No two hosting situations are created equal. Maybe you’re the friend who invites people over for gossip and nibbling on a makeshift cheese board. Or perhaps you’re having your S.O.’s parents over for the first time and cooking a four-course vegan meal from scratch. No matter who’s showing up, having some impressive, go-to serving and décor items can create the illusion of advanced entertaining skills, without any added effort. Proper silverware, pretty bowls and dishes, and a few practical serving items that also enhance your aesthetic are staples that will help curb prep-and-presentation stress every time. Ahead, we chose a few such pieces from the Kate Spade New York dining collection with Lenox, known for its mix of colors, patterns, and quality materials that you’ll return to for endless parties to come.
There’s nothing wrong with setting out mismatching plates, but this set feels intentional and coordinated — which can make all the difference.
Advance your martini-making skills to the next level.
A coordinating shaker — topped with an on-trend pop of color — is perfect for impressing the shaken-not-stirred crowd.
Fair warning: If you send your guests home with leftovers in these, you may not get them back.
These bottle stoppers are the kind of small accoutrement that signify you’ve evolved from serving drinks in red plastic cups.
A fresh and playful pattern that will excite your guests as much as the hors d’oeuvres they’ll place on these.
When your guests inevitably end up hanging out in the kitchen, this canister will look nice on the counter. Or, place reusable straws for drinks in it.
For pouring tea while spilling tea.
Display a photo of your favorite humans in this colorful frame; then let it work its conversation-starting magic.
An elegant vessel for a simple but essential element of any gathering.
A sweet, two-piece update to the bottle opener you once kept on your keychain.
A cookie jar as sophisticated and stylish as your hosting vibe.
Use this statement dish to round up stray knickknacks, change, and keys before guests arrive.
If you like alternating color schemes when you entertain, this gold-detailed set will elevate any sit-down dinner and go with tons of different palettes.
A bold and modern serving plate to show off your prized dish, right from the oven.
All images courtesy of Kate Spade New York.
This is paid content produced for an advertiser by New York Stories. The editorial staff of The Cut did not play a role in its creation.