1. Farmhouse Pottery rectangular cheese stone
This handmade cheese stone serves double duty as a cutting board or as a serving piece. It’s also microwave-, oven- and dishwasher-safe.
$179 at Adorn Goods, 5712 Kennett Pike, Centreville, 575-9657
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2. Imperial five-piece place setting by Wedgwood
Choose place settings with subtle jewel tones. These add texture and interest year-round.
$350 at The Wooden Indian Ltd., 25 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 227-8331
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3. Waterford Crystal Lismore Essence goblet
Choose slim, statuesque stemware that is also dishwasher-safe.
$80 at The Wooden Indian Ltd., 25 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 227-8331
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4. Turkey casserole dish
This festive turkey casserole dish will inspire family gatherings and delicious meals.
$29 at the Winterthur Store, 5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, 888-4822
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5. Mud Pie Share Platter
Create a new tradition with a “Share” plate. Fill it with food or treats, give it to a loved one, then have him or her pass it on.
$39.95 at Bloom, 165 E. Main St., Newark, 454-7266
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6. Greentree Home candles
Candles are an easy way to set the mood and your table. These tapers are made from 100 percent pure beeswax and burn for 15 hours.
$20 for two at Shish Interiors, 1012 N. Lincoln St., Wilmington, 540-9843
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7. Mud Pie vintage-style serving utensils
Cute cutlery with silly statements like “Let the Stuffing Begin” and “A Slice” will keep your guests giggling and going back for seconds or thirds.
$12-$38 at Bloom, 165 E. Main St., Newark, 454-7266
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8. Calaisio woven beaded placemat
Intricately woven and extremely durable, these placemats feature beaded edges that provide a beautiful pop of color.
$38 at Adorn Goods, 5712 Kennett Pike, Centreville, 575-9657
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9. Lastra Red Small Handled Bowl by Vietri
The perfect size for individual salads or heaping servings of homemade berry cobbler, these handmade clay bowls come in the most delicious shade of red.
$50 at Rooster’s Nest, 37244 Lighthouse Road, Selbyville, 438-1848
TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS
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Mix it up
For any holiday event, you need a creative mix of seasonal music, candles, flowers with winter greens, festive place settings and an inviting menu. Or host your party at Adorn Goods in our epicure room. We work with five different caterers in the area. —Aubree Wellons and Jennifer Steiner, owners, Adorn Goods
Look to nature
I love decorating with natural and eco-friendly elements. Pair pine branches, kitchen twine and vintage-styled cutlery to create adorable hostess/dinner party gifts. Combine them with small batch cheeses or treats to instantly impress. —Mimi Sullivan, owner, Bloom
Make everyday items pop
When using solid-color dinnerware, accent it with items that have a holiday pattern. And consider a family heirloom as a decorative centerpiece. —Sally Walsh, owner, Rooster’s Nest
Consider a single splash of color
Decorate the top of a piece of furniture or mantel with vibrant pieces to set the tone. Add a few easy touches to your daily routine like festive paper placemats and napkins. —Sally Hunsinger, owner, Shish Interiors
Have good scents
Create a sparkling centerpiece by grouping glass vases and stemware filled with holly berries sprinkled with sugar. And arrange lilies with sprigs of white pine or magnolia leaves in individual mint julep cups at each place setting. —Ellen M. Taviano, general manager of retail and licensed products, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Less is more
Don’t clutter the table for the holidays. Opt for smaller centerpieces. A mirrored tray topped with Reed & Barton and Badash candlesticks, sparkling Dekorasyon trees or Byers’ Choice Carolers are low enough that everyone is still in view. —Joe Yasik, co-owner, The Wooden Indian Ltd
