Olivia Culpo shares her best tips for hosting and table decoration

Former Miss Universe, model, actress and media personality Olivia Culpo is a woman of many talents and interests – one of them being hosting. Culpo recently threw the ultimate party with her picture-perfect wedding day, marrying NFL star Christian McCaffrey, and Better Homes & Gardens got to ask her about some of her hosting secrets.

Here, Culpo — who partnered with Crate & Barrel to create and share her own wedding registry, packed with table setting and entertaining must-haves and other items to make guests feel welcome — shares her top table setting tips, how she makes entertaining less stressful, and the kitchen tools she needs to host a large group.

Olivia Culpo’s favorite table decoration

When it comes to setting the table for a dinner party at home, Culpo keeps it simple and breaks everything needed down into three categories.

“Beautiful dinnerware, specialty glassware and decor,” she tells BHG. “My table setting is usually candles and greenery in different heights and colors to add dimension. I always use charger plates and simple white dinner plates. Depending on the occasion, I like to have fun with the choice of napkins and tablecloths. An easy way to dress up your table is to use vintage-inspired flatware and fun napkin rings, even if they’re simple and made from twine and a thyme leaf.”

Simple tips for creating a table decoration

Creating a table setting at home can be a challenge for some. What color should the plates be? Does everything have to match? Should there be a theme? Culpo has some advice for those who are having a hard time putting together a table setting (especially if the gathering is last minute).

Make it personal

Although Culpo tends to keep the decor minimalist and simple, she likes to add a little personal touch to make her guests feel extra special.

“At a dinner party, I like to add a personal touch to the event to make it more intimate. At my last birthday party, I personalized a set of linen napkins for each guest in attendance. The year before, I had placed a book on each guest’s plate to take home. There are no rules, and the more layers you can build on your table, the better the story it tells,” she says.

Use natural elements

“You want something that adds an earthy touch to the space – greenery, flowers or branches – whatever fits the atmosphere and occasion. I’ve always been a huge fan of incorporating nature in some way. It really helps highlight the season we’re in. You can forage in your yard for the perfect seasonal touch,” says Culpo.

Lighting is everything

“The right lighting is also crucial to the atmosphere of your table,” says Culpo. “You need enough light, but not too much. I prefer candlelight when the room isn’t too dark, and taper candles are the perfect way to add dimension. They draw the eye while allowing guests to see and chat with each other.”

Have neutral plates ready

“I love Crate & Barrel’s Tour Plates because they’re so versatile. They can be layered to create a beautiful table setting for a dinner party, and they’re also perfect for a casual dinner,” says Culpo. “They’re also so simple that you can use them year-round.”

How Culpo makes hosting more enjoyable

Between preparing food, setting the table, getting drinks for guests, and trying to enjoy the party itself, hosting can sometimes seem almost impossible. Culpo told us how she handles the stress that comes with being the designated entertainer.

“I love hosting and I’m the official party planner for my family’s special moments, so it’s important to have all the pieces in place to make each celebration run as smoothly as possible,” she says. “Plan as much in advance as possible. If you’re cooking, make sure it’s a recipe you know really well so you can enjoy time with your guests and feel stress-free. Have a beverage ready or easily accessible so guests can help themselves, and music is a must! I always sprinkle out games or puzzles, too.”

Your must-have kitchen item for hosts

We asked Culpo about her absolute favorite kitchen item that makes hosting a little easier.

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