I found that a successful dinner party typically has a few key factors in common. Some of these key factors are great food, engaging conversation and the right ambience. Some may wonder, what makes up the right ambience? Well, first and foremost, what exactly do we mean when we say ambience? By literal definition, it means the character and atmosphere of a place. Therefore, the location for a dinner party, whether in one's home or in a rented venue, should reflect the mood of the dinner party that the host wishes to convey. This than may transcend into the surrounding décor which serves as the backdrop for the dinner party. For example, a Mediterranean inspired dinner party could be held outdoors, poolside, or on a terrace overlooking an ocean view or even could be in a garden. However, the atmosphere or desired mood of a dinner party can also be reflected in an amazing table scape. I am a firm believer that a table scape is never literal as this may instead come off as kitchy. Rather, a table scape should be an interpretation. One example that stands out to me from my experiences in retail was creating a table scape for Hanukah. One year, my team and I decided a different approach. We utilized the classic colors of blue, white and silver where the menorah centerpiece was in silver with blue and white candles; we used linens with silver stitching; drink ware was in cobalt blue; the dinnerplates were classic white; glass chargers in a shimmering silver. All this was set up on a massive dining table which we featured in the front of the store. What was most rewarding was how well our interpretation of a Hanukah dinner celebration was received and appreciated. This was certainly reflected in our sales that month! So yes, a well thought out and executed table scape can serve as the most powerful element in creating a certain ambiance for a dinner party, particularly when the location is simply in one's home.