I have multiple sets of beautiful dinnerware, but the problem is they are hundreds of years old and passed down a handful of generations. We also recently shone all the silver in our household and it took a whole five days with eight hours of polishing everything from samovars, to candelabras, to fish knife sets.
To preserve these precious items, I purchased stoneware to use for my guests and clients. As an etiquette consultant, I have a formal dining class where I teach everything theoretically and practically by having a formal dinner with my students and planted guests for a formal dinner at my home. To create this experience, I got these incredible pieces that I have been using everyday myself because I love them so much!
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Glasses
If you’re wondering which glass goes where and how to set the table properly, visit my fine dining masterclass here — it’s totally free! These are real crystal and I use everything in this post you see — daily. Sometimes, I even fill these beautiful glasses with juice only or sparkling water. It really elevates the experience at the table.
Flatware
The flatware itself set the tone for the rest of the accessories at each table setting. It had to be something truly special and timeless that I could be proud of when serving guests.
These napkin rings are so timeless and I really want a sense of cohesion at the table. Mixing metals is something I absolutely love for dressing up, but when it comes to flatware and your place setting, I was inspired by Tiffany and all things silver.
I have so many knives that are mix and match to the point that when some got lost, I forgot which was which was which! These knives are such a classic French style and it gives the table an extra taste of coherence and elegance.
It was quite challenging to choose a staple piece of flatware that would not fade vermeil while matching the dinnerware itself. I was originally going to go brass and gold, but it was overwhelming with the warm tones at the table.
The Pink Dining Set
This is simple and minimal stoneware for my ladies, but don’t worry I have a secret stash of sleek and modern plates for dishes that you will just have to see when you come to a class in person! I use these mugs and bowls daily, and they are true taste heroes in my book. If you join a course, you will see exactly what i mean when you step into my office. 😉
Tablescape
These pieces for the tablescape are not something that will always be seen when guests visit, but they will definitely be around the house in some shape or form. I have some candelabra for tall taper candles of silver that you might see at dinner and a white table cloth, but the table runners will vary depending on the season for more festive options.
These brass taper candle holders are stunning and easy to quickly put together while the rosewood coloured table runner is an effortless gauze wonder that really compliments the dark wood of my dining table.
Don’t Forget Tea!
Electric kettles aren’t as common in America as they are in Europe, so I had to find something especially dashing for the kitchen when serving guests. Not to mention a tea set to practice having afternoon tea together with in our lessons! This set is so handy and darling while having every thing I need for hosting a fun tea ceremony.
I hope you fall in love with these items as much as I did and get to practice your dining skills at home. Everything starts in the home, because when you get in a habit of staying consistent with your modern manners on your own, it becomes seamless and natural when out in public.
Let me know in the comments below which pieces are your favourites and purchased for yourself!
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I’m Gia G. Dixon, an etiquette consultant certified under Royal Charter of King Charles III. Here is my guide to elegant style, high quality living, and little things that make your daily life glamorous.
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