We think you're near Los Angeles

5 favorite dining, entertaining essentials for the winter season

It would seem that there is a strong focus on the future spring reason without any (or little) attention paid to winter. Whether you like it or not, we are in the coldest season of the year, and will be here for a few more months. Though winter may be full of undesirable weather, one can still practice their decorating skills. Take your talents into the dining room as much of your current dinnerware will need to reflect the times. For example, wine glasses may no longer be the glassware of choice as some may opt for a warmer beverage. Below are some of our favorite dinnerware and entertaining essentials for the winter season. What do you plan to incorporate?

Top 5 Dining/Entertaining Essentials for the Winter Months


1.)    Casual Dinnerware: Unless you are a socialite 27/4, you will no longer need formal dinnerware. Exchange your fine china for some good stoneware that provides an earthier approach to design. The 18th St. Dinnerware collection at Crate & Barrel is a new series that is perfect for the winter season. Its minimal approach to modernity will keep your table calm evoking relaxation from your guests. While the glazing helps to dress it up a bit, the overall rustic casualness of the collection will let your guests know it’s okay to take seconds without asking.

Advertisement

2.)    Mugs – Mugs will become your number one used drinking vessel on your table. Who knew that such a small item could be so versatile for so many hot drinks? Host a tasting party (you can use teas, coffees or even hot chocolate) with your closest friends and show off your favorite mugs. The Alphabet Mugs from West Elm are a great party favor for guests! You can even use them at each place setting for extra personalization.

3.)    Warming Tray – As we predict hot tea with be the drink of choice, keep your guests toasty with a little warming tray. The Russell Hobbs Tea Pot and Warming Tray is an amazing accessory for your entertaining space. Rather than rush back and forth between the kitchen to refill the teapot, keep your drinks piping hot right in front of you for some self service.

4.)    Natural Serving Pieces – Winter may be a dormant season, but many design inspirations found during this time come from outside. Natural materials like wood and slate all evoke a rustic feel that introduces external elements into our interiors without making us chilly. The Reclaimed Slate Cheese Board and Tree Stump Cutting Board from Uncommon Goods are awesome accessories for your dining room table. Model fine cheeses and other tasty appetizers on these organic-inspired serveware for an extra wintery feel.

5.)    Textural Table Linens – Rid yourself of fancy table linens that remind you of the warmer seasons. Instead, choose placemats and runners that have a bit of texture. Textural table linens typically can function as an extra layer of warmth for our table. The Invierno Placemat from Anthropologie (translates to winter in Spanish) has just enough shimmer for a chic look, but more importantly, a thickness for added covering. Sure it may not function like a throw, but it helps maintain visual warmth in your space.

 Stay up to date on all things design by following our Manhattan Interior Design Examiner page. We are also the National Interior Design Examiner. You can also follow us TwitterFacebook, and our Blog of course. Click the "Subscribe" button to receive our interior design articles via email. We are on Facebook! Please "like us" for decorating ideas, tips and articles!

, Manhattan Interior Design Examiner

Tanvier Lee is an interior stylist expert with years under her belt designing residential spaces. The president of Casa Diseño and executive editor of Casa Diseño blog, Tanvier enjoys design, decor and diy crafts. Contact her at tanvier@casa-diseno.com

Don't miss...