juxtaposed cultural designs are guaranteed to score you plenty of compliments. (Photo: Burke Decor)

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Hybrid Eudossia Porcelain Fruit Plate Design by Seletti - The East meets the West in this remarkable dinnerware project. The juxtaposed cultural designs are guaranteed to score you plenty of compliments. (Photo: Burke Decor)

Photo By Photo: Burke Decor