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Clever decor ideas to steal from the home of a seasoned dinner host

A few basics will go a long way this holiday season

By Stephanie Griffin Nov 25, 2019, 11:00am EST

Photography by Kelly Marshall

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This week’s very special holiday hosting edition of House Calls takes us to the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, where we wined and dined with Emily Stephenson, writer of The Friendsgiving Handbook.

After a decade of hosting Friendsgiving in tight spaces—including several in a tiny studio—Stephenson now has a two-bedroom apartment with a proper dining area prime for holiday hosting. The space-saving furniture (this is still New York City, after all), cookware, and dinnerware throughout the home are perfectly functional for everyday use, yet transitional enough to create room for easy mingling and transform a kitchen island into a festive cocktail station when the opportunity arises.

With the holidays upon us, we sourced key products—or in a few cases, similar finds—to get you fully inspired and prepared to host a picture perfect gathering.

Blair Metal Flatware, Gold (Set of 5)

Snag this trendy-yet-practical 5-piece flatware set, which is also available in a matte black finish for a more industrial feel, at a 40% discount.

$23 at West Elm

Tondo Plate (9”)

This richly grained albizia wood plate can update an entire table setting in an instant. For a coordinated look, pair with the other albizia serving pieces in Crate & Barrel’s Tondo collection.

$6 at Crate & Barrel

Stackable Napkin Rings, Brass (Set of 4)

Complete your holiday tablescape with West Elm’s brass or silver geometric napkin rings.

$20 at West Elm

Bamboo Rolling Kitchen Cart

$169

A perfectly transitional space saver: This rolling cart’s top tier houses a cutting board for everyday kitchen use, in addition to two lower shelves for easy storage, and seamlessly transitions into a holiday cocktail station for any gathering.

$169 at Urban Outfitters

Dansk Kobenstyle Casserole, Chili Red (4-Quart)

This highly-rated, easy-to-clean, and oven and stovetop-safe find by Dansk Kobenstyle is available for Amazon Prime’s two day shipping, making it an ideal cookware find for anyone who needs to bake a casserole for their holiday gathering ASAP.

$80 at Amazon

Blanda Matt Serving Bowl, Bamboo (11”)

This bamboo serving bowl is the perfect vessel for a festive centerpiece or generously sized dish for fruits and salads.

$18 at Ikea

John Boos Maple Cutting Board (24”x18”)

$111

This John Boos designed cutting board is handcrafted, reversible, and fits right in to any kitchen.

$111 at Crate & Barrel

Reclaimed Wood Rolling Pin, Maple (12”)

This rolling pin is made from sustainably sourced walnut or oak, and finished with a wood balm for a smooth and subtly shiny finish. Also available in a walnut finish and a larger size.

$56 at Food52

Lempi Glass, Clear (Set of 4)

Who doesn’t love a stackable glassware set? This timeless four-piece is ideal for both daily use and special gatherings.

$45 at Finnish Design Shop

Clever decor ideas to steal from the home of a seasoned dinner host

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