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: A Set of Six Sur la Table Wine Glasses can be used for both red and white wines; currently on sale for $23.96, marked down from $29.95.
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 on sale through November 25 for $2.39 each (regularly $2.99). 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; $47 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 $39 each.
Above: West Elm's Essential White Dinnerware Set is made of white-glazed porcelain; $7.99 for a set of four pieces. 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 vintage silver-plated flatware in mismatched sets from flea markets or on Etsy. Photograph via Bhldn.
Above: CB2 offers stainless steel Party Forks ($9.95), Party Knives ($14.95), 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 six cotton Hotel Dinner Napkins is $34.36, marked down from $42.95, at Williams-Sonoma.
Above: Williams-Sonoma's Hotel Cocktail Napkins are $26.36, marked down from $32.95, for a set of six.
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, $9 each at Sur la Table.
For more holiday staples, see:
- 10 Easy Pieces: Folding Chairs
- 10 Easy Pieces: Folding Dining Tables
- 5 Favorites: Champagne Flutes
- Thanksgiving on a Budget: 7 Tips for Tabletop Decor
- 7 Boozy Holiday Recipes
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.
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