All the Secrets to Effortless, Beautiful – and Unforgettable Hosting

How One Table, Store-Bought Food, and the Right Tableware Turned into the Evening Everyone’s Talking About
By Lee Grebenau

My friends always ask how I do it.
How every table looks like it’s straight out of a magazine, how it always feels thoughtful, special, but never overdone.
The truth? It’s much simpler than it seems.
I always say – when you have beautiful tableware, half the event is already done.
And even if all the food is ordered – when you serve it the right way, it looks like it just came out of a chef’s kitchen in Italy.
Here are my little secrets for a table that’s striking, easy on the eyes, and totally doable on your own:

Invest in serving pieces

One tip I always repeat – serving dishes are everything.
Even a simple store-bought pasta, plain and undecorated, will look like it came from a restaurant kitchen if it’s served in the right bowl.
And speaking of store-bought – deli salads and baked salmon from Prudag (one of my go-tos when hosting) go straight into a beautiful dish – and that’s it.
That’s exactly the kind of thing I love to place in a lovely serving bowl, with a precise serving spoon, and nothing more. That’s the magic – no need to overthink it, just serve it right.

Arrange the flowers in advance

I love having as many things done as possible before the actual day.
I always pick the style, flower types, and color palette in advance – and I love going to Vered Shamir, one of my favorite flower shops. Sometimes I even bring the vase with me, and they’ll create the entire arrangement on the spot – just as I imagined.
In this case, we chose a mix of red and purple flowers in a monochromatic vase – it created a beautiful contrast that immediately caught the eye.

Mix your tableware

When I set a table, I almost never use a matching set.
Not because I don’t have one – but because I love the freedom of mixing different plates, unique bowls, bases in other colors, as long as everything works together.
Sometimes they’re from the same family, sometimes it’s an unexpected combination that just feels right.
That’s exactly why I’m always on the lookout for pieces that “speak” to each other, but don’t look identical.
That’s what makes each table feel unique – and allows you to change it up every time without starting from scratch.

One surprising decorative element

I always add one thing to the table that isn’t for serving – just for beauty.
A shell, a tropical fruit, a beautiful stone or a small figurine.
They add interest, break the expected pattern, and make the table look curated and thoughtful – without trying too hard.

Aperitif

When I want something light to open the evening – something that goes perfectly with wine or a small cocktail – I go for nuts.
But not just any nuts – Shi Pistachios, of course. The freshest, tastiest, and always exactly what I need.
And then comes the part I really enjoy – the serving.
That’s the magic of the right pieces: they don’t just hold the food – they create the atmosphere.

Flowing tablecloths

A good tablecloth is, in my opinion, one of the most important table-setting decisions.
I love soft fabrics with natural movement, the kind that flow cleanly down to the floor.
It adds depth, frames the table, and instantly sets the mood – even if the other elements are very simple.
It’s the foundation that supports the whole look while letting every detail shine.

Serve with height – especially for buffets

If I’m doing a buffet – I always think in layers.
Raised bowls, pedestal trays, stacked items – it adds dimension, visual interest, and a sense of abundance.
It also makes the buffet more inviting and easier to access.

Desserts as part of the tablescape

At every event I host, I love treating dessert as part of the table design – not just the sweet ending.
That’s exactly why I knew I’d be working with Monica B. for the desserts.
They know exactly how to take a concept and turn it into a styled detail that fits the entire evening.
Together we created a composition of personal tiramisu served in martini glasses, arranged in a neat pyramid that looked like an installation in the middle of the table.
The desserts weren’t just delicious – they were an integral part of the mood, the design, and the overall experience.

To sum it up – you don’t need a fancy chef’s menu to host beautifully.

When you have the right tableware – even the simplest things become an experience.
I believe that great hosting isn’t about quantity – it’s about choices, thoughtfulness, and making guests feel seen.
Sometimes all it takes is choosing one piece that excites you – and the rest will follow.
Table styling is like telling a story – without saying a word.
So start with something you love, let it lead the way – and watch everything fall into place.

Need inspiration? Ideas? Or just want to refresh your collection with pieces that make all the difference?
Come visit our shop or peek into our world on Instagram – that’s where it all comes to life.