b'food mattersAll SetHoliday tablescaping 101BY ILYSSE RIMALOVSKIA formal place setting can include a dinner plate, salad plate, bread plate, cloth napkin, dinner and dessert flatware, wine and water glasses and a name card.W hileawell-plannedguests this holiday season. aand add decorativewhether you serve your meal tableside or buffet-menushapesamemo- style. Think about your menu and how to best rableholidaydinner,aHow to Begin presenteachoffering:slicedmeatonaplatter, thoughtfulhosthelpsIf you are new to tablescaping or need a table- mashed potatoes in a bowl, gravy in a pourable guestsfeelwelcomedtop edit, start with essentialsvessel and condiments in small dishes.andcomfortablebeforeelements gradually. If buying new tableware feelsFor flatware, choose a dishwasher-safe set that the first dish is served. out of reach, this is an invitation to get creativebalances practi-Tablescaping is the art of designing and arrang- with sourcing and creating a cohesive vision.calityandele-ing a dining table by combining tableware, center- Fordinnerware,optforsetofhigh-qualitygance. A setting pieces, linens and decorative elements to create a(not likely to chip) white or neutral ceramic plates,typicallycon-setting that is inviting and visually appealing. But itbowls and mugs that can timelessly transition be- sistsofadin-goes beyond simple table setting. Anticipation andtween casual meals and formal events. Think aboutnerfork,salad effort are expressions of care. Using themes, colors,how many guests you are likely to accommodate.fork,knife, textures, nature and personalized details, a host canChoose dishwasher-safe pieces that are easy to storesoupspoon transform a meal into an unforgettable experience.and stack, especially if space is limited. andteaspoon. As the host in my family, Ive built a tablescapingIn time, you may add a set of contrasting saladItisabonus inventory amassed over decades. It is a mix of ob- plates or expand your quantities. (Recently, I pur- when addition-jects inherited and new sourced from thrift stores,chased a set of 12 white dinner plates from a thriftalutensilsare estate sales, auctions, boutiques, artisans, friendsstore for $8 that look nearly identical to what Iincludedsuch garages, even backyard foraging expeditions. already own.) asextradessertLocal thrift stores are overflow-Whatwillyouputonyourtable?MaythisServing dishes, bowls and platters that matchforksandtea- ing with dinnerware at bargain guideinspireyoutoshareyourcreativitywithor complement your dinnerware will be well-used,spoons,butterprices for your tabletop collec-tion.38/ matters magazine / holiday 2024'