b'knives and serving pieces. Make sure to match the number of settings to thetions do not over-number of plates.crowdthetable Stainless steel flatware is durable and available in a variety of patterns andorinterferewith finishes, even black and gold. Sterling silver, however beautiful and valuable,serving (or eating) requires special care.food.Setoutex-Select multi-purpose clear water and wine glasses that work in both for- tra napkins, water mal and casual settings. Stemless wine glasses, for example, can double aspitchers,saltand tumblers. Sometimes I use tall water glasses as vases. peppershakers Choosemachine-washablefabrictableclothsandnapkinsinwhiteorandsmallcondi-beige. Later, you can add patterns, colors or textures for variety. Ideally, optmentdishesfor for linens that do not shrink or need ironing. convenience.Re-Accent pieces, such as chargers (decorative underplates), placemats andgardingdietary runners can be added over time, along with napkin rings, holiday-themedconsiderations,Whats in your tablescaping inventory? Here are pieces accessories and statement pieces. displayamenucollected over time.or small card near Setting the Table each dish explaining ingredients.Lay place settings on the table to determine how much room you havePersonal touches such as handwritten name cards or rosemary sprigs tied for centerpieces and how many you want. Round tables typically feature oneto napkins can make each guest feel individually welcomed. Surprise a child arrangement and rectangular tables two or three. Keep centerpieces low andwith a special toy or coloring book waiting on their plate.sightlines clear so conversation flows easily. Balance vases of seasonal floralsLastly, small details can signal that the occasion is special. When used and greenery with candlesticks, votives or lanterns to create a cozy atmo- tastefully, ornaments, bells, ribbons, baubles, metallics, pinecones, mini pot-sphere and warm glow. ted plants, garlands, figurines and wrapped chocolates can add to the celebra-A thoughtful host can also anticipate guests needs. Ensure that decora- tory spirit.Meet Our TablescapersWhen interior designer Kirsten Baer transforms her Maplewood barn into a holiday dining room, her guests bask in every detail.When you love to entertain, setting the stage is my favorite part, she says. Her signature tablescape style is monochromatic against a white backdrop with an elegant modern farmhouse sensibility. She shops for flowers first and takes inspiration from what is in bloom, looking for a pop of color as an accent.Next, she shops at home in her own collections. People are often too predictable with a theme, Baer observes, preferring a nod to the season. Instead, she goes over-the-top by adding layers of interest with textured linens, candles, serving pieces, salt and pepper shakers, natural elements, convenient extras and show-stopping flower arrangements.Judy Nunn may be best known for her mom-next-door TV com-mercial roles, but in Maplewood circles, she is the go-to resource for tabletop treasures freshly plucked from her favorite thrift store.She loves the feeling of stumbling into someones history, imag-ining who used each object and how. Daily, she hunts for beautiful quality items to add to her overflowing collection of plates, glasses, linens, serving pieces and accessories.I didnt grow up with many valuable things, she explains. To put my hand on a piece of Steuben or Baccarat crystal found in a thrift store literally shocks and thrills me. As a hobbyist online re- Designer Kirsten Baer creates elegant welcom-seller, Nunns rule of thumb is to acquire only those objects shed being tablescapes inside her 1879 backyard barn in Maplewood.happy to own if they do not sell.Mixing and People are coming back to entertaining, observes South Or- matching is more Tabletop reseller Judy Nunn hasange resident Kathy Nye, co-founder of the auction house Nye &interesting than buying a full set, a keen eye for whats collectibleCompany in Bloomfield with her husband, John. They want to setsays appraiser and what she loves. the table and serve their family and friends.Kathy Nye, dis-playing a table of Inspired by her passion for china, sterling silver and flowers from her garden, she sets a table thatdelftware.feels comfortable, not fussy. Buy what you love, is her best advice for anyone seeking to make an ac-quisition. Ilysse Rimalovski is a well-seasoned home chef, writer and culinary producer living in Maplewood with a background in specialty food, media and design. Have food questions or need inspiration? Visit Ilysses Face-book page, Ilysse Ideally or send email to forilysse@icloud.com.food matters /39'