ENTERTAINING EVERYDAY entertaining

Entertaining Essentials at IKEA

Posted on November 3, 2009

casually modern tabletop for a fondue meal at ikea

The easier road for stress-free entertaining is to equip yourself with versatile tableware. Casual chic tabletop is what most people are aiming for these days. After all, you celebrate amongst close friends and family. As I shopped at IKEA yesterday, I took pictures of tableware that delivers that spirit. I spotted affordable tableware that you will be able to use over and over.

The first thing that caught my eyes was this tabletop set for a fondue meal. Blue is popular at IKEA this season. I would serve water in turquoise patterned SNÄLL narrow tall glasses for a change. And you do not have to invest in RIEDEL wine glasses with the SKIR glasses. It definitely not the same quality but you get the look.

ikea dinera collection

Then, I pay attention to the Dinera collection. Guys will love the blue-grey and the brown colors. I like the fact that plates come in many formats. You could mix colors or mix all solids with the ones with a white interior. I am partial to tableware with a white interior because typically food looks more appetizing against a white backdrop.

ikea small charmol bowls and pokal glasses

For entertaining, I keep a stack of tiny bowls for individual serving or to serve sauces. Believe me, they can transform a table. I bought a pack of small POKAL glasses for serving affogato. The POKAL  glasses are suitable for hot and cold liquids. You could get two sets: one to drink espresso and the other ones to serve your dessert. Keep in mind that the grey Dinera espresso cups and saucers (second picture) will look better, if you are willing to spend more.

If you are curious, I bought the small and the tall POKAL glasses, the big VÄNLIG glasses plus a few Christmas decorations and napkins.

SOURCING:
+ SNÄLL glasses $6.99 CAD for 6
+ SKIR glasses $6.99 CAD for 2
+ DINERA 18-piece dinnerware set $29.99 CAD
+ CHARMÖR small bowls $3.99 CAD for 2
+ POKAL glasses $4.99 CAD for 4
+ photo of affogato via Food Network Canada

An ex-lifestyle and entertaining expert and UX designer who became a STEAM educator. At Bidouilleurs, I helped kids aged 5-12 become inventors and makers. An innovative mom who cares about gender equality and to get more girls and boys interested in STEM/STEAM.

  • neslihankarahan
    November 5, 2009 at 08:46

    Entertaining Essentials at IKEA – http://bit.ly/281uBJ http://ff.im/b0X04

    This comment was originally posted on Twitter

  • Harvard Housewife
    November 9, 2009 at 08:42

    I have to thank you! I took your advice and after shopping at multiple retailers and not liking any of the “china” options (I’m not really a china person) I found the perfect mix of elegant and everyday at Ikea. Their 365 collection is great as a starting point and then I can mix and match with all my other favorite festive pieces. Thanks again for the advice and inspiration!

    • At Home with Kim Vallee
      November 9, 2009 at 16:54

      Dear Harvard Housewife: Thank you for sharing your experience. I am glad that my post inspired you.