How To: Throw a Dinner Party Without Buying a Thing

Quick! Your husband called and he's bringing his boss and his wife home for an impromptu dinner party. You've got no flowers, centerpieces or table runners on hand and your linens are at the dry cleaners. What to do?

Don't fret. Take a walk through each room of your house and follow my guide for dinner party decor using only items laying around the house. Ready?

KITCHEN
1. Gather bell jars, vases and clear glassware you have on hand. Fill each container with split peas, lentils and coffee beans for a natural, organic color scheme. Your centerpieces are finished! (If it's fall, I'd include a few branches in the vases, as well -- the look is gorgeous!)
2. Polish that old flatware with baking soda, foil and water.

BEDROOM
1. Grab that mocha-colored sheet from your closet and iron out the wrinkles. Instant tablecloth!
2. If you want to get really fancy, use the matching pillowcases to slipcover your dining room chairs. Accent with a satin ribbon at the seat and you've got high style for zero cost.

BATHROOM
1. Have a white porcelain or clear glass soap dish? Give it a good cleaning, then use it to display a few toothpicks for a nice after-dinner thought.
2. Re-purpose your fancy guest towels into napkins, then head to the garage for your napkin rings (i.e. washers!).

LIVING ROOM
1. Borrow a few candles from your sofa table and place them into your DIY centerpieces.
2. Move a few lamps into the dining area for some mood lighting, and switch out rugs if necessary.

As for the menu, that's easy -- take out! (Of course, don't forget to destroy the evidence...)

Read more:
-Throw a Mail Order Party
-The Best Barbecue Ever
-My Aunt Janet's Secret to Amazing Outdoor Dinner Parties