Glassware and Silverware

I recommend water glasses to start with as they are very versatile. Everything from water to highballs can be served in these.  Next  add to this, 10 oz. wine glasses.  If you can get goblets they can be used for beverages and for dessert presentations.


Silverware should be 18/10 stainless, they will last a life time. If you pick a simple pattern it will blend with almost any dishes you might want to use.

Versatile Mugs

8 white mugs from the dollar store.  Great for serving coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soup or dessert

Calendars and Events

Take out your calendar and mark all the events that will be coming up from now through New Year's.  This will help you see what you need to purchase gift/groceries and not blow the budget.  I will be posting some appetizers and simple menus with grocery lists to help.

Setting Up The Notebook

Let's start making our tabs, we will need one each for tableware, linens, menus, decorations, pantry and misc.  Tableware should be the one to work on first. This way you can fill in what items are missing, like the gravy boat Uncle Harry broke last year.


You are not limited to what you have on hand. Check out your local thrift shops for unusual serving dishes or dinner plates.  China does not have to match just look good together. Stagger the patterns!  Remember the food is the star of the table. If you can pick up two open stock white dinner plates for the next month, you have service for eight. This will give you more options. White dishes go with everything and all occasions, you can add add a pop of color with your table linens or tablescapes.

Things to help get you started

Let's get started with easy entertaining. You need a few tools to help keep you organized starting with a notebook (three ring) notebook paper, page protectors, tabs and a calendar. These items will enable you to know what events are coming up, what entertaining supplies (table cloths, dishes, etc.) you have on hand and what you need to purchase along with menu/party ideas.