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.