Guest Picks: Minimalist Dining
Let your food shine with simple, modern serving pieces that don't compete for attention
I'm drawn to organic shapes and materials and I despise clutter, but I would have no problem at all leaving on of these modern, minimalist serving items out on my counter or tabletop. Made of wood, metal and glass, they are stunning in their simplicity. I'm sure that I would appreciate these beautifully designed, highly functional pieces for a long time to come! — Kathryne from Cookie and Kate
Ripple Porcelain Trays, White
I love the round, organic shape of the plates in this set. Each plate looks great individually, or stack a couple for more visual impact.
Contemporary Cups And Glassware
Appropriately named, Midas Glassware is the work of a Swedish design team collectively known as Front. I love their sleek, shapely lines, but their slanted gold bases are what make them extraordinary.
Braid Server
I'm completely enamored by the organic shape of this bowl and the ethnic-inspired print on the inside. Bonus: this gorgeous stoneware and porcelain server is dishwasher-safe too!
RSVP International Marble Pastry Board
This elegant 18-inch square marble board is made for rolling out pastries, but would also serve as a beautiful cheese or dessert tray.
Curve Bamboo Peppermill
This beeswax-finished bamboo pepper mill by Studio44eighty looks like a work of art. I'd be glad to leave this out on my dining table!
Teak Salt Dish & Spoon
This beautiful, handmade teak salt cellar would be perfect for serving sea salt at a minimalist table. The spoon is designed to rest on top of the cellar, so it would be easy to pass the set around.
Pride Flatware
This modern, classic flatware was designed by David Mellor in 1953. I love the minimalist three-piece setting, because all a person really needs is a spoon, fork and knife!
Cutting Board, Black Walnut
This substantial, black walnut cutting board is functional and beautiful. It would make a fine serving surface for bread and cheese.
Cake Stand In Milk
Dessert displays tend to look fussy, but this cake stand is stunning in its simplicity. Sugar and butter-laden cakes don't need a frilly base to make them look appetizing!
Basic Oven-To-Table Cookware
West Elm's basic cookware provides a blank canvas to let your dish shine at the table. This dish can go from oven to table with no problem, plus it bakes evenly and cleans up easily.
Tambien Smoke Barware
This smoke barware from CB2 reminds me of the vintage set of drinking glasses I inherited from my grandmother. The tinted glass provides some welcome contrast on a white table.
Glass Dharma 9.5mm Beautiful Bends Glass Drinking Straw
This glass drinking straw is much sleeker than striped, plastic straws and it's reusable! It would be great for sipping smoothies, milkshakes or maybe even a cocktail.
Krups Silver Art Collection Electric Kettle
This electric kettle is from Krups' aptly named Silver Art Collection. This kettle would make tea service seem extra special.
Spare Stripe Mug
I love the muted stripe and organic shape of this handmade mug. It seems like the perfect mug for cupping with both hands to savor your morning coffee.
Large Rectangle Lacquer Trays
This large, lacquered white tray would make itself useful in so many ways. It would be perfect for serving tea or snacks, and it would make a fine home base for a small bar area.
Bosco Mango Wood Salad Bowl And Salad Servers Set
This mango wood serving set is a classic that could last for many years if cared for properly. My parents have a similar bowl, and I don't know how many salads were tossed in it at our table growing up!
Bari Glass Bowl
This basic glass bowl is the perfect size for so many things, from breakfast to dessert to nuts and other snacks. I'd never run out of uses for these shapely little bowls!
Wooden Spoons By WindandWillowHome
These wooden spoons with their colorful dipped ends would add a bit of color to an otherwise neutral table. They're both fun and functional!
Black And White Nesting Dish Set By vitrifiedstudio
This black and white nesting dish set by vitrifiedstudio looks like it belongs in a contemporary art museum's gift shop. I imagine I'd feel fancy snacking from these bowls, regardless of what's inside!
Nora Wine Glasses
These basic wine glasses from Crate and Barrel would look right at home on a minimalist table. They're not too curvy or too wide — they are just right.
Next: 8 Elements of a Modern Kitchen
Next: 8 Elements of a Modern Kitchen