Each good host wants to create a pleasant atmosphere, but a great host is always looking for new ways to leave a lasting impression, making each dinner unique and memorable. Pivoting your service and viewing your collection as constantly evolving is one way to become the latter type. If you need help justifying that new bowl or serving platter, think of it as an investment in creating unforgettable gatherings, which is what any Southern hosting expert would tell you. We tapped two Southern hosting experts to find out how the right service not only enhances your presentation, but adds warmth, style and even a personal story to your presentation. your table.

You can never have too many glasses

Seasoned mixologists and bartenders know that the type of vessel in which you enjoy your beverage of choice can enhance the taste of the drink, so take a page from their books during your next cocktail hour.

For example, whiskey glasses with narrow rims allow you to take in more of the aroma of your Blanton as you savor each sip, while being wider old fashioned glasses leave room for ice cream. It would be almost impossible to immediately put together a complete collection of suitable liquor glasses. Adding to your collection little by little as you learn more about the art of drinking and come across pieces you like is a good approach.

There are two other essential bar items that Cassie LaMere, a luxury event planner in Austin, Texas, highly suggests keeping on hand: a champagne cooler and whimsical reusable cocktail picks.

“A Champagne The cooler is the host’s best friend, chilling everything from sparkling waters to sparkling waters in style,” she says. She also adds that a champagne cooler can serve as a vase for a chic ambiance. floral centerpiece.

When it comes to cocktail choices, the more they are mixed and collected over time, the better. “These little pieces serve as both decoration and functionality,” says LaMere. “They’re perfect for customers to track their drinks while adding a fun touch to the bar.”

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Personal style and trends evolve

Even if you try your best to choose timeless and traditional tablewareyou have to accept that you like what you like. If you get tired of a certain set of plates, you can always let someone else start enjoying them.

Or, if you want to keep your traditional tableware, you can always breathe new life into your tables by mixing in some more trendy pieces.

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The gatherings will naturally grow in size

As your family tree and circle of friends grow throughout your life, so does the size of your meetings. The way we see it, more beautiful platesThe more cups, utensils and serving dishes you have on hand, the more mouths you can feed.

Ally-Catherine Trenary is an interior designer based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the founder of June St. George. According to her, you can never have too many serving dishes.

“A few large serving dishes are crucial, but you also can’t neglect using small dishes,” she says. She loves using small platters like vegetable platterscharcuterie boards and for dividing the sides of each end of a large table.

Trenary suggests looking for serving platters in different shapes to keep things interesting, like ovalssquares and rectangles. “Some with small lips are perfect for savory dishes,” she adds.

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You never know what you’ll find when you antique

The South is home to so many beautiful flea markets and antique shopsand you never know what you’ll find in town. If the price is right, you might want to grab these silver platters and teacups before someone else does.

Personally, LaMere has a hard time passing up a beautiful silver platter. “Whether displaying hors d’oeuvres or displaying crystal decanters, a classic silver platter is a must-have,” she says. “And as a bonus, it also doubles as a (tray for a) breakfast in bed for relaxing after the party.

For Trenary, his vice is teacups. “Teacups are an underrated tool,” she says. “A teacup can be used to serve everything from morning tea to after-dinner coffee to a refreshing lemonade on a hot summer day.” She also notes that teacups are also a secret weapon for drawing out guests. The amount of liquid measured gives them a good indication of when they were welcome.

But if you’re looking for a very specific antique or vintage serving piece and haven’t yet found what you have in mind, turning to reproductions is always an option. For example, it is quite easy to find a nice vintage inspired tray something new these days.

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Some tableware pieces save surface space

If you tend to prefer to prepare too much food, you’ll need to start looking for ways to use vertical height to your advantage. A great hosting hack invests in level stands.

You can also opt for more compact dishes like trio bowls. Besides saving space, they also make ordinary foods look a little fancier. “Trio bowls are perfect for snacks or pantry garnishes, and a set of three chic bowls elevates everyday essentials,” says LaMere.

Cluster bowls also save space, so look for sets with up to five attached and superimposed.

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