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How to Perfect a Home Dinner Party, According to Gideon Hermosa

The international floral and events designer demystifies the secrets to achieving an unforgettable intimate setup.

March 12, 2025

Hannah Haber

Change Up the Setting

It’s common to think of the dining area as the default space for dinner parties. After all, it already has all the essentials to simplify the initial set up. But Hermosa encourages you to think beyond these traditional confines.

One space he suggests exploring is the living area. Typically used for entertaining guests, it naturally lends itself to hosting special events. Its flexible seating arrangements additionally establish a more relaxed, adaptable, and interactive ambiance whatever theme or concept you wish to create.

This area also allows you to easily integrate entertainment elements like projectors or music, making the home dinner party more dynamic and engaging. More importantly, its usual proximity to the entrance provides the perfect opportunity for a captivating surprise upon the arrival.

Another location the stylist considers is an outdoor space, such as a veranda, balcony, or patio. Hermosa highlights that if you desire a view or a sense of connection with your surroundings, this is the ideal option. However, careful consideration must be given to the space itself.

Ensure the dining setup fits the space to create a comfortable dining experience and a seamless flow of movement. Moreover, always account for the weather conditions on the day of your dinner party. In case of unexpected changes, such as a sudden downpour or strong winds, it’s good to have a backup plan like installing covers or preparing to move the dinner indoors. Opting for a setup that elevates the dining surface also contributes to a cleaner and more polished aesthetic.

Design for Comfort

Unlike the often-assumed formality of dinner parties, Hermosa stressed that it doesn’t have to adhere to rigid conventions. It’s actually an opportunity to design an experience that is comfortable and reflects the preferences of your guests. This fosters a more genuine and intimate atmosphere, where the persons involved can feel at ease and free to be themselves.

“It doesn’t have to be a formal dinner with proper chairs and a table,” Hermosa points out. “You guys can sit on a sofa with a blanket and pillows. Then, prepare drinks and snacks. Those little things can have a big impact, honestly. That’s how I define a dinner party. Don’t limit it to a dining table. It can be casual that fits your personality.”

To truly personalize this experience, you can take inspiration from your guests’ routines and preferences. Understanding their favorite activities, preferred ambiance, or even daily habits help create a sense of familiarity and thoughtfulness. You can then elevate the experience by adding personal touches that resonate deeply with them, making the occasion feel uniquely tailored and exceptionally special.

Choose Elements That Fill the Whole Space

Considering the often limited spaces within homes, Hermosa recommends selecting one or two key elements that can instantly fill and elevate the entire atmosphere. This approach prevents overloading your decor with numerous details, which could result in a visually chaotic environment.

Without clashing styles and competing focal points, you can have a cohesive and harmonious backdrop that allows your table setup to be the centerpiece. Significantly, selecting a few impactful elements highlights the beauty and intention behind your dining arrangement more.

Candles, fairy lights, and flowers are some of the event designer’s top picks. But if you lean towards a maximalist design, Hermosa suggests compensating with quantity. Even with just one or two key elements, you can create a bold and abundant feel by incorporating them in larger amounts.

“I would say papatayin ko ‘yong ilaw, pupunuin ko lang siya ng kandila and then ibubuhos lahat ng flowers sa table. Kumbaga, maximalism pa rin siya in such a way na marami ‘yong kandila [and flowers] na ilalagay mo. At the same time, [it feels] romantic because of the chosen elements,” Hermosa proposes.

Prioritize Proper Lighting

Hermosa revealed that even in large-scale events, people often forget how important proper lighting is. He reiterated that overlooking this aspect can make even the most elaborate decorations fall flat.

“Puwedeng you have the most expensive flowers or you’ve set up the most expensive tablecloth, tablewares, everything else. But kung hindi proper ‘yong lighting, masisira lang lahat ‘yon,” the designer cautions.

And simple home dinner parties are no exception to this oversight. Homes usually feature more enclosed, smaller, or intimate spaces. So, it’s more likely that lighting will be too bright, negatively affecting the overall design and mood.

To address this, Hermosa insists on testing the lighting both in person and through a camera lens. If you want your dinner party to be Instagrammable, it’s crucial that the lighting enhances the ambiance. This ensures that the carefully crafted atmosphere translates beautifully in every aspect of the experience.

Complete the Home Dinner Party with the Perfect Tablescape

Regardless of whether you opt for a formal or casual home dinner party, a well-executed tablescape remains essential.

Hermosa says that a captivating dinner party table setup doesn’t require extravagant embellishments. At its core, it’s about curating a thoughtful arrangement with the right tableware complemented by appropriate linens. In his professional experience, these details paired with the warm glow of candles is enough to create a memorable ambiance.

Flowers and other decorative elements are certainly a welcome addition, if your budget allows. Consider incorporating touch lamps or decorative lights to further enhance the atmosphere, too. You can also add cards with handwritten letters to each seat or tuck a picture into the napkins to make everything feel more personal and intimate.

But ultimately, the foundation of a successful tablescape lies in the quality and arrangement of your tableware.

In essence, Hermosa reminds us that making loved ones feel special doesn’t always necessitate a restaurant reservation. A thoughtfully crafted home dinner party, infused with personal touches and attention to detail, offers a level of intimacy and connection that dining out simply cannot replicate. By creating a personalized experience within the familiar comfort of home, you craft a truly memorable occasion that resonates on a deeper, more personal level.

Photos provided by Gideon Hermosa

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I choose the best location for a dinner party at home?

Gideon Hermosa suggests looking beyond the traditional dining room to unexpected areas like the living room or outdoor spaces like a veranda or patio. The living area offers flexible seating that fosters a more relaxed, interactive environment, while outdoor settings provide a scenic connection to your surroundings. Always ensure the setup allows for a seamless flow of movement and have a backup plan in case of sudden weather changes.

What is the secret to creating a high-impact dinner party in a limited space?

To elevate a small space without creating visual chaos, Hermosa recommends selecting one or two key elements—such as candles, fairy lights, or flowers—and using them in abundance. This maximalist approach with limited variety creates a bold, cohesive, and romantic atmosphere that highlights the beauty of your table arrangement. By focusing on a few impactful items rather than many small details, you avoid a cluttered look and maintain a sophisticated focal point.

How does lighting affect the success of a home dinner party setup?

Proper lighting is the foundation of a successful event; even the most expensive floral arrangements and tableware will fall flat under harsh or improper illumination. Hermosa advises testing your lighting both in person and through a camera lens to ensure the mood remains intimate and “Instagrammable.” Transitioning from bright overhead lights to soft candlelight or warm decorative lamps can instantly transform a standard room into a professional-grade event space.

Does a home dinner party have to be formal to be considered successful?

A successful home dinner party is defined by guest comfort and personalization rather than rigid adherence to formal conventions. Hermosa encourages hosts to break tradition by opting for casual setups, such as lounging on a sofa with blankets and pillows instead of using proper dining chairs. By tailoring the ambiance and activities to the specific preferences and daily habits of your guests, you create a genuine and deeply personal experience.

What are the essential elements of a professional-looking tablescape?

A captivating tablescape relies on a thoughtful arrangement of quality tableware, appropriate linens, and the warm glow of candles. You can enhance the intimacy of the setup by adding personal touches like handwritten letters or tucking meaningful photographs into the napkins at each seat. While extravagant flowers and touch lamps are welcome additions, the core of a memorable table lies in the intentionality and care put into the basic arrangement.

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