No matter the size of your gathering it is always essential to have at least 3 different types of good quality serveware.  My three favorite pieces are a large white porcelain platter, some type of dip bowl, and a large wood cutting board.  These three staple pieces offer endless versatility when showcasing your savory treats at your gathering.  And, keep in mind they do not need to be used solely for their intended purpose.

  Wood cutting boards are my next favorite entertaining essential item because they provide a beautiful backdrop to all your savory treats.  Use it to showcase handmade artisan breads, aromatic cheeses,  and scrumptious desserts.  I recommend owning at least two, large and small.  You never know what type of food you will be showcasing at your next gathering. 

The final favorite entertaining essential is a large porcelain serving platter.  These platters are excellent for showcasing your Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham, and displaying your handmade appetizers.   I recommend a basic white platter, it will compliment any dining décor.   Also, I suggest owning a couple of these as well and again in various sizes.

Finally, if you can afford it there is one bonus entertaining essential item I suggest owning, some sort of cake stand or raised serving stand.  These pieces will add height and functionality to your table.   Take notice of the picture below.  This table demonstrates all of my favorite essentials and how incorporating unconventional items as well you are able to present a large amount of food while still creating a beautiful and inviting gathering.

Please be sure to follow Inspire to Gather blog, because later this year I will be demonstrating how to build various charcuterie boards and creating beautiful appetizer displays to use at your next gathering.  Below is a list of  my favorite entertaining essentials and where to purchase them.

  Prep bowls, they may be small but they play a big part in cooking and entertaining.  These little bowls are one of my favorite kitchen essentials.  I not only use them for cooking but I use them for entertaining as well.  
  My collection consists of a set of 6 oz. white porcelain bowls, clear 1 cup glass bowls, and 2 oz. glass prep bowls.  The white bowls are ideal for dips, salsas, and holding chopped veggies when you have a taco bar.  They are also the perfect addition to a cheese board or appetizer bar.  They are just the right size for nuts and olives.  The 1 cup glass bowls work best for veggie preparation and measuring out sauces when cooking your favorite recipes.  The small glass bowls are ideal for holding spices when cooking, but can also be used for dipping sauces with appetizers at your next gathering.   Be sure to add these small but mighty bowls to your kitchen essentials. 

Where to buy my favorite Prep Bowls

Never underestimate a set of basic white dishes.  Any table setting can begin with a basic white plate and become something spectacular.   Not long ago I purchased a 12 piece set of white plates, bowl, and mugs from Pier 1.   Now most of the table settings I create revolve around these basic dishes.   

A white plate is like a blank canvas, most other dishes and accessories will coordinate with these basic plates in one way or another.   Below is a slideshow of how simply by changing the napkin and/or napkin ring can create several different looks with the same basic white dishes.

Not only does the napkin and napkin ring affect the look and feel of a place setting but the addition of a charger and placemat  can have a huge impact on the overall esthetic of the table.

It is just a subtle difference, but changing out the white charger to a black charger plate creates a more modern feel when compared to the classic white and blue of the first setting.

And, again simply by changing the charger plate the esthetic of the table has changed.  The galvanized charger plate is perfect for a relaxed lunch gathering while the gold charger plate dresses up the table for a more elegant dinner party.

Finally, here are two examples of how changing the napkins and adding a dinner bowl can change the look and feel of a table setting. The first setting has a simple sage green napkin with wood napkin ring for an understated fall gathering.  The second setting has a little more of a country feel with the plaid napkin and the white bowl.  Both  settings demonstrate how to use the white plates as foundation pieces to coordinate with other colored and patterned dishes.
****Check out Table Settings to see other examples of basic white dishes being used for the foundation to any table setting.