Basics for Entertaining Any Time, Any Day!
Just like keeping a pantry cupboard stocked with staples, there are a few things I believe you should have on hand for low-key entertaining. And by entertaining, I really do mean casual drop-ins, intimate gatherings, and just because!
- Trays
Every cupboard needs at least one tray, and I recommend going with a classic in either silver or wood like this vintage Contempo Teak tray from Japan. Once you have this basic in place you can always add to and expand your options.
- Cheese Board
Whether you like cheese or not, let’s face it, cheese is a fundamental for almost every occasion. I bet your pantry is stocked with crackers, so take this one step further and add a cheese board to your cupboard essentials!
This happens to be a 1950s-60s Mid-Century option made by Swedish designer, Karl Holmberg. Yes, this would be a definite addition to your collection, but a vintage Baribocraft cheeseboard would be, too!
- Condiment Utensils, aka Condiment Accompaniments
It’s all well and good to have great serving pieces, but don’t forget to add the finishing touch with out-of-the ordinary utensils like a few of the pieces in this wooden-handle vintage collection.
Included are a pair of sugar tongs, a medium-sized cocktail fork, cheese slicer and nutcrackers. Now, how much fun would setting out these pieces be?
- Teapot and Trimmings
Whether you drink tea or not, I bet you know others who do, and having a teapot on hand is a must.
This vintage Hornsea trio makes a small adjustment to the standard t, s & c set, and has paired the sugar bowl with a milk pitcher instead. The pitcher is larger than a traditional creamer, which makes it a great piece to use for other purposes. I love this set!
- Salt, Pepper, Oil & Vinegar Dispensers
It goes without saying that at least one set of salt and pepper shakers is a predictable basic, but having a pair of oil and vinegar cruets is almost a second ‘must’.
Making your own vinaigrettes is such a nice way to dress a salad, and keeping the base ingredients handy ensures you will always be prepped.
These are just a few of the basics, but if you would like to join me for a cup of tea, I bet we can come up with a few more!
Sheila… I am loving that cheese board… how wonderful!!
We use a lot of live edge serving pieces for entertaining because Kent makes them but I really enjoy using vintage pieces too. They are such conversation starters!!
Wow, those pieces are gorgeous!! Love the blue and that tray!
I totally agree with your must-haves list! Also the pieces you picked out are incredible. I love that wood + glass combo!
What a great collection Sheila! I love the warm texture of wood serving pieces and have quite a few on hand for these occasions! Love the vibrant blue
Pieces as well! Great post!
Oh how cool I would look if I had that Hornsea set placed nicely on that MidMod tray…. I’m moving into more of a more modern beachy feel once we move so these could work.