When it comes to hosting an outdoor dinner party, striking the right balance between elegance and practicality is key. I always hope I can find a happy medium between fine china and Chinet paper plates: tableware that will look elegant but won’t shatter into a million pieces when the inevitable gust of wind blows through.
Thankfully, Year & Day solved all of my problems (well, all my tablescape problems). Made with plant-based, biodegradable materials, their collection of durable plates and bowls are perfect for dining al fresco. Non-breakable? Sign me up. They’re also microwave and dishwasher safe, which adds a whole new level of lazy-girl-approved. You can’t go wrong with any of their three minimalist colors (I personally love the deep richness of Canyon Moon – it works for all seasons).
The best part about the Year & Day colors is that they pair perfectly with the one aspect of my tablescape that I get complimented the most for, without fail: Saludi Glassware‘s stunning (and shatterproof) colored wine glasses. From my mom, to aunts, to friends and neighbors, they all pick up a hand-blown wine glass, marvel at its gorgeous color, and ask where I got it. If there’s one thing I love more than sharing a brand, it’s sharing a woman-owned brand. Each guest can choose their own color, and because the glasses are shaped to fit any wine – the “red or white” glass is a non-issue.
When it comes to flatware, ditch the plastic forks and knives. Fortessa Tableware Solutions’ Five-Piece Set is heavy duty, pretty and dishwasher safe, a trifecta that is typically hard to find and worth every penny. Their sleek, bamboo design gives tropic vibes (Luau, anyone?), is made with high-quality stainless steel and makes every dinner seem like a special occasion.
Once you have the foundation of your setting in place, the possibilities for creating a stunning tablescape are endless. You can build with texture to match your theme: fresh flowers for spring, a clear bowl of fruit for the summer – anything to add visual appeal. To enhance the ambiance further, light candles to add a warm, inviting mood (and keep the pesky mosquitos at bay) or place battery-operated string lights throughout the centerpiece.
Ultimately, setting an inviting table is one of the simplest gestures to express care and affection for those close to me. I’ve found that investing in durable pieces that I genuinely love not only adds charm to the table but also makes the entire process effortless. Knowing that my dinnerware pieces are high-quality, yet not fussy or pretentious, allows me to focus more on the joy of hosting and creating memorable moments with my loved ones.
