7 Old-Fashioned Entertaining Trends That Are Here To Stay

In the fast-paced world we live in, it seems a whole lot easier to take shortcuts than to do things the stop-and-smell-the-roses way: to buy the pie instead of making it from scratch, to shoot off an email instead of penning a handwritten note. But when it comes to playing host, it's important to slow down and take time to do things the old-fashioned way. Here, we've rounded up seven old-school approaches to entertaining that are here to stay—and for good reason.

Sending Out a Traditional Invitation

There's nothing more fun than discovering a pretty invitation in the mail amidst the utility bills and catalogues. Do your guests a favor and spring for paper invites rather than an e-vite or a quick text. This more formal approach to invitations also sets the tone for the get-together itself: Encourage guests to stow phones away—no matter how tempted they are to snapshots of the festivities for their Instagram followers. Parties are for being together and enjoying each other's company; there's plenty of time to scroll Facebook later!

Using the Silver

It's tempting to save yourself the polish-and-shine time, but unless you're hosting a backyard barbecue, skip the plasticware and set the table with your "special occasion" silver. Twirling up the table is a thoughtful way to make your guests feel celebrated and to make even the most ordinary Sunday night supper feel anything but. Plus, the more you use your sterling, the less work it'll require to get your flatware guest-ready each time.

Setting the Table With Linens

Cloth napkins are an easy, low-commitment way to liven up the table with additional color and pattern. Beyond their more dressed-up look, cloth napkins are also better for the environment than their paper counterparts, which are discarded immediately following the meal. Just don't forget to iron your cloth napkins before your guests arrive (or if you're pressed for time, at least toss them in the dryer with some wrinkle-release).

Serving the Meal on Your Fine China

The plates holding court in your antique hutch would love to see action every once in a while. Rather than reserving the fine china exclusively for the holidays, bring it out for Wednesday night family dinners or your neighborhood supper club. It makes whatever you're serving, be it lasagna or rack of lamb, feel a bit more elevated.

Labeling the Menu

Take a note from the hosts of yesteryear and don't leave guests guessing what's for dinner. If serving your meal buffet-style, display the prettily penned recipe names alongside the dishes. It's also a fun move for a DIY bar set-up: Prop up a handwritten recipe card by the spirits and allow guests to stir together the night's signature cocktail with ease.

Making Place Cards

While we certainly don't mind a "sit wherever," spontaneous approach, we're big believers in the power of place cards and a predetermined seating arrangement. This extra, low-effort step makes guests feel especially welcome, as well as nips any potential musical chairs awkwardness in the bud. It's also an easy way to ensure that your guests have a good time; seat the two green thumbs beside each other, and they'll have plenty to discuss!

Decorating With Backyard Cuttings

Before shipping innovations meant that you could scoop up an armful of peonies or tulips at the neighborhood grocery, hosts relied on whatever was growing in their own yards to craft their tabletop centerpieces. Add a natural element to your tablescape (and save money!), by decorating with greenery and blossoms from your own yard. Fill hurricane vases with magnolia leaves, or something similar, for a green centerpiece, or place camellias in a crystal bowl for a delightfully bright focal point. If you're not feeling especially crafty, start with an arrangement from Publix or Trader Joe's and then fluff it up by layering in fresh-cut greenery from your backyard.