When spring has sprung, it’s time to start thinking about spring dinner party ideas! What better way to ring in spring than with a get-together with your favorite people?
Hosting a dinner party is so much fun, but there’s work to be done, too! You’ll want to plan the evening well in advance to ensure that the party goes off without a hitch. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place.
For over 22 years, we’ve helped hosts elevate their lifestyles. We’re passionate about design and everything that comes with it, and we’re happy to share our experience. From décor to dining, we’re here to be your go-to guide as you plan a beautiful spring dinner party.
Follow these 10 tips and ideas to create an unforgettable evening for your guests and yourself.
1. Have a Vision in Mind
First things first. Before you send out invitations, start by considering how you want your party to look and feel. Having a vision in mind makes the planning process more focused.
Are you going for a swanky soirée or more of a laid-back affair? Will there be a theme? A dress code? Music? What types of dishes will you be serving? Who’s on your guest list?
Of course, you never know what a party will be like until you’re in the thick of it. That’s part of the excitement. That said, as the host of the spring dinner party, you control the overall vibe.
In order to bring all your best spring dinner party ideas to life, you need to imagine what your perfect party looks like. From there, you can start putting in the work to make it happen. Keep reading for suggestions.
2. Consider Having a Theme
While you don’t necessarily need to have a theme, it can really add a special touch to the evening. For example, spring is the perfect time to decorate with pastels, and request that guests wear pastels, too.
Similarly, you could request that guests dress head-to-toe in white and accent your spread with arctic white tableware from our Tundra collection.
These kinds of touches will make your spring dinner party guests feel like they’re part of a special event, rather than just coming over for dinner.
3. Set the Mood with Decorations
Once you’ve decided on the overall atmosphere of the gathering, it’s time to make a list of everything you’ll need to create the perfect ambiance. For example, let’s say you want to celebrate springtime with nature-themed décor.
You could spruce up your tables with nature-inspired pieces from our Animal, Butterfly, and Blossom collections. The wood pieces from our Sierra and Ginkgo collections would also fit right in.
If you’re not sure how to decorate for your spring dinner party, you can’t go wrong with lots and lots of flowers and plants! After all, with spring comes an abundance of new growth. What better time to celebrate the beauty of flora?
You could fill pitchers with lovely seasonal blooms and place them throughout the space. Floral centerpieces will make your tables feel vibrant and inviting. The best spring dinner party ideas don’t necessarily have to break the mold. It’s a classic springtime vibe because it works!
4. Make It an Indoor-Outdoor Party
If your space allows, give guests the option to congregate indoors and outdoors. After all, following a cold winter, people will jump at the opportunity to spend some time enjoying the fresh spring air.
It’s worth noting that a spring dinner party can quickly turn from cool to cold! Weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to have a backup plan if the evening gets chilly. Even if you don’t end up using it, clear some space inside so you can move the party if necessary.
5. Plan the Soundtrack
If your budget allows, hiring musicians is such a wonderful way to elevate the mood. Of course, you’ll want to choose a musician or group that matches the ambiance.
For a classy formal party, classical or jazz music would be divine. Soft piano, cello, or acoustic guitar are all suitable instruments that will create a pleasant soundtrack to the evening without being overly distracting or loud.
If hiring musicians isn’t practical, your spring dinner party still needs music. You could make a playlist in advance or have an open, collaborative playlist—guests will have a blast choosing their favorite tunes.
6. Choose Lovely Lighting
Even the most amazing spring dinner party ideas won’t work if nobody can see them! Make sure you have your lighting planned long before the big day arrives, especially if your party will be taking place outside.
While the idea of a moonlit gathering is romantic in theory, in practice it doesn’t always work out. Candles are absolutely perfect for table lighting, and you can hang string lights throughout the area to give your spring dinner party a welcoming ambiance.
If possible, consider having a fire going. Besides providing warm lighting, a fire makes a great focal point for guests to gather around. You could even offer fire-friendly treats like s’mores.
7. Prep the Food in Advance
This is a dinner party, so let’s not overlook the dinner! Whether you cook your own food, make it a potluck, or have the party catered is up to you. Just make sure there are lots of tasty appetizers for peckish guests to munch on before the main course.
On the day of the spring dinner party, you’re going to have a lot to do, so you don’t want to be spending too much time in the kitchen. Prep as much food as possible the day before, and have it ready to serve on trays and platters and in bowls.
On that note, you’ll also want to make sure you have plenty of dishware, glassware, and flatware ready to accommodate your guests. When in doubt, it’s best to have too much than not enough.
8. Be Thoughtful with Your Menu
As you think about spring dinner party ideas, make sure no guest goes hungry! Consider dietary restrictions, and make sure your spring dinner party has options for everyone. Similarly, some non-alcoholic drinks will surely be appreciated by guests who don’t indulge.
Fresh, light foods with fruits and veggies are ideal for springtime festivities. A nice Maine lobster salad would also be a delicious dish that would really fit the springtime feel.
For the main course, the sky’s the limit! Make sure you choose dishes that can be made in large enough quantities for everyone to enjoy their fill. You could provide a self-serve, buffet-style banquet table. Just make sure you keep an eye on it and replenish food as needed.
9. Plan Activities
While good conversation is the backbone of any spring dinner party, guests will appreciate having other activities available. Here are some ideas:
- Have a karaoke station where guests can belt out their favorite songs.
- Provide outdoor games like horseshoes and bean bag toss, as well as board games and cards.
- Set up an outdoor movie projector so guests can enjoy a film with their meal.
- Play charades.
- Make it a murder mystery party.
- Designate an area for dancing.
10. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Last but certainly not least, make sure you’re not coming up with your best spring dinner party ideas on the day of.
You may even want to host a small spring dinner party with close friends and family before the main event. This trial run allows you to get a feel for hosting, so you have an idea of what to expect. Throughout the evening, keep a list of anything you might have overlooked.
Shop Handcrafted Essentials by Mary Jurek Design
High-quality, handcrafted serveware will elevate any gathering, so don’t wait to order yours from Mary Jurek Design! Long after the party has come and gone, you’ll be able to enjoy our upscale essentials for life and always be ready for the next party.
We hope these tips are helpful as you plan the perfect spring dinner party. For more hosting inspiration, read the other posts on our tableware blog. We have handy guides for many occasions and seasons, from Thanksgiving and holiday parties to autumn and summertime entertaining.
Little details can make a big difference in the overall atmosphere of your party. From your barware to your utensils, every component comes together to create a magical experience for your guests. Celebrate spring in style with Mary Jurek Design.
