I’m excited to be partnering with Seven Daughters wine to bring you a series of posts over the coming months focused on my favorite subject: DIY. Today is the first post in that series.
Summer is winding down, and before those long sunny days are gone, I wanted to give the season a proper send-off—and welcome the hints of fall at the same time. Think of it as a small transition party: summer, meet fall; fall, meet summer.
And what better way to celebrate than with a cozy dinner party?
Below are seven practical, stylish DIY entertaining hacks to help you host a memorable dinner—decor ideas, clever personal touches, quick recipes, and drink tips—designed with the summer-to-fall transition in mind. Ready? Let’s dive in.
Here are 7 DIY entertaining hacks to get you through your next dinner party in style.
1. Make it comfortable. If your table is an irregular size and your tablecloth hangs too low, tuck the excess under the table so chairs can slide in freely. I secured my tablecloth underneath with duct tape so the fabric sat at the right height—neat, hidden, and effective.
Clear away unnecessary items from the table to keep the surface functional and uncluttered. Use the whole room to spread things out: a bar cart on wheels is perfect for holding appetizers and moving them to the table as needed, and a buffet or credenza can display desserts as part of the décor.
2. Improvise with textiles. Use a patterned blanket as a rug underneath the table for instant visual interest that also anchors the space. A blanket is practical—easy to wash after the party—so you don’t have to worry about spills on an expensive rug.
3. Create a simple focal point. A low centerpiece of fresh flowers or succulents adds visual interest without feeling formal. Use short vases or repurposed vessels from around the house; concrete planters or simple arrangements of seasonal blooms work great for a modern, minimal look.
4. Add quirky, memorable details. Little unexpected touches make a big impression. I made edible name plates from store-bought pie crust: roll it out, cut letters with small cookie cutters, bake briefly, let cool, and place at each setting. They’re charming and edible—bonus!
Leftover pie crust letters can double as edible toppings on petit fours for guests to take home. Set out small glassine bags and let people help themselves.
5. Play with texture. Layer different textiles to add depth: a linen tablecloth paired with painted fabric napkins feels both relaxed and intentional. I painted white stripes on plain grey napkins with fabric paint—each napkin is slightly different and reusable.
A knotted yarn garland hung above the table adds height and a playful element. Simply knot a long strand of thick yarn every foot or two and drape it across the space for a cozy, handmade touch.
6. Keep the menu easy and make-ahead friendly. Heavy appetizers and lighter mains let you prepare most things in advance and spend more time with guests. One of my favorite simple starters is fig and honey goat cheese crostini:
- Slice a baguette into 1/2-inch pieces and toast at 350°F until just golden.
- Top with soft goat cheese, sliced figs, and a drizzle of honey.
- If you don’t have a honey dipper, use the handle of a spoon or fork to drizzle honey.
I also like to create a simple menu display to prop on the buffet—type the menu, arrange the items into a pleasing layout, mount it on decorative paper, and frame it for a polished touch.
For dessert, use seasonal fruit to dress up a cake: a store-bought or homemade cake looks special topped with fig halves and champagne grapes for an edible, elegant topper.
7. Offer plenty of drinks. A well-stocked drink selection keeps the mood relaxed and social. For a casual dinner, wine is an easy choice—provide a few varietals so guests can choose what they like. I served several options from Seven Daughters, focusing on a smooth red blend and a crisp Chardonnay.
Remember to pair wines roughly to your menu and always offer non-alcoholic beverages for those who prefer them.
Those are my go-to DIY hacks for hosting a warm, easy dinner party during the summer-to-fall transition. Below are a few more photos from the evening.
Photography by Sarah Eddy
Models Jordan Brantley and Amber Hoadley
Concept, projects, and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff
What are your entertaining tips or favorite DIY hacks? Share a trick you love.
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This post was created in partnership with Seven Daughters Wine. Thank you for supporting the brands that help make this content possible.