My winter dinner party is only 2 short days away and I have kicked into prep mode. National Dinner Party day is next Thursday but I'm hosting a dinner for myself and nine others this Saturday to celebrate. I've been planning all week as I want everything to go as smoothly as possible. The invitations were mailed on Monday and the menu selected on Tuesday. Yesterday I purchased the drinks and today I have to design the decorating scheme. For this type of party to succeed, it's crucial to get the table set and ready as early as possible. This way there's plenty of time to complete all of the cooking. For more on the decorations for my blue and green winter themed dinner, read more

Since it is a dinner party, the table is the most important component of the decorations. I will dress my table in a forest green satin tablecloth. Next I will set the table with dark blue plates and green napkins. I follow the traditional way to set a table with the forks on the left and the knives and glasses on the right. Instead of having a centerpiece I'll arrange an assortment of white candles in all shapes and sizes. Small square vases will be filled with a green and white floral arrangement on each end of the table outside of the candles.

To emphasize the winter theme, I'll cut out paper snowflakes and dose them in sparkly white glitter. Using fishing wire and a needle I'll poke a tiny hole in each snowflake and pass the fishing wire through. I'll hang the snowflakes from my chandeliers in both the kitchen and dining room and then along the windows at varying lengths. All of my votive and candles will be lit and I'll light a fire in the fireplace.

Have an awesome decorating idea for a winter dinner party? Tell me about it. Tomorrow I'll finalize the part plans by figuring out a playlist.