These Are Cameron Forbes' Fave Dining Table Decor Picks For A Successful Dinner Party

dining table decor

There is so much to think about when you're prepping for a dinner party. The menu, guest list, and overall vibe are usually top-of-mind, while dining table decor is often left as an afterthought. No more, we say!

Hear us out – dining table decor is critical to hosting an unforgettable dinner party, and it really doesn't have to be expensive or inaccessible. There are tons of different pieces and DIY decorating methods out there, something Cameron Forbes of Forbes Functions fully embraces that when she's planning events and parties all around New York City.

We chatted with Cameron about her most cherished (and affordable) dining table decor picks to inspire your next get-together.

IG @forbesfunctions

Meet Cameron Forbes, the visionary founder of Forbes Functions, where exceptional event planning meets the heartbeat of New York City. A native New Yorker with a background in PR and Design, Cameron, a Duke University graduate, transitioned from investment banking to officially launch Forbes Functions in 2022. Her venture has swiftly become an industry standard, renowned for sophisticated, tailor-made events. Cameron currently works with NYC's "It" girls, the brides of the Hamptons most notable weddings, and buzz-worthy brands for all of their launch events.

At Forbes Functions, Cameron, along with her team of four female planners, taps into her extensive network across New York and Long Island to curate bespoke experiences. Her innovative approach and flair for hosting have positioned her as a leading tastemaker, crafting unforgettable, trendsetting celebrations resonating with elegance and exclusivity.

Take it away, Cameron!

Cameron's Go-To Dining Table Decor For Hosting

Glassique Cadeau Vintage Art Deco Coupe Glasses

"Gorgeous glassware is an essential element of any dinner party," Cameron said. "I love the vintage feel of these coupe glasses from Amazon – you can get a set of 4 for less than $50. Who doesn’t want to host like Jay Gatsby?"

Patelai Velvet Ribbon

"Bows are a huge tablespace trend right now – you can easily incorporate them into a dinner party on the stems of champagne glasses, around fragrant florals, as napkin rings, and in 100 other ways," Cameron said. "I love this velvet ribbon from Amazon for its luxe look and feel."

Arme Glass Bud Vases

"Bud vases are a beautiful way to decorate your tablescape and familiarize yourself with floral arrangements without breaking the bank," Cameron said. "I bought this mis-matched, eclectic set of 30 vases for under $60 this spring, and am constantly using the pieces for client events and at my own home."

Blue Pheasant Clark Gold Napkin Ring

"Napkin rings are underrated and underused, in my humble opinion – they add a decorative accent to the tablescape and are usually inexpensive," Cameron said. "I recommend these gold monogram ones from Anthropologie for around $10."

Anthropologie Home Delaney Candle Holder

"Anthropologie has the cutest candles and accessories – like this silver candle holder. It’s pretty, practical, and can be used for dinner parties all year long."

Hyoola Tall Taper Candles

"When you throw over 100 events per year for VIP clients, you quickly learn the must-have party products," Cameron said. "I’ve stress-tested almost every candle brand, and Hyoola is the only one that always burns evenly and lasts long. I recommend the 12 packs – they’re around $20 and are well worth it for achieving the perfect candlelit glow for your guests."

ban.do Petite Strawberry Cloud Chambray Cloth Napkins

"Nice, high-quality napkins elevate a tablescape and help make the experience feel even more luxurious for guests. I love these embroidered cloth napkins – they’re modern and minimalist with a fun twist!"

Urban Outfitters Antique Gold 3-Inch Taper Candle Holder

"A gold candleholder provides a classic, elevated feel to a tablescape – I like this one for under $15 from Urban Outfitters," Cameron said. "Pair it with gold flatware and accents for a taste of glitz and glamour, or mix and match metallics and other tones for an eclectic feel."

Papier Scallop Trim Place Card

"Place cards are so important – instead of basic, boring white, I love fun printed ones," Cameron said. "Papier has stunning options, and you can have 100 printed with your guest names for under $100."

