Tabletop & Bar

Modern Tableware & Table Accessories

The main course is in the oven, the appetizers are plated and the guests are on their way; now all that's left to do is bring out your favorite tableware and table accessories to set an ambience worthy of your meal. Whether you love entertaining or need table place settings for everyday meals, our high-quality modern tableware combines style and durability for a complete dining experience. Discover all the dinnerware, serveware and flatware you need for your ideal tablescape as well as bar glassware and accessories for serving up top-notch drinks. Not sure how to set the table? It's both simple and fun; read on to learn more.

Table Place Setting Basics

Before you can sit down to eat, you'll need to choose the best tableware for your needs. A traditional table place setting contains flatware, dinnerware and drinkware. Start by selecting the dinner plates; the most prominent component of your place settings, the style, color and material of your plates help set the look for the rest of the table. (Our dinnerware buying guide provides a more detailed overview of the different material types.) To ensure that you have enough dishware for all your meals, you'll need a dinnerware set of at least 12. Next, select the salad plates. For a traditional look, choose ones from the same collection as the dinner plates, or consider a more contemporary approach by mixing and matching contrasting hues. Not just for greens, these tableware essentials are also great for smaller meals and snacks. When it comes to enjoying soups and pastas, bowls are another necessary addition to your table setting. Choose from a variety of sizes, from small dishes ideal for a serving of fruit to ones that accommodate an entire meal. Finally, complete your tableware by choosing complementary flatware. As with dinnerware, the recommended number of spoons, forks and knives is 12 of each. While one of each utensil suffices during casual meals, for more formal affairs, give each guest a salad fork, dinner fork, soup spoon, dinner spoon and dinner knife.

Tableware for Appetizers and Drinks

When entertaining guests, make them feel right at home with a generous spread of appetizers and drinks. While not generally included among basic tableware, hor d'oeuvre serveware is a must for any habitual host or hostess. Whether you're sticking with a classic charcuterie board for guests to enjoy while they mingle or a playful spin on old favorites such as bruschetta skewers and veggie spring rolls, ensure that there are plenty of fresh appetizer plates to go around. And what's a party without drinks? Specialty bar glasses add an unexpected, upscale vibe to your soirée. Think copper mugs for Moscow Mules, highballs for hard seltzers and rocks glasses for whiskey-based mixes. If your crowd prefers red and white vintages instead, stock red and white wine glasses to complement the subtle notes and aromas of each bottle. And whether you're serving alcoholic beverages or not, each place setting requires a drinking glass for water. If you've got little ones at home, opt for tumblers made of thicker glass or even acrylic for everyday use and ones with more ornate details when entertaining.

Tableware for Serving

Give your table a more polished look during formal meals by incorporating serveware into your tablescape. Not only does this type of tableware preempt the necessity of bringing unsightly cookware into the dining room, it also makes it easier for guests to serve themselves without leaving the table and missing out on the conversation. For an easy and elegant choice, look for a serveware set that shares common elements with your table place settings' style; wood serving trays, for example, parallel the organic elegance of stoneware plates, while marble or metallic pieces mesh well with minimalist modern tableware. Be sure to look out for serving dishes tailored to specific foods as well. Think cheese boards to elevate your next wine and cheese night or cake stands to show off your latest baked creations. And don't forget the serving pieces—larger than dining flatware, serving utensils are designed to scoop generous portions when filling plates.

Finish the Look with Table Accessories

Have you laid out all the tableware but still feel like there's something missing? That's where dining table accessories such as table linens and centerpieces come in. While a bare tabletop allows the beauty of the wood grain or marble veins to take center stage, a cotton or linen tablecloth protects these details and instantly transforms the room's look for different occasions. Once you've spread the tablecloth, layer on the style with a table runner up the center of the table or a placemat at each seat. Alternatively, add a little dimension with charger plates—these often-overlooked dining table accessories sit under the dinner plate as both decorative elements and spill-catchers. Want to add a little something special to each spot? Personalized name cards in place card holders tell each guest that you were thinking of them as you prepared the evening's festivities. Round out the look with an eye-catching centerpiece such as a vase of fresh flowers or a decorative bowl filled with seasonal baubles. Do you enjoy entertaining outside? Be sure to explore outdoor kitchen furniture and our complete collection of outdoor kitchen and entertaining essentials for your outdoor tabletop needs.

Planning a wedding? Get ready for your new life together by adding tableware, table linens and serveware to your wedding registry. One-click registries for entertaining and tabletop essentials help make sure you have all the necessities covered. Also be sure to shop the limited-time Crate & Barrel Wine and Dine sale 2022 for deals on our favorite tableware pieces, including dinnerware, wine glasses, table linens and more.