Summer is on the horizon! Anyone else out there planning on entertaining this summer? A LOT?! I sure am, and as I’m taking inventory of my serveware, one thing in clear: I could use a new piece or two… Today we round up the newest and most festive serving pieces that will make your summer season the most entertaining yet.
As you browse the images below, check out the delicious food and drink items that accompany each serving piece, as well as the colorful summer tables that grace this blog post. Not only will you find some wonderful new items with helpful links for purchasing purposes, you just might get inspiration for your next summer party. Happy shopping!
Serving Stands
We begin by showcasing serving stands that bring summer style to your tabletop. It’s hard to get more summery than this Anchor Tiered Stand from Pottery Barn. This nautical piece is crafted of iron and boasts a distressed hand-painted finish. Two tiers make it possible to serve a variety of items, from drinks to condiments. Note that this serving stand is not for direct food use:
Do you have a sweet tooth? It may be time to add a cake stand to your treasure trove of serving pieces. Head over to The Cake Shop at Williams-Sonoma. Not only will you find delicious mixes and gourmet ingredients, you’ll discover pieces like this classic Pillivuyt Porcelain Cake Stand. Clean lines give the stand a classic modern look that make it the perfect counterpart to tasty, decadent creations like the cake below…
Serving Platters and Trays
Serving platters and trays are the backdrop to your delicious edibles. Why not make them something to remember?! The Bright Shapes Melamine Serveware from West Elm is crafted of melamine and bamboo powder. Inspired by papel picado, it sets a colorful, festive stage for summer favorites like fresh fruit. Below we see the serveware accompanied by the equally vibrant Dip-Dye Napkin Set:
Keep your tabletop shiny and bright with the Gelato Tray in Mango from Z Gallerie. A fiery orange hue, lacquered finish, and white edging make the piece pop. And your appetizers will most certainly stand out against this chic backdrop. As the image below shows, lining the tray with a collection of goodies in white containers is one way to make a stylish (and flavorful) impact!
There’s nothing more appetizing than a delicious collection of poolside treats. Make sure guests can grab onto the goodies they desire with the Cube Toothpick Server from CB2, shown at the lower left corner of the image below. Crafted of porcelain with a cube center, this piece is perfect for appetizers. As a side note, we’re also loving the foodie spread of gourmet goodies that graces the Notch Wood Cheese Server in the middle of the table…
Also from CB2 is the gorgeous Marble Server, complete with clean lines and gray veining. Inf act, this slab of polished marble is ideal for serving everything from cheese to sushi. Below we see the piece with the colorful Crewcut Square Appetizer Plates. That’s the great thing about white pieces–they mix well with vibrant tones, whether the hues come from accompanying dishware or the food itself!
Serving Bowls
Platters and trays are great, but sometimes what you really need is a bowl… Nothing conjures the sea quite like the Nautilus Serve Bowl from Pottery Barn. This stoneware piece is enhanced by an iridescent glazed finish. Perfect for holding nature’s bounty (such as salad greens), don’t you think?!
Temperature control is a reality with the Tuck Bowl with Wood Lid from CB2. Ideal for picnics like the tasty spread below, this Scandinavian-style piece features a rubberwood lid that keeps food hot, then transitions to a trivet once removed…
Small Plates
Good things come in small packages… Sometimes the smallest of serving plates have the biggest impact! Serve hot dogs on these Claudia Pearson Dog Plates from West Elm. Named after the Brooklyn artist who created them, these porcelain trays feature a dachshund in a range of humorous illustrations. Your guests will love uncovering the images as they take each bite. Surf’s up!
We end by showcasing this Set of 4 Ikat Salad Plates from Pottery Barn, crafted of stoneware and embellished with traditional ikat designs. use them as dinnerware, or incorporate them into an appetizer spread by covering them with small displays of nibbles. Soothing colors and bewitching patterns will make them the highlight of your table!
Tell us about your favorite summer parties. Perhaps you remember a shindig that you yourself hosted, or maybe you were a guest at an unforgettable fete. Now think about the serving pieces that were used to beautifully display the food and drinks. In your opinion, what are some summer party essentials for festive entertaining? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below…
