What you need to host guests in your home on a regular basis!
There are some key items that I recommend if you plan on hosting dinner parties more than once. You will find the more you do it the more you love it. It doesn’t have to be stressful or difficult. Every table/meal needs a few key elements that involve different textures, colors, height, and your lovely creativity.
Over the years I have had a variety of dishes, platters, cutlery and all sort of kitchen gadgets that have aided in entertaining guests in our home. Some have been for long seasons of life while other items I bought, I used for a short time and then decided they weren’t right for my style. It is good to have a collection of decor and dishes that you can pull together when needed. These items are a beautiful backdrop for your meal.
Today I want to share with you my personal top 12 favorite must-haves.
Start with items you can use for any tablescape like candles, holders, vases, and greenery. For plates and cutlery, stick to neutral colors, you can add a pop of color in your napkins, your side plates or on your table display. When presenting food whether on platters or plates it is the base on which you build.
Solid colors and simple patterns are the best if you want the main attraction to be what you are serving.
The list below includes several items I recommend you have in your collection for entertaining – however, not all required. You can still entertain without them. Start with a few and work your way through the list, collecting what you need to throw a successful dinner party! Many of these items can be found online, in stores or if you like to hunt for a bargain, check garage or estate sales. I always start with places like TJ Maxx, Target, Amazon and then go to other places if I can’t find what I am looking for.
12 TOP DECOR MUST-HAVES
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A neutral set of plates (white, grey, beige, or tan)
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Cutlery set (I have a minimum of 8 place settings)
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Cloth napkins (I prefer beige, white or grey)
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Twine for wrapping napkins
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Glasses (for water and wine)
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A few medium-sized vases
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6-8 votive glasses (clear, frosted, gold or mirrored)
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Candles (tea lights and pillar candles)
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3-4 serving platters/bowls (a variety of sizes and shapes preferably in white or neutral colors)
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Cake stand (I rarely use this to actually serve cake from however, it is great for creating a contrast of height when serving food. It works great for appetizers, rolls, or for individual food items.)
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Greenery (I prefer olive branches, eucalyptus leaf or magnolia branches. Every table needs a touch of green)
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Candlesticks (I love having wood and black candlesticks for different options. Using candlesticks gives height and contrast to any table!)
There are plenty of additional addons as your collection grows but this is a great start. You will have everything you need to pull off a beautiful gathering!
It is time to open your hearts, your doors and invite those around you to gather around the table.
What are some of your favorite must haves?
