How to Host a Minimal-Maximalist Dinner Party This Winter (From Decor to Dessert)

First thing’s first: A winter dinner party needs an ultra-cozy vibe. So, for a minimal, seasonal base, look to hygge Scandinavian gatherings for inspiration. Think:  tapered candle clusters, natural woods and neutral textiles. Then, for the maximalism part, turn to retro,‘70s-inspired tables. Basically, you want to create a neutral, textured base that can be complemented by organic statement pieces. Take it from the inspo above, where RW Guild founders Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch blend crisp linens and classic crystal glassware with metallic candles and scalloped statement pieces.

To nail the Scandi look, keep your linen palette earthy and neutral, and don't you dare touch that iron. (Creased? Please. It's called organic). Above, you can see how a simple fringed runner and oversized napkins—which can be folded into fourths—add texture and drama to the edges of the table.(Just, whatever you do, no disposables.)

Shop the Look: Frange Fringe Table Runner by Athena Calderone ($90); Frange Fringe Napkin by Athena Calderone ($13)

Before you do anything else, make sure you’re adorning the table with tons of tapered candles. (And if you’re worried about starting a fire, this flameless option from Riverbend Home is basically indistinguishable from the real deal.) Then, once you’ve set the mood, you want to surround the table with equally toasty centerpieces. It can be anything from an oversized vase to a ceramic stoneware pitcher to a polished metal fruit bowl—just be sure it breaks things up by drawing visual interest from the dishes below.

Otherwise, if you’re looking to save a penny, make like the Danes and forage for natural decor. A walk through your local park can yield a handful of dried florals that can be placed in a vase, along with a bunch of branches, pinecones and bark to bring the natural look together. Another money-saving tip: When you're cooking with fresh herbs, remember they doubly earn their keep as decor. (Leftover sage and rosemary, for example, can provide the perfect pop of color when laid atop a napkin or plate, and of course, the food itself.) 

Shop the Look: Reed Candlesticks in Burnished Brass ($250); Vase Sorori ($88); Yellow Wax Flameless Candles Set of 3 ($74; $66)

Homemade soup: it's so easy, so beautiful and so. Darn. Cheap. This easy and customizable carrot soup is perfect for warming up on chilly nights and can be made days in advance. Psst: Don’t forget to garnish each dish with those aforementioned herbs. (The little things make all the difference.)

Don't get us wrong, we love carbs—but this is a special occasion. For festive wow factor (dietary restrictions pending), we always look to meat and fish over pastas and pizza. The key is to pick a recipe that you don’t have to babysit, so you can simply pop in the oven as you get yourself (and the table) ready. This rack of slow-roasted ribs with apple and onion is way less intimidating and expensive than it looks.

Two words: chocolate sandwiches. Literally just melty chocolate chips between two slices of toast, these desserts are whimsical, adorable and easy as can be. If you want to get really fancy, add a dusting of cinnamon sugar or some flaky sea salt to elevate the presentation.

At last, we’ve reached the fun part: Booze. For this look, it’s best to hone in on the “organic” element. Hence, why we’re loving Tinto Amorio, a wine brand that offers a natural wine subscription. Our senior food editor Katherine Gillen says, “We’re no wine connoisseurs, but we found [Jajaja] juicy and extremely drinkable—a red that we’d want to serve both at a summer backyard bash and a cozy winter dinner…[It’s] a light-bodied Zinfandel that’s meant to be served chilled, and, according to the brand, has notes of cola berry spice, rhubarb and bramble.”

Or, if you’re looking for something lighter, there’s a new agave-based aperitif that senior food editor Katherine Gillen is calling “sunshine in a bottle”: Le Moné. “It’s all at once light, citrus-y, complex and balanced. It’s tart but not too mouth-puckering, sweet without being cloying and just bitter enough to keep you coming back for another sip,” Gillen explains. “When we tried Le Moné, we were worried that the lemony profile would seem out of place at a [cozy] dinner—it sounds more fitting for a summer patio soirée—but unlike a heavily spiced winter cocktail, it was pleasantly bright and refreshing.”

Shop the look: Jajaja - Glou Glou Red Wine ($45); Le Moné Meyer Lemon ($35)