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The Elegant Table

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Autumn is the ideal time for layering—not just clothing, but table settings, too. For festive fall occasions, begin with a foundation of a luxurious tablecloth and matching napkins. Next, add interest and height with fine china and glistening stemware. Accessorize with unusual platters and serving pieces, then serve your favorite delicacies. The stylish atmosphere you create will serve as the perfect backdrop for the most important layer of all: camaraderie and conversation with family and friends.

Beatriz Platter

For an appetizer course that looks effortlessly chic, serve cheese or other chilled items on this aluminum tray with beaded detail. Each piece is individually handmade using the ancient method of sand casting. You’ll never have to polish this lustrous tray—artisans do it four times during the production process, leaving the platter with an everlasting shine.

Beatriz Ball® “Pearl” cheese server, food-safe sand cast reclaimed aluminum alloy, 17.5 x 8 inches, made in USA, $140.
The 5 Senses – West Chester

www.the5senses.com

Creative Crudites

Vegetables with dip make excellent hors d’oeuvres. But it’s no fun washing and cutting up all those veggies, and it’s easy to fall into a rut with the “same old same old.” (Onion soup mix and sour cream, anyone?) Say goodbye to the old standby and let Janssen’s Market take your crudités platter to the next level. You’ll get a beautiful display of hand-cut seasonal goodies with delicious peppercorn dip or hummus spread. Vivid hues of orange, green, red, and purple will enhance any table, and set the stage for the main course to come.

Crudités platter starts at $35 depending on size.
Janssen’s Market LLC – Greenville

www.janssensfinefoods.com

Sparkling Crystal

There’s something magical about how glassware reflects candlelight. Watch these “Véga” lead crystal glasses from Baccarat sparkle when you incorporate them into your tablescape. Timelessly elegant, the striking proportions and beveled stems of this French-made stemware evoke the sculptural elements of Brancusi, and complement any decor.

Baccarat “Véga” full-lead crystal, small glass, red/white wine glass, and champagne $150 each.
Baccarat –
www.baccarat.com

Some items also available at: Neiman Marcus – King of Prussia
www.neimanmarcus.com

Jewel-Toned China

Lenox china in the “Vintage Jewel” collection brings to mind an era of grace and sophistication. The pure white bone china contrasts with a dark, richly patterned band of muted gold, taupe, charcoal, and black, accented with subtle touches of cobalt blue. Even better, this elegant look isn’t just beautiful, it’s also practical: the items are dishwasher-safe.

Lenox “Vintage Jewel” 5-piece place setting, $200.
Macy’s – Exton, Pa.; King of Prussia; Wilmington; Newark

www.macys.com

Leaf Serving  Tray

Incorporate the shapes and colors of nature into your dinner party with this ceramic leaf tray. Four beautifully textured, hand-painted green leaves intersect to create a functional and interesting serving piece, accented with gold handles. Your guests will appreciate the detail.

Ceramic Leaf Tray, hand-painted in Italy, $150.
Everything But the Kitchen Sink – Hockessin

www.thekitchensink.com

Fine Linens

The tablecloth and napkins are the foundation for the entire table display, so why not go luxe? For the pinnacle of quality, choose items from Yves Delorme, a family-owned French company that has been producing fine linens since 1845. The exquisite “Invited” pattern with bourdon embroidery comes in colors to suit any room or occasion. Take care of your table linens properly and your investment will last for decades.

“Invited” table linens from Yves Delorme, 60% cotton, 40% linen, made in France. Napkin, $24; tablecloth, $260-$415.
Yves Delorme – Greenville

www.yvesdelorme.com

Casserole Dish

Autumn is prime time for yellow and orange vegetables. Think sweet potato casserole, honey-glazed carrots, pumpkin puree, or squash with pecans and brown sugar. What better way to serve those flavorful dishes than in this fetching acorn squash bowl? It’s just the right size for a side dish on your Thanksgiving table. Martha would approve.

Acorn bowl, $24.
Kurtz Collection – Wilmington

www.kurtzcollection.com

Cheese Board

We all know how hard it is to get a seat at Talula’s Table, the Kennett Square gourmet food destination with exclusive farm-to-table dining. The good news is that you can have a taste of Talula’s at your own dinner party. Let Aimee Olexy and her team of expert cheesemongers prepare a cheese board specifically for you and your guests, and you may also have to start taking dinner reservations a year in advance!

Cheese Board for Two from Talula’s Table. Pricing starts at $20 and is based on number of guests, size of party, and theme. Each board is custom-selected and includes house-made bread or baguette chips, dried fruit, salted nuts, honey, and jam.

Talula’s Table – Kennett Square
www.talulastable.com