A Reason to Gather

Dinnerware doesn’t have to be fussy or costly to make your table feel special. Fritz recommends investing in items you’re going to use most, like plates, glassware, and cutlery. Purchase pieces that speak to your style, work with your entertaining needs, and can be mixed and matched with seasonal pieces, items you already own, or family heirlooms for more versatility.

For a standard place setting that can be used for any type of meal or occasion, a dinner plate, fork, knife, napkin, and water and wine glasses are the key elements you need. When you want to elevate the experience, Fritz says that’s where layering comes in. “Add a salad bowl over the dinner plate to course out the meal, use tablecloths to add texture, and set placemats for another layer of visual interest,” she says. You can also extend your place setting to include a five-piece cutlery set for multi-course meals.

Making your table look and feel special is a lot less complex than you might think. Fritz encourages getting creative and personal with things like name cards for every guest, and handmade floral arrangements. Consider handwriting on simple craft paper or choosing seasonal flowers picked from your yard or local florist. “Simple bud vases are a great way to add pretty florals without going all-out on intricate arrangements,” she says.

Music and mood lighting will help to round out any finishing touches. Arrange tapered candles in clusters of two or three to illuminate your tablescape and create an inviting ambiance. “We love welcoming guests with a cocktail or glass of sparkling — it makes people feel special and catered to the moment they walk in the door,” says Fritz. If your gathering is outdoors, take a page out of Fritz’s book, and get some cozy blankets, fold them over the back of your guests’ chairs, and add candlelight to bring warmth to the space.