34 Best Table Decor and Serveware Ideas for Entertaining
When it comes to tabletop and serveware, making a statement is easier than you think. There are plenty of beautiful dishes, utensils and drinkware that can elevate your space with a flash of color, a glint of metal or element of glass. You've already got your white everyday dishes that match anything, so it's easy to add a little something extra when you're hosting a dinner party or family gathering. From serving trays and cake stands to gravy boats and pitchers, these tabletop ideas are as great for gifting as they are for making a gorgeous entertaining spread of your own. Next time you walk into a potluck, impress your host with one of these contributions. Seriously, who doesn't need another cheese board?
So whether you're shopping for yourself or someone you love, don't overlook the power of great table decor. See below for our favorite tabletop and serveware items to use for the holidays and beyond.
1. Serving Trays
These aluminum trays are lightweight with an enamel finish on the inside, for a retro yet elegant look.
Copper and Brass Louise Trays, $50–$120 at food52.com
2. Chip and Dip Bowl
Keep things simple and sturdy with a porcelain chip and dip bowl.
Great White Porcelain Chip & Dip Server, $60 at potterybarn.com
3. Drink Coasters
Skip the usual coasters for something more elevated with this brass set.
Brass Round Coaster Set, $35 shopterrain.com
4. Napkins
Cloth napkins are an easy way to dress up any dinner table setting.
Jolene Napkins, Set of 4, $24 at anthropologie.com
5. Wine Glasses
A fresh set of quality wine glasses is an ideal choice for any serious party host.
Schott Zwiesel Pure Stemless Red Wine Glasses, $10 each at surlatable.com
6. Cheese Board
This board does it all, including store cheese knives and stow away in compact spaces.
Compact Swivel Cheese Board with Knives, $42 at uncommongoods.com
7. Large Serving Bowl
A big bowl is as useful for popcorn on a quiet movie night as it is for a main salad at a dinner party.
Crisp Matte Black Serving Bowl, $18 at cb2.com
8. Dutch Oven
Choose the vessel that anyone would love to bring from oven to table, the Le Creuset Dutch Oven.
Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven, $150 at lecreuset.com
9. Soup Bowls
Whether it's for a carefully made tortilla soup or your morning cereal, these bowls will do it all.
Set of 4 Hue Blue Bowls, $19 at crateandbarrel.com
10. Large Cutting Board
A charcuterie setup is only as good as the cutting board it rests on (right?). Either way, the Boos Block is one of the best boards out there.
John Boos 24"x18" Maple Cutting Board, $110 at crateandbarrel.com
11. Cake Stand
A hummingbird cake deserves a platform equally as pretty to show it off.
Sarah Cake Stand, $38 at anthropologie.com
12. Butter Dish
A butter dish is more essential that anyone realizes, especially if bread is a centerpiece at all your dinner parties.
Le Creuset Heritage Butter Dish, $42 at amazon.com
13. Wine Chiller
Keep wine cool without taking up too much table real estate.
Vinglacé Wine Chiller, $90 at nordstrom.com
14. Tea Pot
Keep tea warm while serving guests with this BergHOFF set.
BergHOFF Dorado Glass Teapot, $80 at anthropologie.com
15. Dessert Coupes
A fancy mousse only gets better in a fancy set of serving glasses.
Gold-Detailed Dessert Coupes (Set of 4), $48 at food52.com
16. Dinnerware Set
If you're lacking a proper dining set, Lenox is a great way to go.
Lenox Radiance Dinnerware, $28-$270 at bloomingdales.com
17. Pitcher
Never leave your guests wanting more water with a great large pitcher to keep around at all times.
Handcrafted Vintage-Inspired Copper & Brass Pitcher, $98 at food52.com
18. Oyster Plate
For the oyster fanatic, this tray will set the party apart.
Porcelain Oyster Plate, $112 at food52.com
19. Saucepan
For a fondue or heated appetizer, this Dansk saucepan uses its own lid as a trivet to rest on.
Dansk Kobenstyle White Saucepan, $62 at amazon.com
20. Wine Bottle Coaster
Protect the table with a copper coaster that will fit everything from Chardonnay to Champagne.
Copper Coin-Edge Bottle Coaster, $46 at food52.com
21. Salt & Pepper Grinder
Get a set of salt and pepper shakers to keep around always.
Menu Bottle Grinder Set, $80 at amazon.com
22. Beverage Dispenser Set
Make entertaining a crowd easy with two drink dispensers on hand.
Hamburg Glass Beverage Dispensers with Metal Stand, $77 at amazon.com
23. Ladle
Everything from soup to holiday punch deserves a great ladle for serving.
Copper Ladle, $32 at williams-sonoma.com
24. Serving Utensils
A cohesive serving utensil set goes a long way for dining decor.
Italian Serveware, Linea (7-Piece Serving Set), $48 at food52.com
25. Aperitif Glasses
Sip sherry, sweet wines or port in these petite glasses.
Harlow Aperitif Glasses, Set of 4, $48 at anthropologie.com
26. Cheese Knives
Proper cheese knives will make accessing and sharing gouda, cheddar and brie a breeze.
Laguiole Cheese Knives, Set of 3, $36 at anthropologie.com
27. Ice Bucket
Keep bottles on hand with an accessible and durable ice bucket.
Round Ice Bucket Cooler, $215 at macys.com
28. Olive Oil Dispenser
Make that extra drizzle easily accessible while you're cooking, as well as for your dinner guests.
Antica Oil Dispenser, 24-oz., $13 at williams-sonoma.com
29. Trivet
The most essential piece for serving a crowd and protecting your dining surfaces.
Le Creuset Deluxe Round Trivet $75 at lecreuset.com
30. Mugs
Treat guests to coffee after dinner with a good set of mugs (biscotti not included).
Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Matte Coupe Mugs, Set of 4, $6 at williams-sonoma.com
31. Gravy Boat
Every holiday household needs a good gravy boat, and this one will last for years.
Mason Cash “In the Forest” Gravy Boat, $24 at amazon.com
32. Place Card Holders
For the serious party host, add a touch of place card markers to keep arguing relatives strategically separated.
White Marble Place Card Holder, Set Of 4, $16 at potterybarn.com
33. Cast Iron Skillet
Level up to an heirloom-worthy cast iron skillet from Smithey.
No. 12 Cast Iron Skillet, $200 at smithey.com
34. Bread Basket
Pass the rolls and freshly cut slices around the table easily with a light and large bread basket.
Lorena Long Oval Black Bread Basket, $25 at cb2.com