The perfect gathering doesn't need to be complicated. Want to know our secrets to making entertaining easy? Because you should be able to sit down and enjoy your guests, too!

The Menu

With a little bit of planning in advance you should have dinner ready to serve before your guests arrive. For the simplest, most delicious recipes we turn to the Simply Beautiful Eating blog where you can choose your favorite dishes to build a menu that will not only taste delicious but look beautiful.

The Tablescape

Set the table with the basics and don't be afraid to mix and match! For each place setting you'll need: Dinner plate Salad plate or soup bowl (depending on your menu) Cutlery Napkin Water Glass Wine Glass Name cards - this is a fun way to complete your table setting and avoid confusion when your guests go to take their seats. I always use household items to create table cards such as taking a piece of fruit (lemon, lime, kiwi...whatever you have on hand), making a slit and adding a small cut out piece of card stock with the guests name written on there.

Style the Table

Look around the house before you run to the store to buy a new vase for flowers. Pickle, jam, mustard jars - have any leftover? Peel the labels and wash them. Tie with twine, spray with gold or chalkboard paint or stick them with flash tattoos and fill with fresh herbs or flowers. Not only will these save you money but it's a great conversation starter. No doubt your guests will want to know all about how you styled your dinner table! If you have some candles or tea lights, set them out and light 10 minutes before your guests are due to arrive.

Have a cocktail

Make a signature drink to offer your guests when they walk in. Use seasonal fruits or veggies to come up with a sangria or spritzer. For dinner keep it simple by offering a wine that pairs nicely with your menu and still water dressed up with sliced lemons or limes.

End on a sweet note

We love dressing up our desserts with custom toppers from our friends over at the All that Glitters Party shop. If you don't have time to make the desserts (or you don't bake like ME) then purchase the desserts from your local bakery OR ask one of your guests to bring! Guests are always asking what they can bring to dinner - I always suggest dessert or wine. One less thing for me to worry about.

If you don't have time to order these toppers then add a piece of fruit and some lemon or lime zest to garnish your serving tray.

Now all you need to do is pick a date, invite your friends over, follow our guide and ENJOY!

All photos in the post above were taken by the amazing Raquel Langworthy of Untamed Studios.

All food in the post above was prepared and styled by the incredible Debi Traub of Simply Beautiful Eating. Find Debi's recipes and beautiful photos here:Simply Beautiful Eating BlogSimply Beautiful Eating Instagram