12 Small Details That Can Elevate Any Dinner Party, According to Martha

Serve a Rainbow

"Remember the presentation," Martha writes in decorvow’s Appetizers. "Is there a nice variety of colors and textures?" A colorful menu is about more than flavor—it sets the tone for the evening. Vibrant salads, jewel-toned cocktails, or even a bright garnish can make a table look abundant and joyful. Guests will remember the beauty as much as the taste.

Set the Stage With a Signature Drink

Wine and beer are reliable standbys, but Martha urges hosts to elevate their bar by offering a signature cocktail. “It can really make a statement,” she says in Appetizers, especially when paired with a thoughtful nonalcoholic mocktail option.

For an extra-special touch, have them ready and waiting for guests at the door. "I try to have a large tray of … drinks ready for when guests arrive," she notes in Martha: The Cookbook. "The cocktails always disappear quickly."

Add a Cocktail Hour—But Keep It Light

The dinner itself isn’t the only event of the evening. “The cocktail hour is an opportunity to engage dinner guests and make them feel warm, welcome, and eager for a night of good food and conversation,” Martha advises. Just take her warning to heart: “Don’t fill them up.” The goal is to spark conversation, not to spoil appetites.

Invest In—or Curate—Serveware

Invest in your presentation. "A lovely platter can turn a simple starter into something spectacular," says Martha. But this doesn't mean you have to shop or splurge. "You may already have some great household items that can be repurposed for entertaining," she shares. "A slender vase could hold pastry straws, votive candleholders can be used for single-serving soups, and recycled tins are perfect for miniature biscuits."

A variety of shapes and textures—wood, marble, stone, ceramic—adds interest, says Martha, so long as the palette feels cohesive.

Don't Overlook Napkins

Linen napkins will elevate any meal and are good to the environment, while patterned paper ones feel festive. "It’s well worth picking up packs of patterned napkins whenever you come across something you like," says Martha in Appetizers. "They keep forever and you’ll be glad to have a stash."

Provide Thoughtful Comforts

Even the smallest consideration can become the most talked-about detail. Martha suggests keeping a basket of cozy slippers by the door. “Promote a no-shoe policy inside your home by keeping slippers in an attractive basket by the entrance,” she writes. “Provide comfortable styles in a variety of sizes for all your guests. Washable ones can be used again and again.”

Offer Favors to Remember the Evening

A small token of appreciation goes a long way. Martha suggests portable and portioned jarred desserts: “Send them home with friends after an hours-long gathering," Martha writes in decorvow's Very Good Things. Guests will get to leave with a sweet reminder of the night.

Personalize With Menus and Place Cards

In her blog, Martha emphasizes that menus and place cards are non-negotiables. “Whenever I host dinner parties, I always include place cards and menus—it is a personal detail that is very important to me.” Guests will feel considered, and the menu doubles as a charming keepsake.

Dress Up Thrifted Décor

Take some generic tabletop décor and use a bit of creativity to make it one-of-a-kind. “Grace your table with glass votive holders bedecked with aromatic fresh herbs. Woody herbs are sturdy enough to stand up straight and won’t wilt during the party,” says Martha. “Snip the sprigs to match the holder’s height, then tie three or four to each one with a piece of twine. When the candles are lit, the herbs will send out wafts of earthy fragrance.”

Another idea? Consider the simple monochromatic design above as an alternative to a more elaborate and intricate floral display. "Purchase brightly hued taper candles—the more, the merrier—and then paint wooden candleholders of varying heights to match," Martha says in Very Good Things. "This is also a good way to unify a mismatched collection."

Stay Calm and Collected

Few things set the tone of a dinner party more than the host. “A cool, calm, and collected host is always better company than someone who’s rushing about,” Martha reminds us in Appetizers. Organization is key, she adds: “A well-organized approach is the key to a memorable party—for you and your guests.”

Decorate with Potted Plants

Flowers are a classic, but Martha encourages creativity with greenery you already own. “I like to decorate my home with plants before every gathering,” she writes. “It’s such an easy way to liven up any space, and guests love talking about the interesting plants on display.” Potted plants offer longevity—and conversation value.

Share What You Love

Perhaps the most quintessential Martha tip of all: Enthusiasm is contagious. “Odds are, if you’re especially fond of something, your enthusiasm will spill over to your guests,” Martha says in Appetizers. Whether it’s a signature dish, a proudly thrifted vase on the table, or a favorite playlist, weaving in your own passions makes the night uniquely yours.