If you’re looking for great decorating ideas for home entertaining that could work for everything from a graduation party or bridal shower to a dinner party or holiday event, then you’ll love my 3 decorating secrets to creating stunning home entertainment events.

1. Select your theme - Pick a theme that’s relevant to the type of event or time of year and carry the theme throughout in everything from decorations to food.  For example I threw an event in the dead of winter so my decorations included everything from bare branches and snow to pinecones and snowflakes in a neutral winter palette.   Then I continued the theme with food that fit my wintry scheme and colors such as hot chocolate with marshmallows, spiced cider with cinnamon sticks, and comfort foods that warmed the soul.

Some other great ways to decorate with food might include placing appetizers or desserts in martini glasses or clear containers or any bold color food on white dinnerware to create that “wow” factor.

2. Determine color scheme - One of the most effective color schemes for an event and my personal favorites are a monochromatic (one color) or complementary color scheme such as orange and blue or red and green.  For example, for one event I selected blue as my main color, layering in neutral white and silver to create a beautiful classic color palette that my guest of honor loved!

3. Set the table - For most homeowners, setting the table and decorating in general often becomes the most daunting task.  But if you break it down into simple steps, its much easier.

Once I’ve selected my theme and color scheme, I begin by creating a fabulous centerpiece where its a budget friendly collection of bare branches stuffed into an oversized glass container with pinecones at the base or an elaborate cupcake tree brimming over with delicious cupcakes fresh from the oven.

Just remember the key to success in tabletop decorating is to keep it simple and often organic whether you’re using something from the great outdoors or simply placing rows of carrot sticks and celery upright in a square clear glass container to show off the beautiful orange and green color scheme you selected.

Decorating by Karen Mills

If you’re still lost, trying introducing a tray to hold all your items in the center of your table, creating a vignette with the tall items at back, mixing it up with different textures and shapes in varying sizes.  And don’t forget to have fun with your table settings too!

For more great ideas on interior design or decorating, don’t miss Living Large with