Potluck Dinner Party: Create a Stylish Setting

Since the guests are taking care of the food, it's up to the host to create a stylish setting for the potluck party. The basics you'll need to cover include:

Stylish Dishes

• Pick a theme for your dishes as well. For instance: A modern, clean theme requires simple white or black dishes with clean lines.
• When guests arrive with their dish, transfer the meal from their container into an attractive serving dish.
  
• Label each dish by placing a wooden skewer with a label on top in the center of the dish.

Tablescape

• Set an elegant table for your dinner guests.
  
• Create place cards for each guest that follow the theme for the evening.
  
• Decorate the table with candles and one or two floral arrangements.

Seasonal Decor

• Summer: Host your party outdoors with round hanging lanterns and tiki torches. Use bright colors for a tablecloth or accent pieces.
• Spring: Extra flowers placed around your home will go a long way toward brightening up the space. Pastels are the way to go for a springtime look.
• Fall: Use acorns and fall leaves as part of the table decor. Reds, browns and orange tones are a great pick for accent colors.
• Winter: Place a large bowl of Christmas ornaments on the table in place of a floral arrangement. Or, create a white and light blue tablescape with crystal and snowflake accents to celebrate the season.