Hosting a dinner party, even a casual one, is an art—equal parts warmth, planning, and thoughtful dinner party etiquette. While the tone might be relaxed, a few well-placed details go a long way toward making your guests feel truly welcome. At Home for Entertaining, we believe that good manners and beautiful surroundings aren’t mutually exclusive; they go hand in hand. Here’s our take on modern etiquette for casual entertaining, paired with some of our favorite pieces to elevate the evening.

Entertaining Etiquette: Greet Guests with a Signature Sip

Offering a welcome drink is one of the oldest and kindest gestures in hospitality. It gives your guests something to do while you finish setting out dishes, and it sets a celebratory tone from the moment they walk through the door. Keep it simple: a seasonal cocktail, sparkling water with fresh herbs, or a crisp glass of wine.

Bar Cart Highlights: Our Simon Pearce Woodbury Pitchers make beautiful vessels for batch cocktails or citrus-infused water. Pair with our Empire Rocks Glass and Retro Starburst Swizzle Stix for a presentation that feels both relaxed and refined. If you’re serving drinks outside, our Juliska Berry & Thread Melamine Tray makes transporting glasses a breeze.

Modern Etiquette: Making Space for Stylish Paper Goods

While cloth napkins are ideal for the table, there are plenty of moments during a casual gathering where a beautifully designed paper napkin is the perfect choice—think welcome drinks, passed hors d’oeuvres, or dessert by the fire. The key is selecting paper napkins that feel intentional, not like an afterthought.

Our Pick: Lined Design Cloth-Like Napkins is a collection of cloth-like disposable napkins that are foil embossed with fun messages, giving a rich, letter-pressed effect with no fuss. Keep a stack on your bar cart, dessert station, or cocktail tray for effortless elegance. See our entire paper napkin collection here.

Gracious Hosting Begins with Flow and Comfort

Your home doesn’t need to be spotless or staged, but creating a welcoming environment is part of good hosting. Light a few candles, put on a playlist that sets the mood, and make sure there are plenty of places to sit and chat before and after the meal.

Our Recommendations: Our Addison Ross LED Lamp which is rechargeable and portable, offers up to 10 hours of battery life. This lamp looks great on any dining table, kitchen island, or picnic blanket. Add soft throws over the backs of chairs or benches for outdoor gatherings—they’ll keep guests cozy well into the evening. 

Curate a Comfortable Table

A thoughtfully set table signals to your guests that you’ve prepared with them in mind. Start with layers: a simple linen tablecloth or runner adds softness, while cloth napkins and quality dinnerware elevate the overall look without requiring fine china.

Our Favorites: Chilewich Placemats are a great option because they are easy to clean, can be used indoors or outdoors, come in a variety of colors and are made entirely in the U.S. These pair beautifully with our colorful Windy O’Connor Ru De Rivoli Napkins designed by an award-winning artist on 100% cotton and make a beautiful statement on any tablescape. Our Juliska Berry + Thread Melamine Dishware: incorporates the iconic Juliska Berry + Thread motif on shatterproof dishware for seamless and stress-free entertaining and will be the finishing touch on your beautiful table. 

Foster Meaningful Conversation

A good host helps create an atmosphere where everyone feels included—especially at a table with mixed company or new faces. One thoughtful way to spark connection is by offering gentle conversation starters. They can ease awkward pauses, invite reflection, or simply bring a little laughter to the table.

Table Talk Tip: Our Get Closer Table Talk Cards are designed with intention—featuring printed prompts that range from lighthearted to thought-provoking. Place a few at each setting or in a small bowl at the center of the table to encourage guests to share stories, memories, or ideas. It’s a subtle but impactful way to turn dinner into an experience that lingers long after the last bite.

Powder Room Etiquette: Refresh with Intention

Your powder room, though often overlooked, is an extension of your hospitality. Even in the most casual setting, a tidy, well-appointed space tells guests they’re truly welcome. Take a moment before the evening begins to refresh it with essentials and thoughtful details—it’s a small gesture with lasting impact.

Host’s Detail: Elevate the everyday by placing a bottle of our Paume Exfoliating Hand Soap made of plant-based and natural ingredients that exfoliates hands while delivering long-lasting hydration. The dispensers are created from recycled plastic and can be refilled from the refill bag. Pair it with one of our candles and a small bud vase for an effortlessly polished look. These small gestures go a long way in making guests feel comfortable and cared for.

Hospitality at Hand: Pantry Etiquette for Last-Minute Guests

Gracious hosting doesn’t always start with a meticulously planned menu. Sometimes it’s about being ready to welcome friends on short notice with a few well-chosen provisions. Stocking your pantry with elevated essentials allows you to pull together a beautiful cheese board, quick pasta, or evening snack with little effort but lots of style.

Pantry Favorites: Our Bella Cucina Collection features sauces, pestos, spreads, and finishing salts that instantly elevate simple fare. Not only do they make last-minute meals feel special—they also make wonderful hostess gifts when you’re the guest.

The Heart of Hospitality

At its core, casual dinner party etiquette isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating comfort. A gracious host puts guests at ease not through extravagance, but through care, attentiveness, and a touch of personal style. With the right pieces and a generous spirit, any dinner party—no matter how relaxed—can become a memory in the making. Here’s to good food, warm company, and the quiet joy of a well-set table.

Shop Local with Home for Entertaining

Home for Entertaining is your go-to destination for everything you need to entertain at home. From elegant tea towels and modern place settings to chic wine glasses and one-of-a-kind décor, we offer a carefully curated selection designed to elevate every occasion.

Not sure what to pick? We’re happy to share our customer favorites, suggest seasonal bestsellers, or recommend a gift card —so your favorite host can enjoy choosing something they’ll truly love.

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