Great Gatherings:
Glamorous Dinner Party—With a Purpose

Setting the Table

Fuchsia-rimmed porcelain plates trimmed in opulent gold infuse settings with vibrant color in a refined and quiet manner. But just as a little black dress is the foundation for a range of accessories, the dinnerware flips a trendy attitude with sassy accoutrements. Service plates—often used to express a formal, proper presentation—are anything but buttoned-up on this oval runway; their animal-print patterns are more likely to be found on a pair of swanky stilettos. Instead of matching the plates, tangerine-colored linen napkins make a sporty contrast and nod to the color-block craze that is au currant in the world of apparel. And just as silver and gold stylishly mix in jewelry, Hollis combines hammered stainless flatware and hip gold-metallic placemats made of a natural material.

“Lacque de Chine” salad and dinner plates and “L’Animal” service plates are from Haviland (800/793-7160). “Leopardo” hammered stainless flatware is from Ricci. “Linear” placemats are from Dransfield & Ross.