Keep it simple—your everyday dishes, flatware, and glasses will do. Save the splurge-worthy additions for multipurpose items, like boards, platters, and pitchers.
□Attractive flatware (buy lots at tag sales and flea markets)
□Cloth napkins
□Cups and saucers (for after-dinner coffee and tea)
□Glassware (page 231)
□Salad and dinner plates (neutrals are the most versatile, and they don’t all have to match)
□Serving platter (at least one large one, more as desired)
□Wide, shallow bowls (for soups, stews, risotto, and more)
□Candles and votives
□Chargers (they can also be used as trays)
□Large wood cutting board (for prepping and serving, such as for a cheese platter)
□Pitchers and/or carafes
□Vases and other vessels (for displaying flowers from guests or your own garden)
□Wooden salad bowl