Consider the details of the presentation. From a package trimmed in ribbon curls and coordinating tissue, to a coffee table book with gilded fonts and colorful paper edges, details catch our attention. Presentation isn’t only visual—it’s emotional. It tells your guests, I thought of you.
My dining table has served as a hub for home-cooked entertainment for over two decades. We’ve hosted open-house style birthday celebrations, upscale Christmas dinners with dear friends, groups of teenagers connecting, and friends who are new to town needing a home away from home. Hospitality around our table, anchored by delicious food, brings me joy. No matter the type or scale of the occasion, one of my favorite pieces of hosting is the presentation of the table we gather around. Tablecloths and placemats set the backdrop for your food, acting as the base to which your table scape builds. Florals and greenery add a natural freshness, offering a salute to the current season. Place settings can be the focal point of your table, acting as the lead in your table’s scene. Lighting matters too—candles or twinkle lights can instantly shift the mood and invite warmth.
In an era of convenience, there is little appreciation for taking the time to create a pretty and thoughtful table. I believe there is no substitute for your guests entering your home and feeling not only welcome but valued; this is why presentation matters. Every detail is a whisper of intentionality—an echo of hospitality that lingers long after dessert has been served.
Going the extra mile for the company doesn’t have to mean you are hand-washing your grandmother’s china after every dinner party. Understanding how to combine your resources to create fresh looks is part of the fun. Shopping your home for items that are on-theme to your gathering, or are treasured pieces that you love using to entertain, should always be where we start. From there, add in one or two new elements to make it feel fresh, and you’re there!
Use neutral-colored dinner plates and pair them with a whimsical paper plate.
Lay your best china for a bowl of soup, but use plaid blankets as tablecloths and pair them with a cloth napkin in a coordinating stripe. The layers of fabric will offset the shine of your dishes and create a happy table. Add a personal touch with handwritten place cards, sprigs of rosemary, or small favors your guests can take home.
There are darling products available in disposable tableware these days. They are available for every occasion, in sweet designs with unique color schemes. Adding these elements to your tablescape is an affordable and fun way to create a custom style. A bonus is that these items also make great hostess gifts!
When you happen upon a charming package of napkins, a piece of fabric that would complement a new vase, or a tray that is just the right size for the heirloom platter in your cupboard, don’t hesitate. Bring it home, build a table setting, and give your creativity a tune-up! Invite someone over, bless them with your efforts. They will be glad of the invitation!
Jennifer Hoogendyk is the baker, cook, and creative director behind The Cottage Cookery. What began as a way to chronicle what she was up to in the kitchen, has become a place where anyone can find dinner ideas, table styling inspiration, and party planning help. Sweet and savory fans alike will be inspired by her modern takes on classic recipes.