Guest Picks: Hostess with the Mostess
— Stephanie from Lick My Spoon
Piney and herbaceous, fresh rosemary has a scent that I love, and this must be the most creative way of incorporating it as decor. I'd also totally use these to cook with throughout the holidays.
Cute and space efficient, this tea set is like a pretty porcelain nesting doll — that will also serve you tea.
This beverage server is perfect. Because options are good, and so are pretty floating citrus slices.
I love everything about this piece: the beautiful lines, gentle curves and wholesome rustic feel. And I love, love, love that it is made from a recycled wine barrel. Thinking about its former life of aging wine is kind of romantic.
Another brilliant way to re-purpose old oak wine barrels is turning them into lazy susans. I mean, really, who doesn't love a lazy susan? I like that the original imprint of the winery is left on the cask, giving it character and a nice sense of history.
I recently went to a restaurant that served warmed and marinated olives as a starter, and I was instantly smitten. Why haven't I thought of that before? I made a mental note to make them at home, and these lovely olive boats would make the perfect vessels for them.
I like to put my guests to work when they come over, especially if they're the first to arrive. I've found that people feel more at ease if they can help in the kitchen, and I get free labor — win-win. I also like the elegant porcelain/maple combo here. I could totally see guests eating big slices of country loaf and honey butter from these at my table.
I adore these. I want to stuff these Mini Round Cocottes with mac and cheese or single portions of eggplant parmesan.
A fat golden goose (or turkey, or roast, or anything meaty and juicy) needs to go on here.
I have a thing for wooden cutting boards; I feel like I can't have too many. This massive one is so beautiful to me, and it could do double duty as a serving piece.
These colorful bowls are made from coconut shells. How fun is that? These would be great for snacks — think roasted nuts, dips, popcorn, candy, etc.
These are so pretty. I'd make a big salad just so I could use these.
Why have one kind of pie when you can have two? This split-personality pie pan was made to ease the anxiety of indecisive people like myself. I also love the "lift & serve" feature.
Your guests will appreciate this gigantic French press. It makes 12 cups and is way more stylish than that clunky ancient coffee maker you have collecting dust somewhere.
It's a domed cake stand, no it's a punch bowl — it's both! This piece is so smart and so multi-tasking.
This dish is so pretty. I love the cheery sky blue and the crimped edge. Most of all, I love it that as you eat more and more of the pie, more of the beautiful design on the inside of the dish is revealed.
A celebration is not complete without a big tub of cold bubbly! I like the look of the copper here, and the free-standing bucket on an iron stand allows for more counter/table space.
Wow, disposable tableware has come a long way. Made from 100 percent tree-free, renewable materials (sugar cane fiber, bamboo and reed pulp), these plates are biodegradable, compostable and elegant in design.
Send your guests home with some sweet treats — in true "hostess with the mostess" style. These vintage-inspired labels will be the perfect touch for your homemade goodies.Next: Thanksgiving Tabletop Inspiration
A well-laid-out cheese plate at a party is super classy. This slate comes with soapstone chalk so you can label your cheeses right on the tray. Genius.
Q