Classic Tableware Essentials

Serving Platters, Trays & Stands

Whether you serve family style or buffet for a gathering, you always need platters, trays and stands! A cake stand is one those wise investments that will help you serve a variety of desserts in style from cookies to pies and of course cakes.

Opt for an elegant glass or white ceramic one to let the cake get all the attention!

Specialty Silver & Glass Servingware

Wow guests with timeless silver and glass serving dishes for specialty foods like pickles, jams, jellies, dressings, and other sauces.

Charming Small Plates For Hors D’oeuvres & Desserts

Whether you are serving appetizers, desserts, or little tidbits with tea you need a set of small plates. These can be great fun to mix and match, so find a couple different patterns that coordinate with your main china and buy various quantities. Then mix them all up at your next party!

Candlesticks

Every good hostess knows candlelight can make the atmosphere at a dinner party complete! When looking for holders to stock your china cabinet I would invest in an elegant traditional pair in silver or brass and a more funky, whimsical pair like these good tassels or a Chinoiserie porcelain.

A Charming Tea Set

Maybe we don’t enjoy afternoon tea like the Brits do, but we totally should! And always when serving tea to guests use a lovely tea pot and pretty tea cups!

Opt for a pattern that compliments your main china in the same hue or motifs. Silver is always timeless, but romantic floral porcelains are also an excellent choice.

Glassware

A variety of glassware is essential for entertaining. I recommend collecting at least 3 types of glassware:

• Large goblet or high ball style glass for water and iced tea
• A wine goblet
• A stylish lowball or cocktail glass

These could be colored, etched, or hobnail depending on your own personal style.

Table Linens

I keep a variety of linens in my china cabinet ready to go for entertaining from patterned table runners and full cloths to several size napkins. However, the linens I use most are:

• 3 colors of dinner napkins: a white, a red, and a fun pattern (monograms don’t hurt either!)
• A full length white table cloth
• Geometric and floral patterned table runners

These linens will serve you for everything from holiday meals to baby showers!

Vessels for Florals

You just can’t have a gorgeous tablescape without some pretty florals! Stock a couple of different vases and cachepots to create your arrangements. I like a vintage brass or silver caddy, a crystal vase, ginger jar, and a wicker basket for variety!

Floral China

Nothing could be more of a classic tableware essential than pretty floral china! Look for patterns with elegant borders and in timeless color combos like pink and green, gilt and white, blue and white, or blue and pink.

You can go ultra romantic and Victorian with sprays of blooms or more refined and simplistic with Georgian flower baskets or botanicals.

Versatile Flatware

I keep three types of flatware in my china cabinet for entertaining:

• A vintage silverplate set for formal occasions
• A chic gold plated set for holiday meals
• A casual summery bamboo handled set for more simple gatherings

Don’t forget to collect the serving pieces to match so you have spoons, forks, and ladels to serve with!