With the holiday season suddenly upon us, it's time to think about stocking up on entertaining essentials. In the long run, it's more economical to buy than rent if you entertain frequently. We've sourced tabletop items that are versatile, durable, and readily available (in case you need overnight shipping).
Glassware
Above: The All-Purpose Wine Glasses from Sur La Table can be used for both red and white wines; currently on sale for $23.96 for a set of 6.
Above: A set of 12 Party Goblets are $24.95 from Crate & Barrel.
Above: For large parties, Ikea's Svalka White Wine Glasses are good to have on hand in multiples; $4.79 for a set of six. N.B.: They are not the most durable, but for the price they can't be beat.
Above: If you prefer the stemless variety, consider Ikea's 365+ Ivrig Wine Glasses for $2.99 each. For more ideas on affordable glassware, see 10 Easy Pieces: Everyday Wine Glasses and 10 Easy Pieces: Basic Drinking Glasses.
Dishware
Above: A set of four Coupe Porcelain Dinner Plates is $12.95 at Crate & Barrel.
Above: The Caterer's 12-Piece Dinnerware Set includes a dozen dinner plates; $50 for a box set of 12 plates from Pottery Barn. A Caterer's Set of 12 Salad Plates and Caterer's Set of 12 Bowls are also available for $41.50 each.
Above: West Elm's Brook Dinnerware Set is made from white-glazed stoneware; $19.99 for a set of four plates. See 10 Easy Pieces: Basic White Dinnerware for more ideas.
Flatware
Above: Fishs Eddy sells Open Stock Flatware by the piece, starting at $1.99 for a salad fork.
Above: Source silverplate flatware in mismatched sets from flea markets, or consider Bygones Flatware Bundles (includes 10 pieces; choose from fork, knife, or spoon sets); currently on sale for $24 at Bhldn.
Above: CB2 offers stainless steel Party Forks ($9.95), Party Knives ($12.95), and Party Spoons ($9.95) in sets of six. See more of our flatware favorites: 10 Easy Pieces: Everyday Stainless Steel Flatware.
Table Linens
Above: A set of 12 cotton Hotel Dinner Napkins is $42.95 at Williams-Sonoma.
Above: Williams-Sonoma's Hotel Cocktail Napkins are $32.99 for a set of 6.
Above: Ikea's Elly Dish Towels make affordable (and charmingly rustic) napkins; $3.99 for a set of four.
Above: Stock up on basic Chilewich 100-Percent Linen Napkins, $8.50 each at Sur La Table.
N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on November 23, 2011 as part of our Thanksgiving Entertaining issue.
Need a cutting board? See 10 Easy Pieces: Display-Worthy Wooden Cutting Boards.