If you’re a modern homemaker looking for a minimalist’s dining essentials, you’re in luck. Eating is one of those unavoidable tasks (?) we do every day. I can’t believe how shocked my husband is when he’s hungry (again?! I just ate yesterday!)…. It’s hard to avoid, but we don’t have a dishwasher so I’ve learned to make the most of minimal dishes for a wide array of hosting needs. And I’m not alone.
If you’ve ever seen House Hunters (and let’s face it, how could you avoid that show in its 3,456th season), then you’ve heard most home buyers want to entertain. With these essentials, I’ve hosted birthday parties and Thanksgiving dinners without wasting money on large one-time-use items.
Your family meals might be eaten on paper plates with plastic ware and paper towels. I would argue that those days of early childhood are not the time to worry about a carbon footprint. But if you are hosting your in-laws or some friends from out of town, there are a few things every dining space can’t be without.
You might be thinking, “where am I supposed to store this junk?” and I get it. That’s why you want to get the most out of the junk you’re adding to your space. Especially if it’s only for special occasions. These items are perfect because they can work every day, and don’t need to be stored for 9 months out of the year.
Here is the easiest way to make the most of the dining essentials for a modern home.
RELEVANT READING:
- Aspects Of Your Home That Matter Most
- It’s The Little Things That Make Your House A Home
- Tools to get your Husband Helping with Housework
White Dishes
Clean and simple dishes are my favorite homemaking accent. Food looks great on them, they’re easy to replace, and they are classic.
The best part? They can be used with any seasonal decor imaginable. Whether you want them for a summer soiree or a Thanksgiving Dinner, they will complement every theme you could imagine.
Have you ever hunted for a matching set of plates only to fall short? Wondering what on Earth happened to that 4th plate? I grew up with a mix-matched combination of 5 or 6 different decorative sets that just didn’t work. It was sad to see one break and know that I couldn’t easily replace it.
During my part-time, side-hustling stint at Pier 1 Imports, I mulled over my favorites and cashed in on my employee discount for these beauties. I’ve since added singular plates and bowls to my collection and have no plans of switching them out! I am so committed to this specific line. They are gorgeous and make any meal look sophisticated.
Nice Flatware
Another awesome investment is sturdy flatware. Someone once told me they wanted heavy flatware. How heavy? Heavy enough to keep a spoon from bending when you dig into a frozen pint of Ben & Jerry’s.
Flatware gets a lot of use, so it pays to pay up. I shopped and read reviews specifically looking out for talk about the weight of the ware. It’s a modest investment, but I’ve been abusing these for several years, and they are still in perfect condition! Plus, you can buy singular forks/spoons/knives at Target. It doesn’t get much more practical than that.
Clear drinking glasses
Need I say more? Cute colored ones are great and all, if you have room for that. I do not. And I really don’t like wasting precious cabinet space storing glasses that aren’t worthy of everyday use.
Basic drinking glasses like these are appropriate at any event. Again with the simple versatility. That is the name of my homemaking game!
Neutral Linens
I’m talking black, white, or beige. Extras are fun but remember these are just the essentials.
If you think about the trendiest restaurant you know, I’d bet they only use linens in one of those colors. The tablecloths, the napkins, the works. They’re beautiful and they go great with white dishes and whichever centerpieces you want to add.
I scored this champagne colored tablecloth at Target before hosting my first thanksgiving. Notice the fresh creases? It might have come home with me the day before lol. But my minimalist dinner essentials prevailed and made the tablescape the perfect canvas for my minimalist decor. And Publix Pilgrim Salt & Pepper Shakers! #PubSubs4Life
Simple Centerpieces
When it comes to tabletop decor, only flowers, candles, or jar filler come to mind. Please tell me if you have some more exciting ideas, but for now, I’ll go over those basics.
Clear, white, or metallic materials rule all. Again, every color and season goes with them. Whether it’s a vase, a set of candlesticks, a candelabra, a bowl or jar, you ought to have one of those in clear, white, or metallic.
RELEVANT READING:
- Aspects Of Your Home That Matter Most
- It’s The Little Things That Make Your House A Home
- Tools to get your Husband Helping with Housework
Even though I don’t love entertaining, it is made so easy with these dining essentials in place.
So tell me, what do you need
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