Serveware

Serving an elegant meal demands distinctive serveware. Platters in a wide array of sizes and shapes will contribute to a festive tablescape. An oval or octagonal porcelain serving platter will lend an air of sophistication to any table, and these serveware separates easily coordinate with virtually any dinnerware pattern. Pull an ensemble together by choosing serveware that matches dinnerware too. Patterns, such as French Blue Bouquet or Meyer Lemon, are easy choices. You can also opt for melamine platters for an excellent combination of beauty and durability. Today’s melamine easily replicates stoneware and porcelain, yet it’s strong enough to withstand everyday use.

Complement your serveware with a sizable collection of casual glasses. Meant for everyday use, these appealing glasses are ideal for family dinners. Tumblers are classic in style, and they come in a variety of sizes for every type of cold beverage. The tempered glass is also strong, making the glasses resistant to shattering and heat. Imagine setting a special table with both serveware and tumblers that add a coordinated touch. The Williams-Sonoma Open Kitchen line even features a matching carafe and tumblers. Al fresco dining with double-walled tumblers ensures that beverages retain their original temperature longer, even when held in the hand. These glasses are made of borosilicate glass, giving them exceptional strength.

As you set your table with assorted serveware, don’t forget the coasters and trivets. Trivets ensure that hot serveware won’t mar fragile table surfaces. Choose from elegant marble or rustic wood for trivets. A special magma hot plate is even available, which can help keep food warm. Simply pop the magma hot plate into the microwave to heat the ceramic core. Once hot, this trivet will keep a dish warm for up to one hour. Coasters are both functional and beautiful on any table. Protect wood surfaces from condensation rings by using coasters made of copper, marble or woven grass. Wine bottles are pretty on the table, and they won’t leave rings when you place them into special bottle coasters.

Imagine coordinating baskets, bowls and trays with serveware. Serving trays provide you with many serving options to present foods in a memorable way. Choose from distinctive trays made of copper, marble, stainless-steel, silver plating and melamine. Baskets offer virtually limitless serving options for breads, chips, crackers and more. You can also use baskets for organizing napkins or cutlery on a table. With a distinctive salad bowl on the table, you add both charm and style to a meal. Salad bowls are available in many different styles, made from various materials including bamboo, marble and stainless-steel.

A fully set table demands consideration of accessories to go along with the serveware. Salt and pepper shakers are both functional and stylish when they grace a formal or casual table. Traditional wood shakers are available in olivewood, walnut, maple and acacia. The wood grain you select will add unparalleled charm to any dinner table. When you prefer a little more pizzazz on the table, salt and pepper shakers in vivid colors will help make this happen. Choose from red, gray, white or even flame salt and pepper mills. Amp up the technology a bit by choosing an electric salt and pepper mill. With the touch of a button, you and your guests can season the foods with virtually no effort.

Decanters on the table along with platters, bowls and other serveware help round out a table setting. While traditional designs and shapes are always an option, you can also add an unusual flair to a table with a special decanter. Wine decanters offer full aeration of the wine with wide bases. Contemporary shapes and dripless pouring are additional features to note. A full set with both glasses and a decanter gives you a coordinated serving option.

The process of collecting serveware and accessories in many different themes will give you memorable options when entertaining guests.