insideKENT Magazine Issue 39 - June 2015 | Page 127

Serving Dishes Serving dishes need to be functional, yet stylish; after all the effort you’ve made getting your table ready, you wouldn’t want to spoil it with shabby old pieces that just don’t look the part. Something big and bold that can hold all the food you need – a pie, soup, vegetables, or even dessert – and allow your guests to help themselves is a Godsend when you’re hosting. This homely touch will get everyone talking, and it’s a great way of breaking the ice if not everyone has met before. Cruet Sets Although you may have seasoned your dishes to perfection, you’ll still want to give your guests the option of adding more salt and pepper – it’s all according to taste, after all. You can really have some fun with your cruet set choices, letting your playful side run free when it comes to design. Or go stylish and elegant if you want to produce a classic contemporary feel. It’s even possible to pick up a vintage cruet set from most antique shops – just imagine what other dinner tables your new-old set has graced… Candlesticks Candlesticks come in all shapes and sizes, but no proper, grown up dinner party is complete without at least one (although they often come in pairs, and you might want to add more depending on how big your table is). Traditional glass or silver can F