Anthropologie Home Bolla Vase & Candle Holder

"I adore any two-in-one product," Cameron said. "These pieces that double as bud vases and candle holders are perfect for a dinner party!"

CB2 Betty Glass Tealight Candle Holders, Set of 6

"Candles are an amazing way to decorate a dinner party on a budget," Cameron said. "These glass votives are perfect to pair with taper candles, floral arrangements, and other tablescape elements, and are under $20 for a set of 6."

Furbish Studio Sanibel Round Tablecloth

"A statement tablecloth provides a flawless foundation for any tablescape. I love the look of block print linens, and Furbish Studios offers tons of options for under $100."

B+C's Favorite Dining Table Decor Pieces

West Elm Mepra Fantasia Flatware Place Settings

These colorful utensils bring such a lively vibe to any dinner table, amping up the energy throughout the evening.

Small Disco Balls, Set of 20

Just like bows are hot right now, disco balls are the moment. This set of 20, shoppable for just $15, bring some much-needed glitz and glam to any table spread.

Urban Outfitters Daisy Serving Board

We adore the unique shape of this serving board. It's the perfect platform for fancy charcuterie spreads and presenting your sweet dessert lineup to guests.

Scwhousi Iron Plate Candle Holders, Set of 3

Candles are always welcome at our dinner table, because they easily set the ambience. Level-up your candle game with these trays that (literally) raise up the cozy vibes. Our fave part about this decor pick is that they're gonna last you forever.

Junkin 24-Piece Wine Glass Charm Set

TBH, it's not a dinner party without some wine, which is why glass charms are totally warranted to add to dining table decor. This $10 set of 24 couldn't be more perfect for a girl's night!

Degen Face Vessel

These funky glasses will definitely make your dining table decor stand out. Flaunting cute little faces on their fronts, they're some super-chic conversation starters!

Colorful Placemats with Scalloped Edges

Whether you're going for intense color-on-color, or want a more cohesive table setting, you can rely on these customizable placemats to bring forth a jolly, jubilant feel to your function. They're handcrafted from thick cotton fabric so you can feel confident that they'll last for years to come!

famiware Dinner Plates, Set of 6

We love this dinner plate design because the gold stripe that runs around the rim gives elegant detail to what would've been just a basic white plate. This set of 6 will run you about $50, which we think is well worth the investment if you plan on hosting many parties throughout the years.

50s Retro Stoneware Salt and Pepper Shakers Set

Having seasonings on the table is going to really please your guests that prefer to personalize their food's flavor, so you might as well do it in style! This mismatched shaker set emits a retro vibe that we are simply obsessed with.

CB2 Celia White Porcelain Vase

No matter the season, placing a bunch of flowers on the table will make your dinner party feel so luxurious and thought-through. They provide a pleasing final touch, and your guests will definitely appreciate that went the extra mile to host them! Having a visually-interesting vase to pair with your arrangements will only up the ante.

Urban Outfitters Lana Dessert Plate

If you're celebrating a birthday, these darling, bow-adorned plates make perfect sense for serving cake!

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Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Forbes Functions on Instagram.

Why am I just now learning that Costco sells caviar?! After a quick catch on social media, I’m totally hooked on finding the TsarNicoulai Caviar Tasting Flight Gift Set in stores.

This find comes at just the right time, too. Christmas and New Year’s are upon us, and the Costco caviar gift set is the perfect hosting hack for leaving a lasting impression on your guests – especially the ones with a bit more bougie palette.

Costco

The Tsar Nicoulai Caviar Tasting Flight Gift Set is directly inspired by Tsar Nicoulai’s award-winning caviar café in San Francisco – IYKYK. The set features 4 “unique” grades of “top-quality” caviar, with each respective grade sourced from a single sturgeon. The very luxe set is completed with a spread of smoked sturgeon, blini, and crème fraiche.

Costco

The Costco caviar (can’t believe I’m writing that!) can serve 4 to 8 people, so it’s practically perfect for a holiday dinner party or cocktail hour. It arrives with 4 caviar spoons made from Mother of Pearl – can someone say “bougie?!”

