Dear Alisha,
When I married, I did not register for any serving dishes, china, table linens, etc. Young and penniless, I needed a can opener and a toaster far more than fine silver.
Eight years later, the only servingware I have is a glass cake pedestal and a punch bowl. I run with a crowd of ladies who care about presentation. *ahem!* But I don't own enough pieces to put together a nice table setting and it's stopping me from extending dinner invitations.
What serving pieces should I buy? I'm on a budget and need to add one piece at a time. What do you use most often? Or find you simply *must* have? I'd appreciate any suggestions about color and/or material as well (silver platter, white cake pedestal, black table runner, etc.).
No More Paper Plates
Dear Paper Plates,
This is why if an engaged couple asks, and they never do, I tell them to register for basic china or silver serving dishes. You'll find a way to afford a can opener if you really need one, but when can one go and by pricey china? But let's focus on the now, and there's good news. I received lots of serving dishes and 3 full sets of china, service for 12 each, when I was married. And do you know what I use the most? The plainest, white set of dishes with a gold rim. I use it ALL the time, it goes with everything, I can throw it in the dishwasher and I'm not nervous about setting it in front of a child. At the time it cost $15 a box, for service for 4. Sure now I would prefer it with out the gold rim, but it does not stand out.
With that in mind, I want you to run, don't walk, to Target tomorrow morning because have they got a deal for you. A caters box of 12 plain white plates for $15. You're set. But wait! It gets better! Many of the dishes including plain plates are included in their Christmas Clearance! While you're there and if you're feeling $10 richer, buy the salad plates to go with them. You won't regret it. Not just for salad, they're great for desserts or buffets. I can't tell Target's plain white plate from Pottery Barn's or Crate and Barrel's. They all look good but come in at different prices. If for some reason this doesn't work out, start looking at boxed sets. They're usually a good deal even if you don't really need the mugs and saucers that come with them but once a year for hot chocolate. In the future if you want to jazz up your plain plates, you can mix colorful salad plates or napkins in with them.
I don't want you to worry too much about serving dishes. You can still entertain with out them. Just plate the food before you serve it. In a casual setting, eating family style is also acceptable. But do start asking for that kind of thing for Christmas from your mom or Grandma. Trust me, they like buying it for you and it usually works out better than something like clothes. I like a sliver serving plate, a white or clear glass bowl, and maybe a tray or large plate of some sort. They don't need to be expensive or a certain brand. We won't get into linens right now, that's a different upcoming post. If you need glasses, think basic again, and Target has a 12 pack for $10.48.
Lastly, a sad but true story. In my newly married ward, a girl registered for china that was $279 for EACH setting! She scraped together all her friends and gifts and ended up with 3 settings. So sad. Her heart was in the right place, she wanted to entertain nicely but could not invite more than 1 single friend over at a time. Imagine the pressure on that friend! "Can I help you clear the dishes?" "No! NO! Just leave the plate on the table and scoot away!"
In short, buy plain white plates tomorrow at Target and let me know what time dinner is.
Note that in the following photos a white plate is the basis for each setting:
