Simple Boho Table Decor for a Dinner Party with Friends

If you’re hosting a dinner party with friends, you might be wondering how to set your table for the occasion. Maybe you’re hoping to keep things casual yet special – and are not sure how to strike that balance.

I recently hosted a dinner party and set a table that I think came pretty close to that balance. My goal was to create a relaxed space that felt intentional but not overdone.

Much of the table decor used are old affordable favorites from Amazon and Target that you may recognize from other posts. Sprinkled in there are a couple of new finds as well.

In this post, I’ll share ALL the details of this tablescape, including links to shop in case you’re interested in recreating. You may find that you have similar items already in your home and can use these ideas as a starting point to create a similar look.

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Dinner Party with Friends Table Decor

Dinner Party Centerpiece

table set for a dinner party with friends

For this dinner party, I chose a no-fail centerpiece formula:

vase + candle sticks + tea lights = success

Notice no table runner or table cloth. To create a casual space, sometimes omitting that can help achieve a more laid back look.

The Tall Branch Trend As Centerpiece

In the center of the centerpiece, I used a large planter. This is new from H&M Home, and I’m OBSESSED. The bubble texture is so gorgeous. They come in three sizes – I bought the large.

The branches are from my magnolia bush. But you could easily use greenery from the grocery store or faux from your store of choice.

TIP: To hack the tall branch trend in a large planter, place a glass cup inside the planter to keep the branch from flopping over.

Mood Setting Candle Light

On either size of the planter are brushed gold taper candles in various heights. As an unexpected twist, black taper candles were used instead of white or ivory. I bought these last year to use on a Halloween tablescape – but to me they work perfectly well as a year-round neutral.

For low lighting (key element to any dinner party tablescape), I used these incredible amber glass tea light holders. Not only do these work as individual tea lights – but they can also stack two or three high to create a taller candle holder. Tons of value in these little gems!

Dinner Party Place Settings

Linens and Placemats

Leather placemats are an unexpected take on traditional chargers or table linens. These from Target are some of my favorites. I love that they can be simultaneously casual and elegant. Definitely the perfect base for this table setting.

For napkins, I used a black and white buffalo check from one of my favorite brands on Amazon – DII. If you’ve hung around here any length of time, you know I sing their praises often. You just really cannot beat the quality for price. I’m very picky about my cloth napkins – no polyester here. These are lovely durable cotton – wash well and hold their shape. 10/10 recommend.

If you’d like to see these napkins in action on another post, I used them last fall on an outdoor picnic tablescape.

Stoneware and Cutlery

Matte black stoneware is a great investment if you’re looking for dish ware that can morph between everyday use and dinner party statement. One of my favorite features of this particular set is the modern shape of the plates and mug handles. Simple yet with lots and lots of visual impact.

To add a bit of shine and to tie in with the gold taper candle holders, I chose to use gold cutlery. This set is an affordable option if you’re looking to have a second set of cutlery to pull out for dinner parties, holidays, and other special occasions.

I will say that hand washing is probably best for this set. Some of the pieces I’ve put through the dishwasher several times are faded. Otherwise, the shape and weight are perfection!

Glassware

Last but not least, glassware. The rattan wrapped water glasses are from Serena & Lily. I wanted these beauties forever and bought eight of the low ball size plus a pitcher when they were on sale about a year ago. (However, since then Target and other stores have come out with similar more affordable options.) We’ve used these over and over again – they add so much texture to a table setting. Definitely worth the investment – or finding an alternative – for your collection.

In addition to the water glasses, black stoneware mugs that match the plates were used for decaf coffee served with dessert. As I mentioned before, the handles on these are “chef’s kiss” spectacular.