There are many fabulous restaurants on the coast with fantastic dishes and décor. Our dining experiences are one of the reasons the word is getting around about the Secret Coast. Many restaurants offer delicious meals for a great price, making dining out more accessible.
However, rising fuel and food prices have some of us spending more time at home. When we were shut in during the pandemic, many of us either found or rediscovered the joy of cooking. Now that we can gather with family and friends again, we can catch up by preparing a meal together. After all, some of the best memories are made in the kitchen — the heart of the home.
Here’s an idea: Invite friends over for a potluck-style dinner where everyone brings their best dishes. Make it more fun, and vote for the top recipe. You may be surprised at how quickly that can turn into a tradition. Just the two of you? Imagine how romantic date night can be when your significant other takes the time and care to prepare an impressive meal.
No matter the occasion, why not make dining at home special and create the same elegant atmosphere you would find in a fine-dining restaurant? Here are a few tips for your dining room decor and completing the transition to an authentic restaurant-quality experience.
USE LINEN TABLECLOTHS AND NAPKINS
Set your table to set it apart from how it looks every other day. If you have a theme, such as Italian, consider a checkered tablecloth.
MAKE A CENTERPIECE
This can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. Fresh greenery with votive candles on a tray is a simple, yet elegant, look. Place fresh-cut flowers in a vase surrounded by a few small candles to boost the elegance factor.
ADJUST THE LIGHTING
Fine dining is not complete without candles and low lighting. If you have a dimmer, lower the lights. No dimmer? Grab a few lamps from around the house and place them in the room on small tables.
DRESS THE PART
Have fun and take the time to get dressed up for the special occasion. Wear what you would if you were headed to a fancy dinner spot. When you look the part, your home restaurant will feel the part.
GILD THE ROOM
One of the best ways to add elegance and bounce light around the room is to add a gilded mirror. Keep an eye out for clearance items at local décor stores; they sometimes have the perfect touches.
Plan delicious meals in your special place and enjoy elegant dining by employing a few of these simple ideas. Spending more time at home doesn’t mean we can’t create a “dining out” sense of elegance. Of course, these ideas also are great for staging if you sell your home.
Susan Siemiontkowski is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty. Reach her at (228) 239-2621 or susiesellsthecoast@gmail.com.
