Chances are if your kids came home and told you they forgot to mention that they signed you up to bring cookies for the school party tomorrow, you will have the ingredients in your pantry to whip up a batch. But do you have the basic entertaining pieces you need to throw an impromptu party with friends or a spur-of-the-moment dinner gathering? Just as you keep your pantry stocked with basics like flour, sugar and oil, here are six ingredients you need on hand to throw a great party in a pinch:
1. Vases for a Centerpiece in a Snap
When you entertain, it’s always about the table. So it’s key to have a few vases on hand you can pull out to create a killer centerpiece in seconds. You can’t beat thin-mouthed vases for their ability to deliver a high-impact look with minimal effort. Arranging a bouquet in a normal vase requires lots of flowers and some flower arranging skills (which I do not possess). But when you use vases that only hold one or two flowers, you just stick in a bloom and you are done – no skill required. They have saved my hide on many occasions.
When you are at the market getting food for the party, pick up a cash and carry bouquet. Then stick one or two into three, five or seven vases in a variety of shapes and sizes, then march them down the center of the table. High impact look, done!
Another great instant centerpiece tool is a set of small pedestal bowls. At Nell Hill’s we have some that are about 5-inches in diameter, the perfect size to hold a little succulent or potted fern. Aren’t they adorable? Your simple centerpiece could be a line of succulent filled bowls going down your table’s center, or you could mix them with little vases, like we did here.
2. Interesting Chargers to Set the Stage
The key to creating place settings that wow is to build them up from the bottom, beautiful layer by beautiful layer. It sounds complicated but it’s super simple to do. Start with a charger to ground the pyramid of dishes. I have three styles of chargers I keep in my home to pull out in a pinch: apple green with a ruffled edge, plain white and wicker.
I picked these three very different kinds of chargers so I could achieve a variety of looks on my table, depending upon which dishes and linens I use with them. I also opted for chargers that were simple in design so they would go with just about anything.
3. Linens to Add Luxury to the Table
Some things I will scrimp on when I set my table for company. But not the napkins. You won’t find paper napkins on my tables because I feel like cloth napkins do so much to make a table feel more luxurious and layered. I have four sets of napkins I keep at the ready for entertaining – each set offering me the opportunity to take my table in a completely different direction. One set is white linen and features our monogram. The other three feature cute prints in blue and white, green and white, and yellow and white –three color treatments I use a lot on my table.
I also like to use 53” square table cloths turned on the diagonal at the center of my rectangular dining table. Gigantic table cloths can be expensive and a pain to launder and iron. But these little cheater pieces can be created in a jiff out of a yard of fabric. Pick a pattern that complements your napkins and dishes. Another favorite? Bright place mats!
4. Versatile White Dishes Save the Day
I’m a dishahaulic and would fill cupboard after cupboard with different patterns if I had the storage room. Thankfully, my old home is short on spots to stash dishware, so my penchant for excess is kept in check. If I was stranded on a desert island and could only have one set of dishes, I would pick plain white because these babies give and give and give. They work with absolutely every color, style and season.
If you want a bright, clean look on your table, stick with your white dishes and use your table linens and floral centerpiece to bring in a pop of color. Or, mix the white dishes in with other dish patterns. Top a white dinner plate with a majolica salad plate shaped like a leaf. Or sandwich a white salad plate between a blue and white transferware dinner plate and bread plate.
5. Goblets Take Dinner Drinks to the Next Level
Presentation over preparation is my mantra when it comes to entertaining. You can serve your guests chilled tap water and it will feel luxurious if you put it in lovely glass goblets. If you’re limited on storage, like I am, and can only fit one set of glassware in your cabinet, opt for clear glass. It goes with everything and looks so elegant. If you have space for one more set, pick a color that mixes well with your dishes.
Have fun mixing up the glassware on your table, pairing your clear and colored goblets. I use blue wine glasses with my clear water goblets all the time. Don’t have a set big enough for all your guests? Use different patterns for the sides and the ends of the table.
