The Coffee Table

TUESDAY TAKEOUT

Easy-to-eat noodle and rice dishes are perfect for perching on a coffee table. It’s nice to replate entrées and to decant sauces before serving.

Coasters are an easy way to add pattern. Use them under glasses and small dishes of sauces.

THE DETAILS IN DECANTING DELIVERY

A RUNNER FOR SMALLER TABLES

Long and narrow, it fits on almost any surface. As an alternative, use tea towels or unfolded napkins as place mats.

DINNERWARE AS SERVING DISHES

Dinner plates and cereal bowls are just the right size for smaller portions.

CHOPSTICKS

Rest them on the edge of your plate when you’re not using them.

HOLD THE UPPER CHOPSTICK LIKE A PENCIL, BETWEEN YOUR THUMB AND INDEX FINGER, JUST ABOVE THE MIDDLE. THE SECOND CHOPSTICK SHOULD BE PARALLEL, HELD AGAINST YOUR RING FINGER AND THE BASE OF YOUR THUMB.

MOVIE NIGHT

Elevate a night of Netflix or celebrate the Oscars with snacks served in Art Deco–style porcelain, and drinks in fancy glasses.

Mix metallics and votive candles for a warm glow and a hit of shine.

AN OSCAR NIGHT ARRANGEMENT

NAPKINS & RINGS

Think of napkin rings as jewelry for the table. Play with different shapes and materials as you would a stack of bangles or cocktail rings.

A SOUP TUREEN FOR POPCORN

Repurpose a vintage piece for serving snacks.

A MIX OF PATTERNED PLATES & BOWLS

The Academy Awards are the perfect time to flaunt your best porcelain—even if it doesn’t match.

Decorative dessert plates can be expensive and might seem extravagant to purchase as a set. Instead, just buy a few and use them as accents.

WINE & CHEESE

Served before dinner, after dinner, or as a meal on its own, wine and cheese is the perfect spread for a coffee table, where food can be nibbled and nothing needs to be cut.

To build a cheese board, choose at least three varieties and include a mix of milks, flavors, and textures–plus a knife for each.

THE PERFECT ASSORTMENT

CHEESE BOARD

Slate is a nice alternative to wood, and you can use chalk to write the names of the cheese.

A BOWL USED AS AN ICE BUCKET

Almost any large serving bowl will work—choose something patterned for a pop of color.

Chill white wine ahead of time and open a few bottles before guests arrive. Some white wines aren’t meant to be ice cold—check with your local wine store for the ideal temperature.

A mix of glasses

Mix stemmed styles with tumblers for a casual vibe (or if you don’t have a complete set).

SMALL BOWLS AND SPOONS

Use these for plating nuts, olives, crackers, and chutney. Don’t forget one for olive pits.