There’s something attractive about hosting a small, intimate birthday party and avoiding the restaurant or party scene. Hosting a dinner party is an excellent way to enjoy fabulous food, great company, and the comforts of home.
Here are ten table decoration ideas for an intimate birthday party celebration with friends.
A Floral Centerpiece
While the birthday person is the star of the show, the centerpiece is a close second. Set the tone for your table with a lovely floral centerpiece that adds a sense of luxury and refinement. You can display your happy birthday roses or choose blooms that fit your theme.
As an alternative to the traditional vase or table arrangement, consider a minimalist style centerpiece. Divide a flower arrangement into single blooms and display them in an assortment of small vessels or lay them artfully on the table.
Incorporating fresh produce is an excellent way to embody the season of your birthday celebration. Brightly colored flowers with citrus fruit add a fun pop of color during the spring and summer. Apples and gourds pair well with sunflowers for a lovely fall display. Finally, adding some cranberries to the arrangement adds a rich burst of red during the winter.
Add a water feature for an elevated approach. Fill a tall vase with water and petals, or float the fruit for some added flair.
A Hanging Centerpiece
If you have a small table or want the food to be the star of the show, consider a hanging centerpiece instead. Decorate your overhead light with an array of dried flowers, feathers, and pampas grass for an artistic display. If you have a chandelier, take out the bulbs and replace them with blooms, using tabletop candles and twinkle lights as an alternative.
You can also embrace the minimalist approach by creating floating florals. Separate the blooms from their stems and tie them in a strand using a fishing line. Floral loops are another gorgeous way to create a hanging centerpiece that will stun your guests.
Charger Plates
Charger plates are decorative plates that fit the theme and decor. When the meal comes out, the dinner plate will sit atop the charger plate. If there are multiple courses, the charger plate stays and the dining plate is swapped out. It’s formal, and elegant, and adds an exquisite touch to the birthday table.
You can purchase or rent affordable charger plates that make the table look like a fine dining experience. Choose a color or pattern that fits the rest of the decor, and let your guests be amazed when they walk into the room.
Origami Cloth Napkins
Cloth napkins are another tasteful touch that adds a sense of opulence to the party. Folding those napkins is the cherry on top. It’s also a fun party trick to learn so you can impress friends at every special event.
Keep it simple with a cutlery pocket, or try something more elaborate, like a rose, bird, or pinwheel. This practical piece of decor will delight your guests and stop any messes that arise as you laugh and share stories.
Twinkle Lights
Adding twinkle lights to your table decor brings a sense of magic and wonder to the room. This feature is especially lovely when dining al fresco for your birthday.
Add a few string lights along the middle of the table to highlight the centerpiece or food features. Alternatively, string them overhead to create the illusion of a starry night. If you’re dining outdoors, put a few posts in the ground around the dining area and string the twinkle lights overhead.
Decorative Pedestals
While one could argue that only the birthday person should be put on a pedestal for this event, it’s also a great way to transform the food into art. Add a few tiers and pedestals to the table to display food. Adding vertical features adds dimension to the table and creates more space. Visit BloomingBox to find the right decorative pedestals.
You can often find pedestal displays at thrift shops. Look beyond outdated colors or patterns and consider upcycling your finds to fit your aesthetic. Confirm that your paint and sealant are food safe before proceeding. Alternatively, cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the display.
A Photo Display
Showcasing special photos and memories is another excellent way to decorate a birthday table for an intimate dinner. Consider printing some images and placing matching frames around the table as a display. Alternatively, showcase the unframed pictures by laying a piece of plastic overtop for protection.
This decorating idea is another opportunity to create a hanging centerpiece or backdrop. Use some fishing line to let photos float from the chandelier or hang behind the table.
Printed Menus and Place Cards
Adding menus and place cards creates a formal, personal touch to a party table— and it’s easier than you think.
You can find name place and menu templates on Etsy to download and customize with your information. There are endless options to choose from for colors, themes, and fonts. Purchase some nice cardstock from a local stationary store for a rich, textured experience.
Don’t hesitate to take a DIY approach and practice your lettering skills. You can find step-by-step tutorials online to help you create lovely, hand-lettered keepsakes.
Trendy Table Runners
Adding an accent table runner is a great way to pull the theme together and add dimension to the table. It’s also a simple way to transform a standard tablecloth for different occasions.
Get creative and make a statement by making a linen table runner with pressed flowers and leaves or upcycled cheesecloth. You can also swap out the traditional table runner with a wooden plank or by repurposing the pages of a vintage book.
Chair Covers
Bring the entire table together with some simple chair covers to transform your tired dining chairs into something new and fresh. Rent a few basic covers or craft your own with spare fabric. You can also add scarves, pashminas, or throw blankets to chairs while dining al fresco.
Hosting an intimate birthday party will have you wondering why you ever wanted to go out. Use these decor tips to create a fine dining experience at home, then sit back, relax, and enjoy the party.
