Home visit: ideas for a pop-up dinner party

Set the scene

Choose a shared space for your party, if possible, to take the pressure away from hosting in your own home. Opt for a set-up that encourages relaxed conversation – think soft seating as well as dining chairs – while also adding a sense of drama. Textile backdrops, candles and plants are great for creating a party mood.

Make self service easy

Do away with formal table settings and let everyone help themselves with stacked plates and cutlery in glasses. Not only is it hassle-free, it also sparks more interaction and sharing around the table.

Bring a chair

Ask guests to contribute handy essentials like extra seats. By sharing the load as a group, you lessen individual responsibility and increase the fun. Just don’t forget to remind people to take back their donations at the end of the night!

Hang statement light shades

Looking for an easy way to add wow factor to your table? Pendant lights hung at different heights are a beautiful option, with or without bulbs – try mix and match shades and styles for a bohemian feel.

Serve up easy dishes

Who says you have to spend hours cooking to throw a feast? Instead, try simpler options like cooking a meal with your guests, asking everyone to bring a dish, or even getting takeaway and serving it up restaurant-style.

Try tray to table

Having a tray or two on hand will come in useful in more ways than one. Use them to help serve food, clear plates away, or even to create a focal point on your table by mixing decorative elements like candles and plants with food and drink.

We love to see our customers get creative with our products. Go for it! But please note that altering or modifying IKEA products so they can no longer be re-sold or used for their original purpose, means the IKEA commercial guarantees and your right to return the products will be lost.

Made by
Interior stylist: Katie Phillips
Photographer: Mel Yates