Don’t wait for a milestone to set a beautiful table that
will bring people together.
There used to be a time when getting together warranted a reason — a holiday, birthday, or another celebratory occasion. Now, we find ourselves itching for the opportunity to gather around a table and celebrate any moment, big or small. Even if it’s just having people over for takeout on a Friday night, we’ll set a beautiful table simply to be in the company of those we hold dear. Why? Because we’ve learned you don’t need a special reason to celebrate friendship, family, and life when those are reason enough.
In this new spirit of gathering, Amy Burstyn Fritz, co-founder of the dinnerware brand Misette, shares her advice for making your table the perfect place for family and friends to congregate.
Start With the Essentials
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.
It’s All in the Details
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.
About Missette
Co-founded by Amy Burstyn Fritz, Misette is a dinnerware brand that’s accessible enough for everyday, but elevated enough for your nicest dinner party. For every purchase, Misette will donate two meals to Second Harvest. Visit misettetable.com & follow @misettetable on Instagram for more inspiration.
While creating an inviting table setting is important for any get-together, it’s only a small piece of your party-planning journey. For even more tips and tricks on how to make hosting an absolute breeze, check out our guide.