Could dinner parties and other gatherings be on the horizon again soon? Of course, social distancing mandates due to COVID-19 have prevented large groups of people from meeting up which naturally put a halt to fancy dinner parties with tens of guests.
When things get back to some degree of normality, do you want to be that one host that wows everyone with their immaculate collection of fine tableware? Of course, you do! That goes without saying.
If you are hosting a dinner party, the most important few things that contribute towards a successful evening impressing friends and family are:
- The quality of the food you serve
- How engaged your guests are (e.g: through your choice of entertainment)
- Your presentation skills
Choosing the right tableware for the occasion definitely falls into the third category. The last thing you need is to be attempting to host a fancy event, only to be let down by tired-looking plates and stained cutlery.
Your tableware helps you to express the type of event you want this to be. From paper plates to fine china, you can set the tone for the evening with your choices of plateware, silverware and glassware.
So, when dinner parties return at full swing, will you be the host that nails their tableware every time? Read on for some recommendations and inspiration when it comes to the pieces you need to set a beautiful table.
Elegant Plateware
There is no doubt that deciding what kind of plateware to go for is one of the toughest decisions when it comes to hosting a dinner party.
Could fine china come off a little pretentious? Might cheaper, more informal plateware convey a lack of effort? It is certainly not an easy balance to achieve.
If you have decided that your event deserves something a little upmarket, consider Lenox plateware. Featuring designs by the likes of Kate Spade, many of their designs would make any dinner party guest stop and take note.
In fact, Spade’s designs are some of the most understated available. Consider going ahead with those if you are planning on hosting a relatively lowkey meal that still feels like it deserves finer plateware.
Alternatively, you can choose designs that fit into the location or the season you are hosting in. Plates by Blue Bay look decidedly like plates you would find somewhere by the sea. With wavy blue artwork that lends a nautical feel, you can’t go wrong with these plates if you are hosting an event near the ocean.
Additionally, Lenox also offers a wide selection of fine china. If you have the chance to host a festive event, why not consider its Holiday dinnerware collection? Featuring plates handcrafted from ivory china to include sweet Christmas decorations like holly and berries, they are sure to leave guests smiling.
If you are looking to keep costs down or you are hosting a more informal gathering, you could consider referring yourself to the lowkey Japanese brand Noritake. They stock reasonably-priced sets of mostly plain, modern plateware and other tableware that you can never go wrong with.
Coordinated Serveware
If you are in need of some utensils, bowls, platters or any other serveware for your get-together, consider checking out The White Company for some modern inspiration. Here, the hint is in the name – everything is perfectly white or transparent with no risky color schemes in sight.
The White Company stocks everything from salad bowls and serving platters to casserole dishes and heart-shaped serving plates. Perhaps not the most high-end option on the market, but you can be assured of quality, modern designs that do not distract from the evening.
If you are looking for some serveware that is a little more ‘out there’, consider taking a peek at LuxDeco. Though it will set you back a fair amount, their collection features astonishingly detailed serving platters and trays made from natural gold, marble and other striking materials. Take the natural gold and crystal cake stand for instance – worth over $1,000.
You could spend a while just browsing and imagining your guests’ reaction when they are presented with dishes that look exactly like a feather or a leaf. The detail is immense!
Fine Silverware
Cutlery is arguably the most important part of your tableware. It sees the most physical interaction with your guests, after all!
Oneida flatware has been a staple in American households since 1880, and is particularly well-loved for the range of options it provides. Browse Oneida Moda flatware for a classic, stainless design or check Oneida Dover flatware for a heavier feel and floral design on the edges.
Even if you are looking to impress the most difficult of guests, Oneida offers a high-end range of beautiful Victorian silverware – the Oneida Michelangelo collection. You can enjoy the likes of dinner forks, salad forks, teaspoons and soup spoons with detailed engravings on the handles.
Most hosts worth their salt would agree that it makes sense to own different sets of silverware to use depending on the occasion. If you are hosting a lowkey dinner with friends and family, it is perfectly acceptable to roll out your everyday cutlery. However, if going all-out to impress at a dinner party, it is time to break out the more elaborate flatware!
Versatile Glassware
Let’s not forget the glasses and stemware you will most certainly need for your dinner parties. Some fine wine glasses and crystal highball glasses are a couple of the most important pieces you will need.
If you’re looking for something high-end without being too dramatic, try Vera Wang. The collection holds all glassware you might need for your event, from tumblers and highballs to decanters and champagne flutes.
Vera Wang wine glasses look simple enough, but show off some elegant engravings towards the base.
There is definitely a lot to consider when it comes to securing tableware for the next time you host friends and family. However, the important thing to remember is to choose something you find attractive! Don’t try to second-guess your guests – if you are in doubt then keep it simple with a modern touch.
