Tableware Must-Haves for Your Next Dinner Party
The best dinner parties aren't about perfectly matching plates or fancy utensils. They're about that buzzing energy when friends crowd around your table, sharing laughter over food and drinks.
But here's the thing – you’ve probably attended enough dinner parties to know that you serve your food on matters as much as the food itself.
Great tableware makes everything feel more special.
It doesn’t really matter whether you’re planning an intimate dinner for four or squeezing twelve friends around your table. We’ll break down all the tableware essentials to make your next dinner party absolutely unforgettable.
Snacks and Nibbles
Want to kick off your dinner party with a bang? It all starts with those pre-dinner munchies! These are the serving pieces for appetizers you might need:
Serving Platters and Boards
Zen Wood Trays from the Dining Catalog
As for serving platters, you'll want 2-3 different sizes for your party. You can mix up different materials like slate, wood, or ceramic platters. They're perfect for laying out everything from your cheese selections to those little finger foods.
Small Bowls
Diana Stackable Bowls from the Dining Catalog
They're super handy for all those dips, nuts, and olives. You may scatter 4-6 of them around the party space. The best part? Your guests can grab a quick snack no matter where they’re standing and chatting.
Appetizer Plates
Nectar Appetizer Plates from the Sublime Catalog
Smaller plates for hors d’oeuvres are great for dinner parties. Go for something lightweight that people can easily hold while they're standing around socializing.
White porcelain is always classic. But if you're feeling fun, why not try some plates with cool patterns?
Charcuterie Board
Let's not forget about everyone's favorite - the charcuterie board! It's basically become the star of any good party these days.
Layer on different cured meats, cheeses, crunchy nuts, and fresh fruits. You can also add some little jars of honey or chutney, then sprinkle fresh herbs around.
Main Course
The main course is the highlight of any dinner party, and having the right tableware enhances the dining experience.
Dinnerware Sets
Classic Main Course Flat Plate from the Dining Catalog
Go for ceramic or porcelain that feels substantial when you pick it up. Classic white plates make everything pop, but those bold patterns and colors can totally transform your table into something magical.
Playing around with different styles is something you should try as well. Who says everything has to match perfectly? Try mixing those classic dinner plates with some funky serving bowls or platters. Sometimes, contrasting and unexpected combinations turn out to be the best for your dining party.
Serving Dishes and Bowls
Trencadis Salad Bowl from the Sublime Catalog
To show off your main meals and sides, you'll probably need serving dishes of different sizes. A gorgeous wooden bowl for that salad, a sleek ceramic platter for your main dish, and some smaller dishes for all the tasty sides.
Flatware
For cutlery, keep it simple but special. You don't need to go crazy with fifteen different utensils. A nice set of dinner forks, knives, and spoons is enough.
Polished stainless steel never fails, but have you seen those gorgeous matte black or gold sets? They can complement your table setting and make a statement to all your guests.
Drinks
What’s a great dinner party without the perfect sips to go with it? Here are some drinkware recommendations for your party:
Wine Glasses
Quatrophil Wine Glass 570ml from the Power Collection
Grab some elegant wine glasses for both red and white. White wines taste best in narrow glasses, while red wines taste best in wider ones. Each shape is made to bring out those amazing flavors and aromas.
Cocktail Glasses
Black & Copper Martini Glass from the Olympic Collection
You’ll want a variety of drinkware at your event if cocktails are your thing. Some examples are highballs for tall drinks, rocks glasses for spirits and short cocktails, and martini glasses or coupes for fancy craft cocktails.
Water Glasses
Concerto Glass 410ML from the Dining Catalog
Don't forget about water! Go for something sturdy but beautiful that matches your wine glasses. You'll use these all night long, so having 12-14 means you're always covered.
Pitchers and Decanters
For your iced teas and sangrias, choose glass or crystal pitchers for that extra class. You might also want to bring a pitcher or decanter to serve drinks from. Most of the time, they come in different sizes and shapes and are great for giving wine, juice, or infused water.
Dessert
Time for the grand finale of your dinner party – the dessert. Even if dinner was incredible, dessert is what people remember. You don't need to be a pastry chef to nail the dessert presentation. The secret is all in how you serve it up!
Dessert Plates and Jars
These are the perfect stage for your sweet creations. You want something bigger than those tiny appetizer plates but not as huge as dinner plates. For parfaits or puddings, you may serve them in small glass jars. It adds such a charming touch, especially for layered treats. No matter what desserts you choose for your party, go for whatever matches your style.
Ice Cream and Dessert Bowls
Ethnic Slanted Glass Bowl from the Dining Catalog
For the ice cream and pudding lovers out there, you'll definitely want some dedicated dessert bowls. You can find porcelain bowls that stack nicely. Saves you so much cabinet space when you're not playing host.
Coffee and Teacups
A wonderful meal goes with a good cup of tea or coffee. Having the right drinkware, like modern mugs or those lovely, delicate china cups, makes the atmosphere better after dinner.
Cake Stands
Stands and Displays from the Dining Catalog
At last, we get to the show-stopper—cake stands! Putting a cake on a stand makes it look so much fancier, like it was made by a professional bakery. For serving, you'll need some tools like a cake server, dessert spoons, and tiny forks for pastries.
Final Thoughts
With these tableware must-haves and tips, you are well on your way to hosting a memorable dinner party.
For a standout dining experience, go for Catalonia Plates. Whether you're just having friends over for a casual dinner or throwing a fancy holiday party, we have the perfect dinnerware pieces for you.
Looking to explore our stunning collection? Our catalog is just a click away! Browse through our Dining, PORDAMSA 2.0, and Sublime Catalogs today!