Rachel Claire / PEXELS

Costco shoppers have granted the caviar set 4.4 out of 5 stars. Here’s some promising reviews to really help you seal the deal:

  • “We bought it as a trial and pretty happy with the purchase. Even with the full price getting smoked sturgeon which we like a like it's a wickedly good deal. If you want to elevate your dining experience this might be one of the ways to do it.”
  • “This was amazing for my 79th birthday experience. My father taught us that to appreciate caviar you have to serve it "right". My Russian Vodka days are over so we utilized some of our favorite Hard Seltzer and of course some finely chopped hard boiled egg and onion which this time was a scallion. The secret is to to place the whole doctored up blini with the caviar into your mouth in one bite so that all the flavors merge at once. Highly recommend this fabulous treat!”
  • “This set is outstanding value! We used this set for a Vodka and Caviar tasting party we were having. All the caviars were excellent and the addition of sturgeon was a nice touch. Highly recommend.”

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

The Tsar Nicoulai Caviar Tasting Flight Gift Set is currently $50 off through December 31, 2024. This savings opportunity is only available online, so don’t wait to snag it for your holiday plans before it sells out! Originally $250, you’ll only pay $200 for the best fancy holiday snack around.

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Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

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Target has so many good fashion finds, and the best part is you can easily track down luxe-looking styles that don’t have that luxe-level price tag. Their A New Day line in particular is packed with everything from everyday basics to statement pieces, all of which won’t break the bank. Everything they sell is my style to a tee, plus I truly can’t get over their shoe game. I scrolled through the entire A New Day collection and found 15 amazingly affordable styles you can wear everywhere!

Scroll to see the best A New Day finds at Target to shop now!

A New Day Clothing Finds

Target

Button-Front Vest

Vests totally became the official-unofficial cool girl uniform over the summer, but that doesn't mean you can't wear one well into winter. Pair this pick with matching trousers and kitten heels for an unforgettably sleek outfit!

Target

Long Sleeve Midi A-Line Dress

The bubble hem on this midi dress feels oh-so fancy for special occasions like dinner parties and cocktail hours. I think the off-the-shoulder moment is super flattering, too!

Target

Maxi Slip Skirt

Channel your inner '90s fashionista with this $28 slip skirt that comes in 8 different stylish colors. You can style it with practically everything from sweaters (for colder months) to tank tops (for warmer months).

Target

Classic Trench Coat

Put on a trench coat once, and you'll instantly feel like that girl. This $45 jacket is the perfect excuse to layer up this winter!

Target

Slim Fit Long Sleeve Ribbed Boat Neck T-Shirt

This long sleeve tee is quite literally perfect. The boat neck is flattering and feminine, plus I love that the overall fit isn't too tight nor too loose – just comfy enough! You can wear it with everything this winter and spring.

Target

Faux Fur Jacket

Yeah, this jacket is it. Not only is it gonna make a statement, it'll keep you quite cozy and warm!

Target

Faux Suede Midi A-Line Skirt

This $35 faux suede skirt had me fooled for real suede, making it one of the best luxe-looking A New Day finds at Target right now. The paneling is super neat, adding a good amount of visual interest to this gorgeously unique terra cotta color.

Target

Long Sleeve Midi Sweater Dress

Sweater dresses are in their prime this time of year, but it can be hard to find one that checks off all my boxes. Luckily, this $40 knit one is just modest enough, but has plenty of playful details to make it feel more elegant: the leg slit and turtleneck look adorable.

Target

Ballon Long Sleeve Tie Front Blouse

This Scandi-style tie-up top is ideal for work outfits and low-key weekend outings. I will never get over the bows! It also comes in a serene purple color and a bold zebra print, if that's more your vibe.

Target

High-Rise Wide Leg Pleated Front Trousers

The extra-wide legs on these pleated trousers are right in line with today's trends, plus, they're uber-flattering for any figure. I love the idea of wearing them with ballet flats or chunky boots for a sophisticated 'fit!

