One of my goals for the year ahead is to have more dinner parties. I am not the greatest cook, but I love entertaining and having my friends and family over. This past weekend I cooked dinner for ten. It was an undertaking (for me, lol) but it came together really well. I kept the menu simple: some roasted veggies, fingerling potatoes, a big salad, and Alison Roman’s Salmon with Soy and Citrusy Charred Scallions (from the Nothing Fancy cookbook). I got a ton of good cheeses to make a cheese board, and another little secret weapon: this truffle baguette (all you have to do is heat it up, it’s heavenly!) And of course: lots of wine!
I have a really big dining table that easily can fit ten. But other than my china (over the past year I have pieced together service for twelve from Dior’s Gaudron china in Malachite Green — mostly from scouring Etsy and vintage sites, etc!), I only had six of most things. So I kinda just threw things together, but it worked! I started with this big white tablecloth from Amazon. It is nice but not too nice bc kids (and adults drinking wine). Then I layered on these rattan chargers from Juliska which I absolutely love. They go so well with my china!
I used this flatware from Amazon. It is pretty and fun but inexpensive and dishwasher safe. And for a centerpiece, I had taken a class with my girlfriends but added this faux eucalyptus garland plus two giant brass candelabras that my mom had passed down to me (plus no-drip candles!!). Also! These folding chairs are a godsend when making room for a larger group than usual. They’re really pretty!
Tabletop Favorites
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Rattan ChargerI love these. More of a splurge but so so pretty.Shop
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Matouk Tableclothlike artI love this tablecloth so much. Of course mine came after I’d already hosted dinner soooo… next time! The pattern is by Schumacher.Shop
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Faux Eucalyptus Garlandgreat mini centerpieceThis makes a GREAT centerpiece in a pinch!Shop
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Gold Flatwareaffordable and chic!I just love this flatware. It’s really affordable, super pretty, and safe to put in the dishwasher.Shop
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Wireless LampSo funThese I use more for outdoor use but could work well inside too!Shop
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Cheese KnivesInexpensive but really pretty!Shop
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Green PlacematI just got these and they are just beautiful!Shop
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Napkin HolderThese are very pretty and look great with the matching chargers.Shop
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Basic TableclothI have it in green too!This is just a really nice basic tablecloth.Shop
After being married for 16 years, I got tired of my wedding china for 12 and started to buy some other fine china plates on Ebay in twos and fours. That way I can change things up when it’s just the two/four of us for special meals. The wedding china will always be there if I ever dare to host 12 (it’s never happened.) I love seeing how everyone does their holiday table. Have fun with your new spread!
I love that!!!!
Your table scape looks beautiful. Have a lovely Christmas!
Thank you so much, same to you!
Great table scape! Love the chairs- where are they from?
They’re vintage Marcel Breuer Cesca chairs from the sixties. I bought mine on 1st Dibs!