a table with food and drinks on it

Whenever I’m hosting, I tend to make the beverage a focal point of the party, whether it’s a planned event or a last-minute hang. (This can include non-alcoholic or low-ABV options too, by the way.) It gives me the rare opportunity to put together a mix of entertaining staples that fit both the occasion and the drink of choice.

As far as tablescapes go, I gravitate toward graphic, colorful pieces with a touch of personality that still maintain a polished look and feel. I’m shooting for a sense of relaxed sophistication—a setup that looks like I put it together effortlessly, even if I’ve spent hours thinking about it, then rearranging it, before reverting back to the way it all started out.

Lately, I’ve been taking inspiration from the centerpiece in question when it comes to décor, too. Take, for example, Element[AL] Wines and its flashy new packaging. These high-quality varietals come in the first-ever full-size (750 ml) aluminum bottles and are not only lightweight, but also outdoor-friendly, recyclable, and nice to look at, setting the tone and color palette wherever they’re on view.

And since I happen to have recently celebrated a festive milestone of my own—I got married!—and have had event-planning on my mind as of late, I’m sharing what I know. Here are my essentials—inspired by Element[AL] Wines—for a range of special occasions. Bottoms up!

Dinner Party

a table with plates and glasses

Gold-imbued pieces will stand out against a backdrop of complementary tones within a neutral color family. For this event, start with Element[AL] Chardonnay, which features notes of summer peach, green apple, and toasted vanilla for a fruity and slightly spicy finish. Then, set your table with gold forks, dip-dyed napkins, and classic white-wine glasses. You’ll want to present your go-to recipes to your guests, of course, but tinned-fish crostini and a crudités plate are a fool-proof, crowd-pleasing way to start the meal.

Date Night

a table with food and drinks on it

Red tablewares within the Pinot Noir palette set a romantic mood: place mats accented with scalloped edges, a covetable carafe with a heart inside, and a cult-favorite candle with a subtle tomato scent (trust me, it smells good). You’ll need something sweet to complement the blend—which, fun fact, is aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels—so serve retro-inspired desserts (jellies, meringues, mousses) topped with raspberries.

Brunch

a table with food and glasses

Sleek and modern pieces pair well with the blue metallic details containing Element[AL]’s Pinot Grigio. Base your spread on this colorful woven runner, then add sleek coupe glasses and sculptural salt and pepper shakers, plus a fun brunch board and egg cups, all begging to be photographed. And when the bottle is empty? You can easily repurpose it into a flower vase for a sustainable display.

Watch Party

a table with food and drinks

ELLE editors love awards season, and in 2024, we’re all thinking pink thanks to that smash hit movie. Stylish dinnerware sets, stemless glasses filled to the brim with ruby-toned Rosé, and vases of seasonal arrangements instantly up the ante on elegance when popcorn and charcuterie are on the table (sans cheese, though—I’m lactose-intolerant). The layers of pink-on-pink in hues from pastel to jewel tones will liven up the room, no matter what you’re watching.

Art direction by Jessica Tsouplakis and Thea Karas; creative production by Hannah Miller; edited by Sarah Strong; prop styling by Sonia Rentsch; food styling by Sean Dooley.