Julia Berger grew up in both Tokyo and San Francisco. Now she splits her time between Northern California and Connecicut, running Julia B., her collection of linens, glassware, silverware, plates, and more. Her travels around Asia, the Americas, and Europe have influenced her style, as has her love of classic monograms and exquisite craftsmanship. Of course, her eye for style also applies to her dinner parties. So we asked Julia for her top five tips for hosting with style. She shares her advice below and we’ll add just one more – a champagne toast!

Julia B’s Five Tips for Dinner Parties

Create a great guest list comprising all sorts of interesting personalities in order to ensure great conversations. Get this right and all else is secondary. Get this wrong and no amount of decor, great food or great wine will suffice.

Plan out a wonderful seasonal menu starting with both hot and cold appetizers paired with a sparkling rosé or brut.

Mix and match the linens, dinner ware, cutlery, and glassware creating rich layers of color, texture and sparkle.

Always have an abundance of flowers and candles everywhere in the house and outside. If it’s the dead of winter, even silk will do, but putting on a beautiful party requires color and touches of nature.

Think beyond the dinner table. The powder room should be dimly lit with a small bouquet of flowers, lovely scented soaps and a stack of beautiful linen guest towels

Image of Julia B’s Quattro Mani Roma Collection.