Dinner Parties for Dummies

So you agreed to host a dinner party and are panicking because you’ve never thrown one before and really can’t cook. Well, fear not. There are tons of ways you can impress your guests for a dinner party (even if you’re secretly plating take-out). With the right combination of fine china dinnerware, sparkling silver and stemware and nice crisp table linens, your guests will be so dazzled the food will be secondary.

Plates:
If you’re going for a classy, upscale dinner party you’re going to need matching plates. Fine china dinnerware would be ideal, but if time is of the essence, any cohesive set you have that matches would work. Chargers also are a classy touch to otherwise simple plates.

Hostess Sets:
If you don’t have a hostess set or have no idea what constitutes a hostess set, you should start your research. They are a really elegant way to serve the food and is a subtle way of tying the table together and many are available at your dinner party headquarters, The Silver Spoon Store. 

Table Linens:
If you want to really impress, and protect your table at the same time, you’re going to need some nice table linens. One to cover the table and then individual napkins for each place setting.

Everything You Needed to Know About Fine China Dinnerware

There is tons of variety when it comes to fine china dinnerware, whether it’s the design, the pattern, the brand or the materials. With all this variety comes a lot of terminology. It’s wedding season which means people are going to be buying a lot of fine china dinnerware and hostess sets. If you’re looking for the perfect dinnerware set, here is some information on how to distinguish bone china from stoneware:

•    Bone china- the strongest of the fine china materials. Is lightweight, dainty, and gleams in light. Bone china is a double-fired combination of porcelain and bone ash. It is semi-opaque and has a pearlescent quality about it.
•    Porcelain- Often confused with bone china, porcelain is luxurious, lustrous, and has an impermeable finish.
•    Ironstone- This fine material is created as a slightly more durable alternative to porcelain. It is less formal and suitable for formal and informal events.
•    Earthenware- One of the most popular materials, earthenware is slightly heavier than the other materials and has a simple appearance that makes it perfect for daily use.
•    Stoneware- This heavyweight, non-porous material is also perfect for everyday use. It can withstand years of use and when taken care of can last for years to come.

3 Unique Styles of Gorham Silverware

Gorham knows a thing or two about fine silverware; they’ve been at it since 1831! The Gorham line got its start when Jabez Gorham began making coin silver spoons to respond to demand throughout New England.

Gorham’s dedication to unrivaled quality that you can only get through old world craftsmanship shines in each and every piece of Gorham silverware that has been produced over the last 170 years.

The Gorham line features some really gorgeous flatware designs, and if you’re buying gifts for bridal shower or weddings, you can be sure that your gift will be well-received. Here are three Gorham silverware styles that are sure to please even the pickiest bride-to-be:

Blossom by Gorham 65 Piece Set

The Blossom designs are akin to a more classic, simple style playing on the Gorham's original designs.

Golden Criteria by Gorham 45 Piece Set 

The Golden Criteria design is clean and simple and the subtle gold edging as a bit of style, without being over-the-top.

Marabella by Gorham 65 Piece Set

Marabella's design is sleek, deco, and contemporary. The square handles really add a modern touch to traditionally beautiful flatware style.