Dinner Party Ideas: How to set the perfect table for a sensational soiree

They say we eat with our eyes, and that doesn't just apply to the food - it's also important to present your feast on a gorgeous backdrop. To really impress your guests, you need to nail the table setting.

From knives to napery and carafes to cake stands, creating the perfect table setting is easier than it looks. These dinner table decoration ideas will ensure your party is the talk of the town.

It's all in the planning

An unforgettable event starts with precise planning. You'll need to determine the guest list, food and drinks menu, and a killer theme. The theme for your table setting will depend on the type of event you're hosting, and to some extent, the number of guests. For a larger party, you may want to keep things a little simpler, to avoid overcrowding the table. For a small, intimate occasion a more detailed, luxurious table setting can work well.

Create a beautiful breakfast or brunch

Fresh OJ in a gorgeous glass jug, croissants and fresh berries served on elegant platters - could there be a better way to start the day?! Whether it's a pre-wedding celebration or a birthday brekkie with friends, morning meals can be every bit as special and glam as night-time gatherings.

It's probably best to steer clear of bold themes for a breakfast or brunch, to avoid overwhelming your guests. Go for neutral and natural instead, injecting pops of colour with flowers in pretty vases.

Lavish long lunches your guests will love

The classic Aussie barbeque is always a winner, but these days the key to a successful barbie is to make it traditional, with a twist. Have meat-free options on hand for plant-based guests, and ditch the disposable cups and serviettes for reusable picnicware to keep it sustainable.

A garden party is a great alternative to a boozy hen's night out on the town, or as a grown-up treat for a little one's birthday. Pastels and florals work well, and animal-themed picnicware is always a hit with the kids.

Great dinner party ideas to make your event stand out

A retro murder-mystery theme is the perfect excuse to dust off your formalwear and lay the table with your best dinner set. Think cocktails in the drawing room, followed by indulgent dishes served on sleek, white dishes. Serve several decadent courses and lay the table with the appropriate cutlery for each - and don't forget freshly-ironed cloth napkins.

If you're a culinary whiz, how about hosting an Asian-themed taste experience? Plates and platters adorned with lotus flowers and fans will really bring this theme to life, and dipping bowls for sauces are a must. If you're planning on serving a soup or noodle dish, deep bowls are perfect. Finish the night with a pot of refreshing green tea.

You can't beat a glamorous, Gatsby-themed affair. Choose art nouveau-inspired wine glasses and serve bite-sized savouries on two-tiered cake stands so your guests can nibble as they dance. And the dress code? Flapper chic, obviously.

Or for the more adventurous among us, try a spicy Spanish feast to tingle your tastebuds. A bright, patterned dinner set with pops of red, orange and yellow will instantly transport your guests to the balmy plazas of Madrid or Barcelona. Start the meal with tapas, then serve your perfect paella banquet-style straight from a cast-iron pot (red, of course). Don't forget to decant a few bottles of Spanish red into a stylish carafe.

Whatever fabulous feast you're planning, we have tableware for every occasion. Browse our range available online and get ready to throw the perfect party.