Olivia Culpo Shares Her Best Hosting and Tablescape Secrets

Learn how to be a better (and less stressed) host with Culpo’s entertaining advice.

Former Miss Universe, model, actress, and media personality Olivia Culpo is a woman of many talents and interests—just one of them being hosting. Culpo recently hosted the ultimate party with her picture-perfect wedding day, where she married NFL star Christian McCaffrey, and Better Homes & Gardens got to pick her brain for a few of her hosting secrets.

Here, Culpo—who worked with Crate & Barrel to craft and share her own wedding registry, which is packed with tablescape and hosting must-haves, plus more to help guests feel welcome—shares her best tablescape design tips, how she makes hosting less stressful, and her must-have kitchen item for entertaining a crowd.

Related: Are You Always the Designated Host? Here’s How to Finally Enjoy the Party Yourself

Olivia Culpo’s Go-To Tablescape

Culpo keeps it simple when it comes to setting the table for an at-home dinner party, compartmentalizing everything needed into three categories.

“A gorgeous dining set, specialty glassware, and decor,” she tells BHG. “My tablescape decor usually includes candles and greenery of varying heights and colors to add dimension. I always use charger plates and simple white dining plates. I like to have fun with the napkin and tablecloth choice depending on the event. An easy way to elevate your table is using vintage-inspired cutlery and fun napkin rings, even if it’s simple and made out of twine and a thyme leaf.”

Related: 18 Dining Table Decor Ideas to Instantly Enhance Your Space

Easy Tips for Designing a Tablescape

Crafting a tablescape at home can be overwhelming for some. What color plates should you use? Does everything have to match? Is there supposed to be a theme? Culpo has some advice for those who struggle to put together a tablescape (especially if the gathering is last minute).

Make It Personal

While Culpo may lean towards more minimal and simplistic decor, she loves to add something personal to make her guests feel extra special.

“For a dinner party, I love adding a personal touch to make the occasion more intimate. For my recent birthday party, I personalized a set of linen napkins for each guest in attendance. The year before, I had a book on each guest’s plate to take home with them. There are no rules and the more layers you can build on your table, the better story it will tell,” she says.

Use Natural Elements

“You want something that grounds the space—greenery, flowers, or branches—whatever fits the atmosphere and occasion. I’ve always been a big fan of incorporating nature in some way. It really helps play up whatever season we are in. You can rummage in your backyard for the perfect seasonal touch,” Culpo says.

Lighting Is Everything

”Getting the lighting right is also crucial for your table’s feel,” Culpo says. ”You need enough light but don’t want it overwhelming. I prefer candlelight if it’s not too dark in the room, and taper candles are the perfect way to add dimension, keeping the eye engaged while still allowing guests to see and chat with one another.”

Have Neutral Plates on Hand

”I love the Tour Plates from Crate & Barrel because they are so versatile. They can be layered to create a beautiful tablescape for a dinner party and are also perfect for a casual dinner,” Culpo says. ”They are also simple enough to use year-round.”

Related: 5 Must-Have Items You Need in Your Hosting Closet This Summer

How Culpo Makes Hosting More Enjoyable

Between making the food, setting the table, getting guests’ drinks, and trying to enjoy the party yourself, hosting can feel nearly impossible at times. Culpo gave us the inside scoop on how she handles the stress that comes along with being the designated entertainer.

”I love hosting, and I’m the official party planner for my family’s special moments—so having all of the pieces to make any celebration as seamless as possible is important,” she says. ”Plan as much as you can in advance. If you are cooking, make sure it’s a recipe you know really well so you can enjoy your time with guests and feel stress-free. Have a drink premade or easily accessible so guests can serve themselves, and music is a must! I also always scatter games or puzzles around as well.”

Her Must-Have Kitchen Item for Hosting

We asked Culpo for her absolute favorite kitchen item for making hosting just a little bit easier.

”I am obsessed with my Le Creuset Dutch Oven,” she told us. ”I cook everything from chili to sourdough in it. It is extremely functional but also such an aesthetic choice; I love when products have a dual purpose. The creaminess of this Crate & Barrel exclusive shade paired with the gold knob is just so elegant and looks perfect sitting on top of my stove and served on the dinner table for family-style dining.”

Related: What Is a Dutch Oven—and How Do You Use It?

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