6. Flatware Finishes a Place Setting in Style
Once you decide on the direction you want to go with your table, your flatware can play a key role in helping you get there. Are you pulling together a formal occasion in a flash? Reach for the tried-and-true silver or silver plate. You can’t beat it for sophisticated style. If your table is going to be awash with color, pick flatware that joins in the fun. At Nell Hill’s we’re selling the cutest flatware with navy, red or apple green handles. I also really like flatware with pearl or bamboo handles. These arresting patterns are unusual enough that they get some attention, yet don’t steal the show.
Next Week … What’s on your floors? I’ll show you how to use today’s coolest area rugs to make your room more stylish.
Annette Adams says
May 27, 2013 at 2:51 pmThat is exactly what I needed to know. Thanks bunches.
Karen K. says
May 27, 2013 at 3:05 pmWhere can I find the 5″ white pedestal bowls used for the table centerpiece?
Meredith S. says
May 27, 2013 at 4:05 pmI share your enthusiasm for setting the table and collecting dishes. You put a huge smile on my face with your spelling of dishahaulic…very clever!!
Janelle S says
May 28, 2013 at 9:02 amGreat Ideas! I’ve been hunting for salad-sized plates to mix and match with my more modern Danish blue and white. Looks like another trip to Nell Hills for me 🙂 !
Diana B. says
May 28, 2013 at 9:09 amYour table settings are always very beautiful and inspirational!! I just “inherited” 16 place settings of beautiful cream colored dishes from Germany that have never been used!! Let the parties begin!!! Thank you for your weekly blogs!!
Doris Hansen says
May 28, 2013 at 11:13 amI love your blogs. Don’t stop sending. I live in Rochester, MN; but always made a point to come to Braircliff when I am in KC.
Mary Carol says
May 28, 2013 at 5:01 pmI knew I’d find some fellow dish addicts out there! Thanks for all your kind comments. We who pledge our undying love of dishware need to stick together!
Mary Carol says
May 28, 2013 at 5:03 pmKaren,
The white bowls are from my store, Nell Hill’s. If you live out of town, give our personal shoppers a call today, toll free, at 877-746-4320, for ordering information on these gems. But hurry – they are going quickly!
Linda Gilbert says
May 28, 2013 at 7:52 pmLove, LOVE, LOVE the tall skinny vases; just so happen that I bought about six from your store many years ago in several shapes. I still use them; in fact, I bought about 15 for the country club I was managing in Kansas City and just had to have a few for myself! Like you, it’s a good thing my cupboards are full because I would be buying dishes, dishes, all the time!
Love your blogs!! Hope to come to your store soon ~ got married at this old age but still ticking away with decorating 🙂
Robin Frank -- Vision Interiors says
May 29, 2013 at 1:26 pmWas’nt there some talk about a ” dishaholic ” support group ? Gotta have the green leaf salad dishes that you show on this blog . Table set with one on each plate . Was just at your store this past week … Was shopping for custemer … She loves the big green sofa up by entrance …. That is a WOW sofa ! Will pop back over if I can find time to shop for myself … Get those DISHES !!
Mary Carol says
May 29, 2013 at 4:36 pmLinda, congrats on your marriage!!! Best of luck to all three of you: you, your new hubby and your dishes! May you all enjoy many wonderful meals together!
Mary Carol says
May 29, 2013 at 4:37 pmRobin, see you soon!
Peg says
May 29, 2013 at 10:16 pmMary Carol, Please suggest that people shop at a florist for flowers. That will ensure small business succeeds. I mean after all Hobby Lobby carries home decor don’t they?
Joann Augspurger says
May 30, 2013 at 12:09 pmPlease tell me more about the green stem wear. I would love to purchase.
Thanks
JoAnn
Mary Carol says
May 31, 2013 at 4:16 pmPeg, good point! Please forgive! Nell Hill’s is a locally owned and managed business, and I really, really appreciate people’s support.
Mary Carol says
May 31, 2013 at 4:17 pmPeg, give us a call at 877-746-4320 — our friendly personal shoppers will be happy to give you the full scoop on the green stemware and anything else.