Easy Does It: Chic Entertaining with Paper Plates and Napkins

We all have our favorite linen napkins and hand painted dinnerware.  But sometimes you have a lot of guests or a crowd shows up for a last-minute pool party (hey, we live in L.A.), and it’s gracious to never fuss when you entertain. 

Those are perfect times to use paper napkins and acrylic.  The good news is that you can still do it stylishly. We love making our friends feel special, so here are a few of our tried-and-true tips for entertaining with paper:

  1. Mix and match your table settings. If your plates have an intricate motif, pick up the colors in your napkins or glassware. Or, if you are using plain dinnerware, choose a festive napkin to commemorate a special occasion.
  2. Layer your settings. Whether you lay simple placemats, or chargers, or a tablecloth underneath, layers help bring color and dimension to your table.
  3. Don’t skimp on table decorations. Try greenery from your garden or fruit from the market or a few candles sprinkled throughout … it all helps.
  4. Use paper napkins effectively. Place them near your beverage and hors d’oeuvre stations, but also use them to line any clear bowls you might have. For example, parfaits served in coupe bowls can be beautifully presented on top of cocktail napkins.
  5. The grand finale: make sure your plates complement your dessert. We all look forward to indulging a little at the end, so think about what you’re serving and dress it up accordingly.

Keeps things simple, and get to work on that new drink you are dying to try out. Let’s get the party started.

Rattan round dark natural placemats, Tortoise flatware, Chinese Ceramic paper plates, and Acrylic cobalt wine goblets
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The Father’s Day Edit: Nine Gifts Dad Will Actually Use

We know it’s been hard to keep track of time these days, but Father’s Day is coming up soon (June 21st this year), so we’re here to help you out.

1. Brand new from Simon Pearce (it was literally developed by their VP of design while quarantining), this handcrafted glass phone/tablet holder is perfect for dad’s office or in the kitchen, so he can go hands-free while whipping up a new recipe.  A good companion to the Woodbury desk clock.

Simon Pearce Woodbury Tablet/Phone Holder

Simon Pearce Woodbury Tablet/Phone Holder

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Always On Vacation: Fine Art Photographer Gray Malin

Living in Los Angeles, we can’t help being drawn to anything that reminds us to spend more time outdoors.  And whether it’s in Beverly Hills or Lake Como, images of folks on vacation always make us smile.

Gray Malin and his fine art photographs will do the same for you.  The series which shot him to fame, Prada Marfa, is Marfa, Texas (known for its modern art installations) like you’ve never seen it:

Rainbow Cowboy Hats I (Prada Marfa) by Gray Malin

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Vintage Pewter Candleholder Featured in French Style Magazine

Who could resist a cover that helps you “Design Your Parisian Retreat”?


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Five Minutes: The Perfect Summer Alfresco Parties

Summer’s around the corner, which means longer days and more time outdoors.  Here are five ideas (only five minutes each!) to get you dining alfresco.

Keep things simple by choosing pieces that won’t break, can easily be mixed and matched (since there are always extra guests), and can quickly be thrown in the dishwasher after the party’s over.  Who said dining outdoors couldn’t be ultra-chic?

WEEKENDS

 

Berry and Thread Melamine Dinnerware

Braided Basket Oval Placemat

Fleur Polycarbonate Teal Stemware

Juliska Bamboo Flatware

Madrid Turquoise Paper Napkins

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