Dining Products

Pick the right dining set.

As you make this all-important purchase, think about how often you entertain and how many people usually attend. A large dining table might be worth it if lots of family and friends live nearby, while a smaller table might fit better with your space and social life. If you like having options, purchase one with a table leaf so you can accommodate both large and small parties. To add a more trendy feel, try mismatched chairs or a metal table, or go traditional with an all-wood set. In the end, pick what works for your family, budget and overall style.

Make entertaining easy with a buffet table.

When a dining room and kitchen are separate, going back to the kitchen for seconds can seem like quite a trek. Instead of forcing guests to make the move, bring the food to them by investing in a buffet table. With a sideboard, you can place all the food in one spot so that guests can conveniently pick at their leisure. Because it's also another flat surface, you can use it for decorations (candles, vases and picture frames) too.

Create your own home bar station.

No good party is complete without a bar, but if a custom built-in is out of reach (and out of your price range), you can still get the same effect by piecing together your own station. A bar cart is a great option, because it’s portable and can be conveniently squeezed into any corner. Just stock it with all the necessities — cocktail shaker, ice bucket, barware and alcohol of your choice — and your guests can just help themselves!

Dress up your dining room with table linens.

When you’re hosting a party, one of the best ways to add character is to pick the right table linens. During a formal dinner party, nothing says “elegant” more than ivory linen napkins, napkin rings and a satin tablecloth. Or it might not feel quite like Christmas without red and green napkins and a lovely Christmas tablecloth. By owning a wide variety of table linens, you will be prepared for everything, even your little kid’s messy birthday party. Besides being above all practical, having a variety of napkins and tablecloths is a great way to bring some personality and decor to your table without seeming over the top.

Ensure that your dinnerware fits the bill.

As with table linens, make sure you have dinnerware that complements a wide variety of events. You can store your fancy dishes and glassware in a corner china cabinet if you like, and only bring them out for special formal events. For a more laid-back finger-food party, substitute trendy appetizer plates, serving bowls and trays for the good china and traditional platters.