Quickship

On the Table for the Holidays

Our Quickship collection arrives sooner than made-to-order pieces, so the glasses, plates, and serving pieces you love can be on the table before the holiday guests arrive.

The Tabletop Guide

How to Set a Beautiful Table

A set table is built in layers, from the plate to the pour to the light on the linen. Five ideas for composing one.

Beautifully set table with designer tabletop pieces

Begin with the plate

Dinnerware sets the palette for everything that follows. Porcelain is fine and luminous, while stoneware is warm and substantial, and a softly textured glaze gives the table character. Choose a tone you could see every day, and the rest of the table falls into place.

Choose glass for the way it catches light

A ripple, a facet, or a tinted edge gives glassware sparkle in candlelight, while a smooth, thin wall keeps the lines quiet. Glasses sit at eye level across the table, so give everyday tumblers the attention you give the plates.

Weigh the flatware in your hand

Flatware is the part of the table you touch, so notice its balance, the width of the handle, and the finish, whether polished, brushed, or matte. A weight that rests easily in the hand makes the whole meal feel more generous.

Let the centerpiece serve

A serving platter, a cake stand, or a bowl can be the centerpiece and then carry the meal, so nothing on the table needs to be moved. Vary the heights, with one tall element, one low one, and a place for the food.

Layer linen and candlelight

A cloth or runner softens the surface, and a pair of candleholders brings warmth to the evening. Keep the palette to two or three tones, and let one texture, such as linen, stoneware, or glass, lead.

The Uniek Edit

Gifts for the Gracious Host

The Uniek Edit, our holiday gift guide, gathers beautiful finds for the host, the cook, and everyone who loves a well-set table.

Explore the Uniek Edit
Holiday gift ideas from the Uniek Edit

Questions

Tabletop FAQs

What does tabletop include?

Tabletop is everything that goes on the table: dinnerware, drinkware and glassware, flatware and serving utensils, and serveware, along with kitchen tools and table linens for the finishing touches.

How many place settings do I need?

A set for four covers everyday meals, and a set for eight welcomes a dinner party. Many hosts add a few extra plates and glasses for holiday gatherings.

How do I set a table for a dinner party?

Place the dinner plate at the center, forks to the left, and the knife and spoon to the right with the blade turned toward the plate. Glasses sit above the knife, and the napkin rests on the plate or to the left of the forks. Set pieces in the order they are used, from the outside in.

How do I mix dinnerware, glassware, and flatware?

Share one quality across the pieces, such as a tone, a texture, or a finish, and let the rest differ. A single thread lets pieces from different brands look intentional together.

What is the difference between porcelain and stoneware?

Porcelain is fine and light, with a smooth, luminous glaze that glows at the edge. Stoneware is denser, with a substantial, tactile feel and a warm, earthy palette. Both are made for daily use.

How do I care for tabletop pieces?

Follow the care guidance for each piece. Many glasses and stoneware pieces go in the dishwasher, while fine glass, metallic details, and some flatware finishes are best washed by hand.

Which tabletop pieces arrive quickly?

Look for the Quickship badge on tabletop pieces, or browse our Quickship collection. These pieces arrive sooner than made-to-order furniture, so they can be on the table in time for the holidays.

Can you help me choose tabletop pieces?

Share the table you set, the colors of the room, and the gatherings you love to host, and Design Assistance can suggest pieces that belong together.

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