It took several years to acquire a decent collection of serverware, and I still have my eye on a few pieces. It won’t happen over night (unless your budget allows, of course). The trick is to write down a piece you have been wanting and then make sure to look for sales, check out thrift stores, and add it to your Amazon wish-list. My family and I exchange our Amazon wish-lists around Christmas time, and that’s how I have collected some really great serving pieces that I use time and time again!
If you are not big into hosting dinner parties or bringing out the nice serving dishes for weeknight dinners, no worries. Think about kid’s birthday parties, holidays, and any future gatherings you hope to have someday. Presentation of food and drinks can make or break a party! Think about investing in some pieces that are more “neutral” so you can use them over and over.
If you could only buy one piece, I suggest a beverage dispenser! We have used it countless times at cookouts and parties. It makes serving drinks easier and prettier and can even save you $$$ if you can make a big batch of a beverage instead of buying single servings.
Cheese knives– These are very affordable and look great on a cheese board- it makes even the most casual gathering look a bit more polished.
White wood serving tray – We have a couple trays like this one and use it a lot. From bringing lemonade out to friends on the porch so displaying cupcakes at a birthday party, a simple white tray can be used over and over again. (I have also used mine to style a coffee table!)
Small wood tray– wood to me is much of a neutral as white is! I love adding in warmth to a table spread with wood serving pieces.
Extra large wood paddle cutting board– great for displaying a meat and cheese board or a warm cripsy baguette with soup
Wood serving and cutting board with handle – I have a few cutting boards in differnet shapes and sizes so if I need to use all of them I have a more layered look.
Rattan tray– I found several of these thrifted years ago and use them often. I have one that permanently sits on top of our bar cart that corals some glassware and wine.
Ashwood round serving bowl – I have a similar one I love serving salads in
4 pack salt bowls– not just for salt! I use these little bowls for olive oil (when I am serving a pasta dinner I like to have a crusty baguette and olive oil with a bit of seasoning at each table setting) These are also great for small bowls of dips, salsa, herb butter etc
Round white serving bowl– think stuffing during the holidays, soup in the Fall, and your go-to for chips and guac.
Boho round serving bowl- still on the neutral side but adds some fun color to your table
Metal oval beverage tub– this one we only bring out when having a BBQ or a larger gathering. Fill it with ice and throw in beers, pop, or waters for a cuter way to keep your drinks cold.
Cheers metal tub– we recently purchased this for our wedding and I loved how it looked on our bar! It is much larger than I thought it was going to be and fit a lot of ice.
Wood drink dispenser stand – these stands are great because you don’t have to worry about elevating your beverage dispenser on something. (you need some space under the spout to fit a cup underneath).
Simple glass pitcher– a staple ! I like using the glass pitcher when the color or garnish of the drink I am serving is interesting.
Gray stoneware pitcher– also looks great styled on a kitchen or dining room shelf!
Modern beverage dispenser– I borrowed a few of these from my work for my wedding and loved how the modern metal spout contrasted with the warm wood lids.
Wood base glass cloche cake stand– I have several of these that I have thrifted over the years and use them to decorate my home, as centerpieces, and to display cute desserts or cheeses when entertaining.
Classic white cake stand– I have used this in so many ways. Not just for cake! I have made a hot cocoa bar displaying some of the toppings on this stand, used it as decor in my kitchen, and stacked cookies for a fun way to serve them at a tea party.
Small cream cake stand– Just like the cutting boards, it’s nice to have these in different shapes and sizes
Black tiered stand– perfect for cupcakes, cookies, coffee bars etc.
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