Guest Picks: Create a Dashing Dining Experience This Holiday Season
While I rely heavily on my collection of simple, clean-lined white accents as a basis for creating a delightful dining experience, I like to layer on bold new designs, statement pieces and fun geometric prints (usually in an assortment of beautiful colors) to really help make a dinner more fancified, inspired and memorable for the guests. I think you’ll like the pieces in this collection, all of which I would integrate into party decor and beautiful table settings. — Emily from Merrypad
I’d buy these to add a little whimsy to my dessert tablescape. Does an owl go with pie or cake?
Whether it’s a trivet, serving utensils or a big beautiful bowl, I really love handmade wooden accents in a tablescape. This mango wood bowl is really desirable.
I have yet to invest in a set of nice serving utensils — silly, I know. This matte gold set caught my eye with its pretty color and beautiful forms. These are the perfect accessories if you’re hosting a classy event.
I hope whoever invented this is a millionaire. Make a mental note to buy these before your next big party — and then buy lots of fancy cheeses to celebrate.
I would use this modern bowl as a citrus basket during the day and then repurpose it as a centerpiece bread basket during an evening dinner. Its bold shape and interior color would be striking in my home.
It’s a deer antler bottle opener! Could any bottle opener be cooler? And yes, it’s made from real antlers — real antlers that fell off naturally and were collected in northern Europe.
This classy barware takes the cake, presenting strong drinks on ice perfectly every time at just a fraction of the price of other sets.
There’s something about real silverware that takes a dinner party up a level. This set is cool enough for everyday use and also affordable enough to invest in for bigger serving occasions.
I don't think there could be a more dramatic-cool cake pedestal. A simple cake would look anything but simple when displayed on top, and it even looks cool when empty.
Fondue can be a perfect addition to a small party. No one doesn't like melted cheese.
Stemless glasses are my favorite, purely for functionality. Invest in a good sets for red and white, and they won’t let you down.
Introduce your guests to classic geometric art with these Mondrian tumblers, inspired by a painting by Piet Mondrian.
Copper makes everything look classy, even if it's just a pitcher of ice water. Copper serveware accents are the best.
Protect table surfaces with something pretty. These coasters are marble and quite the conversation pieces.
Steel enamelware is a classic touch for any kitchen, and it’s perfect for both food prep and serving. This set is new, but savvy guests will appreciate the throwback to the 1920s.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a whole set of these mugs? They are perfect for after-dinner coffee at a modern dinner party.
A graphic placemat can complement other busy patterns in your favorite serveware and dining accessories. Or let it stand alone and serve as the backdrop to the show. These leafy patterns really catch my eye without being too overpowering.
This marble serving tray feels rich, but it doesn’t break the bank. It’s perfect for serving appetizers or bringing out the coffee and mugs at the end of the night.
The Marimekko line featuring the Räsymatto pattern is one of my favorites. In fact, I use this plate regularly for presenting side dishes on my own dining table. If you like it, you might also be drawn to the bowl, coffee and tea cups, and teapots.
Taper candles can really dress up a table, but of course you need something pretty to put them in! These little pinecones are the perfect touch for a wintertime party.Next: Holiday Party Prep: Plan Your Table Settings
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