The Essentials: Roman And Williams Guild Tabletop

As entertaining aficionados, we’re of the opinion that a tablescape can make or break a dinner party. Not only does it speak to your personality as an entertainer, the seating arrangement, tableware, and overall aesthetic truly sets the mood for the evening—the food is only half the battle. 

With that said, a table setting doesn’t have to be complicated and overdone—I believe in keeping things simple, sticking to a controlled color palette, and even letting the menu guide your tabletop decor. Similar to kitchen design, a tablescape shouldn’t be strictly utilitarian. You need decorative flourishes like candles, greenery, and centerpieces in addition to the essential cutlery, plates, and napkins. Of course, it helps if your tableware doubles as artwork, which brings me to one of my favorite New York retail stores: Roman and Williams Guild.

Aptly nestled in NYC’s Soho neighborhood, Roman and Williams Guild is the retail concept from award-winning design firm Roman and Williams Interiors. Unsurprisingly, it has become my one-stop shop for all things entertaining (and decor). Not only is the store itself a design lover’s dream, it’s brimming with straight-up beautiful tableware, furniture, lighting, and accessories. 

The guild stocks custom-designed Roman and Williams pieces, as well as a curated selection of artisanal pieces sourced from around the world. They currently work with 21 different artists and designers spanning Japan to Denmark, making for a truly unique assortment of tableware, furniture, and decor. Above all else, Roman and Williams champions timeless design, natural materials, and masterful craftsmanship—three tentpoles that are present in each and every piece in the store. Shop my tabletop essentials from Roman and Williams Guild below!