How to Set Up a Dinner Table for an Anniversary

Your anniversary is a time to celebrate another year of marriage, so you may want to have a dinner party to commemorate the occasion. There are specific colors and flowers associated with each anniversary year, along with items that have sentimental value to the "bride and groom." Use these for inspiration whether you're adorning the dinner table to host your own celebration or want to throw a special couple in your life an anniversary celebration they'll always remember. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cover the table in a cloth that matches the anniversary year. For instance, a bronze tablecloth is fitting decor for an eighth anniversary celebration, while a silk ruby red cloth should adorn a formal 15th anniversary event.

2

Set the table by placing chargers at each seat that are slightly darker or lighter than the tablecloth to achieve a monochromatic look. Periwinkle blue chargers against a royal blue table is appropriate for an 18th anniversary dinner party, while a lavender tablecloth accented by aubergine chargers is the proper way to wish the couple a happy 24th anniversary.

3

Position a glass or china plate on top of the charger. Set the forks to the left of the plate, and add a knife and spoon to the right of the dinner plate. If you're serving bread or rolls, add a small bread plate above the dinner plate to the left, and rest a butter knife across the bread plate. Glasses should be positioned above the main dinner plate on the right-hand side.

4

Purchase a centerpiece made of flowers that are indicative of the couple's anniversary year. For example, a bouquet of bright peonies in shades of red, pink or orange are a 12th anniversary symbol of a happy and honest relationship. Or select a collection of vibrant, multicolored bird of paradise blooms that will make the tropical-themed ninth anniversary dinner party even more picturesque.

5

Line the center of the table with small framed photographs of you and your spouse sharing special moments in the relationship. Feature pictures of you and your husband at your wedding ceremony, welcoming your first child into the world or standing in front of the first home you purchased together. Choose frames that match the anniversary color, like silver for the 25th and gold for the 50th.

6

Fill small glass or ceramic bowls in metallic shades like silver or copper with small snacks for the guests to enjoy, and place them in between the picture frames. Mini-sugar cookies in the shape of the couple's initials are appropriate, along with color-coordinated candies like lemon drops for the 17th anniversary.

7

Sprinkle confetti on the table for a finishing touch. Purchase table confetti shaped like the number of the anniversary you're celebrating or color-coordinated confetti shaped like wedding rings, hearts or the word "love."