Target

Long Sleeve Knit Ballet Maxi Dress

You can do all the swirling and twirling in this cute maxi dress! The length hits right around the shins so you can still show off your favorite winter boots.

A New Day Shoe Finds

Target

Gigi Embellished Slingback Kitten Heels

Now onto the best part – shoes! A New Day carries a ton of trendy styles, one of which is these sparkling kitten heels. The mesh + rhinestone combo can't be beat, Plus, they're only $30 – perfect for picking up ahead of holiday party season.

Target

Donna Ankle Boots

You can't ever go wrong with a solid pair of black boots. These ankle booties feature a bold pointed toe and block heel to keep every step comfortable.

Target

Jordan Loafer Flats

Put some preppy-ness in your step with these chunky loafers! Their limited black and white color palette allows you to easily match them with any outfit.

Target

Issa Mesh Mary Jane Ballet Flats

These mesh ballet flats are everything. They feel super bougie but will only run you $35, which is a fraction of what similar designs go for elsewhere.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Christmas cookie decorating is holiday tradition for us here at B+C, so we were so stoked to find this recipe for paleo cookies that adds a healthy twist to this classic holiday dessert. These sweet treats will shine among the rest of your Christmastime tablescape, and they are super easy to make. Plus, they'll pair well with just about any Christmas dessert. Just combine your paleo-friendly ingredients to prep the dough, let it sit overnight, then bake for ten minutes! The best part about this recipe is of course, all of the fun holiday-time shapes you can cut. Consider this recipe your go-to for healthy cookies, though, since you can make them year-round in any shape you like. Let's get to decorating!

Ingredients for Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

For the cookies:

  • 1/2 cup grass-fed salted butter, softened
  • 6 tablespoons raw honey
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the frosting:

  • 6 tablespoons coconut butter or coconut manna
  • 1/4 cup cacao butter
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • Plant-based food coloring
  • Vegetable-dyed sprinkles, for topping*
* Look for vegetable and fruit-dyed food coloring and sprinkles in natural grocery stores or online, and avoid artificial colors to keep these cookies Paleo friendly!

How to Make Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

  1. Add the softened butter and honey to a large mixing bowl. Cream the mixture together using a handheld mixer until it is smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract and whisk until they are well combined. Pour in the almond flour, coconut flour, and baking soda, and continue mixing until the batter has come together smoothly.
  2. Separate the dough into two, and place each one on top of a piece of plastic wrap. Roll each dough into a ball, then flatten to a thick disk, cover completely with the plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to firm up for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove one of the dough discs from the refrigerator, unwrap the plastic and place the dough on top of a piece of parchment paper, then top it with another piece of parchment paper. Use a roller to flatten out the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch thick. Work quickly with your favorite Christmas cookie cutters, and use a thin spatula to lift the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes, then place on a wire rack for further cooling. Gather the leftover scraps back into a ball in the plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it back in the refrigerator, while working with the other piece of dough. Do this in batches to keep the dough from getting too warm and so you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
  5. While the batches of cookies are baking, use a small saucepan to lightly melt the coconut butter and cacao butter together over low heat on the stovetop. Remove the pan from the heat when the ingredients have just melted together. Stir in the desired amount of honey, then set aside to cool and thicken up slightly. If you are using food coloring, add in the desired amount into the frosting mixture (1-2 teaspoons of green or red should do the trick). If you plan on only using white frosting, only use a small amount of honey, as it can make the frosting an off-white or light brown color.
  6. After the cookies have completely cooled, decorate them with the frosting and sprinkles as desired. If you don’t have any professional piping tools, an easy fix is to place the frosting in a plastic sandwich bag and remove all the air when sealing the top. Cut a tiny tip off one corner of the plastic bag, then gently squeeze and pipe over the cookies. Use one plastic bag or piping bag for each color of frosting. Top with corresponding sprinkles and enjoy!

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Recipe development and photography by Sarah Anderson.

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.