A Few Favourites: Setting the Stage for a Great Dinner

Hello everyone! I hope you are all having a great week this far. I really can’t believe how far into the month we are… it’s almost August! Ridiculous! I thought I would share a few more of my favourites this far into the summer. Last time, I spoke about the beautiful white serving stand from Ikea and my absolute favourite table runner from Kate Spade (at Bed Bath & Beyond!). Today, I thought I would give you a little more to swoon over… make no mistake, all of these items are things I would LOVE to have in my home… but I’m trying to be reasonable since there is a baby on the way, and just looking… for now 😉

First up on A Few of Favourites: Setting the Stage for a Great Dinner, the seaside. There are no major beaches close to my house, but I can always dream about being sea side and what’s better then brining that dream to your home?? Pier1 has an amazing collection of Seaside Serving pieces that will make any table scape feel like you’re sitting on a sandy beach. And what’s NOT to love about that?! The pretty blues and neutral colours are a great way to incorporate this outdoor oasis into any space without having to make a full on commitment to the “nautical” theme and start building a lighthouse in the corner of your kitchen!

These absolutely beautiful Seaside Canisters can be used as a group of three clustered on your table holding sand, sea shells or even some pretty sea foam green and sea blue marbles. Or you can simply buy an individual one, and put some sand with a white pillar candle in one, as an addition to other items on your table. I can see these also on the counter holding coffee, tea bags & sugar!  If you’re having a themed party, why not add candy to them for guests to serve themselves?! I can picture these all over the house and for a variety of uses.

That’s the key – to be able to buy something that can be multi-purposed in my home. It makes the “value” of the item that much greater, which in some cases may be useful when looking at the price tag. This leads me to the Coastal Shells Wreath.

This wreath would look spectacular hanging over a mirror, on an open wall, on a door… but lay it flat and POOF! Another aspect of fun on your table! When you lay this down, you have an instant & major tablescape piece. Add a hurricaine and candle in the middle and you have another ‘seaside’ look to your table.

If you’re having people over and you want to keep up with set theme, then bring out ALL of your white dishes… nothing looks nicer against these beautiful hues of blue than white. Why not make Green & Fried Goat Cheese Salad to go with your meal? And this simple and beautiful Rope Salad Server Set will help kick up the look of your table! By adding a few bits here and there, mixed with what you already own, can make a major impact on what your guests see, and the atmosphere you create.

But who’s to say you want to stay with the neutrals? What if you really want to kick it up a notch and use beautiful bright colours on your table this summer? Use those white dishes I keep telling you to buy, and add a fantastic splash of colour with this sunshine Le Creuset Large Serving Platter. Heads will definitely be turning when they see your Honey-Lime Grilled Shrimp and Chilli-Lime Chicken Skewers being served on this.

But Don’t stop there! It’s all about mixing and matching. So when you set your table, try this combination out:

• White table cloth
• Your white salad plates

AND add these Le Creuset 12-Inch Dinner Plates in Flame. That’s pop of colour, paired with the yellow will definitely  have your table being noticed. My recommendation: since you already have some awesome colours going on, stick with neutrals for the cutlery & napkins. Also a clear or white vase with some pretty green & yellow fresh flowers (think daises, pale green carnations, or green chrysanthemums) will help set the stage for some fun and lively talk around the table.

There are plenty of options for you to choose from when setting the table this summer. Still aren’t sure about those white dishes I keep rambling on about? Not sure it’s in the budget? Try this beautiful  Everyday White Beaded Dinnerware Collection. Prices range from $7.99 – $8.99 so you can gradually buy the pieces you need. Don’t want the bowls? No problem! Just want dinner plates? There you go!

These dishes are a classic and can be used in your home everyday… not just for the special occasions. If you’re looking for more of a “all-in-one” offer, the ARV series is also a great pick and can be used every day as well. This 18-piece set comes with 6 place settings which includes an 11″ dinner plate, a 10″ deep plate (perfect for pasta… for example the Tri-Coloured Tomato Pasta?), and a 9″ side plate.

This allows you to be creative with your coffee or tea mugs, and your bowls although you can purchase the cereal bowl & shallow bowl separately for around $4 a piece. It’s all about working out a budget, and keeping your eye on the prize and any dinner event can be a success.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. It’s so great to hear from you, so please don’t be shy and let me know what great pieces you have found, or any awesome deals your stumbled upon for your kitchen! I hope the heat isn’t making your hair as crazy as mine in these days, and you’re finding fun ways to keep cool this summer! Have a great one and chat soon!

 Cheers xo