20 Inexpensive Accents to Bring Your Dinner Party Ideas to Life
Updated: Nov. 09, 2023
Tis the season for holiday dinner parties. Here are 20 affordable dinner-party accents that work for the current season and any time of year.
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Hosting a dinner party doesn’t necessarily cost a lot of money. A few cloth napkins, a glass vase with fresh flowers and a modern candle holder can go a long way in making your table setting more inviting for family and friends. Whether you’re planning for an intimate dinner party or hosting a big family get-together, you’ll need at least a few of these essential dinner-party accents to bring your dinner party ideas to life.
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Stoneware Appetizer Plates
These decorative appetizer plates are perhaps the most crucial item on this list of dinner party must-haves. Finished with a multicolored confetti-like print, these plates come in several trendy colors and draw the eye to whatever appetizers you have out for guests. We love the dark green color for the winter season.
Pure Ceramic Taper Holders
The quickest way to create an intimate and cozy table setting? Candles. These black and white ceramic candle holders are simple and elegant, and they’ll go with any table display. Snag them while they’re on clearance! Bonus: You’ll love these candle warmer lamps, too.
Ivory Taper Candles
You’re obviously going to need candles to put in the candle holders. We recommend these dripless ivory candle sticks that burn for up to eight hours. Snag a pack of ten for just over $10.
Chateau Square Napkins
This 12-pack of napkins is made of durable and wrinkle-resistant cloth. They also come in a range of five different colors—but we prefer white linens. That way, you can bleach them to remove any stains that may result from dinner.
Fluted Acrylic Pitcher
Pour your favorite beverages from this lightweight fluted pitcher for a modern, minimalist serving style. This acrylic pitcher is more durable than a glass pitcher and great for outdoor dinner parties.
Fluted Acrylic Drinking Glasses
Complete the modern, minimalist serving style with these fluted drinking glasses. They come in two sizes and four different colors, so you can mix and match your drinkware and bring some variety to the table.
Modern Glass Vase
Put out fresh flowers or greenery on the table in this modern glass vase. It comes in clear, amber and grey—and each color looks a little different when the light hits it.
Matte Gold Cutlery Set
This 40-piece cutlery set adds depth and warmth to any table setting—and it’s a steal for just over $30.
Plastic Cake Tray with Lid
Keep food covered as your guests arrive with this durable plastic cake tray and lid set. Hint: It works for more than just a cake. It sits flat on any surface, so you can place any bites you want under the lid.
Wood Salt Box with Spoon
Keep salt and other spices in this elegant wood and marble salt box. Salt boxes are good to have on hand anyway, but we like the way they invite guests to participate in flavoring the food when placed out on the table.
Marble & Brass Dip Bowls
These marble dip bowls are perfect for hummus, olives, nuts and more. They come in a variety of marble colors and have a brass bottom. We love them as part of a table spread or out on a home bar.
Round Ice Cube Tray with Lid and Bin
Who doesn’t appreciate fancy ice? Make mini ice balls with this ice tray. It comes with two trays, an icebox with a lid and a scoop. Put fresh mint or fruit in your ice for an added flair.
Glass Drinking Straws
These colorful glass straws are an eco-friendly way to indicate whose drink belongs to whom at a dinner party. They are shatter-resistant and dishwasher-safe, so you can use them party after party.
Wood Place Card Holders
Personalize each place setting with these rustic wood name card holders. They bring a downhome vibe to any table setting and streamline any look for an outdoor dinner party.
Rectangular Table Runner
Complete the look of any table setting with a simple, rectangular table runner. Keep the rustic theme going with this tan woven runner. An understated, classic runner is an ideal backdrop for your favorite plates and food spreads.
Olivewood Elevated Serving Board
This elevated serving board is perfect for offering guests fruit, cheese, cold cuts and more. The elevated style makes it pop from the table and adds a layer of dimension to the whole setting. This board is great for everyday use and more formal dining occasions.
Stainless Steel Butter Spreader
Thinking about making a butter board for your next dinner party? Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to cut through butter that’s too cold. The Butter Spreader Knife features a built-in grater that turns cold butter into spreadable ribbons. Check out more of our useful kitchen gadgets.
Marble and Wood Lazy Susan
Another great way to display food is on a lazy Susan. This marble-topped lazy Susan has a non-sticky surface and rotates a full 360 degrees, making it easy for guests to grab food and drinks without reaching across the table.
Glass Parfait Cups
Showcase your sweet creations in these parfait cups. Each one has a footed base to elevate your desserts. Plus, the clear glass style coordinates well with any decor.
Enamelware Coffee Boiler
Offer post-dinner coffee to your guests in style with this coffee boiler. It offers a vintage touch to any table and keeps liquids hot. It comes in classic white and turquoise if you’re wanting an added pop of color.
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