10 Tabletop Essentials for Holiday Dinner Parties

Nov 10, 2014

Planning on hosting up a storm this holiday season? Then you best be stocking up on dinnerware, flatware and all those other essentials to get yourself through dinner parties, cocktail hours and more. We’ve teamed up with Target Wedding Registry to share our favorite picks for this season — filled with natural wood boards, pretty patterns and bright colors, of course.

If you’re gettin’ hitched in the near future, we’ve got a pro tip for you: Add everything you need to host your holiday dinners to your REGISTRY! It’s a great move for making sure you’ve got your essentials covered, and is a nice way of having even your long distance friends and family at the table every time. Just make sure to find a good mix of must-have staples and stylish accents and you’ll be good to go.

In addition to glasses filled with piping hot cocktails and a cake stand or two, here’s what’s on our table this holiday (hosting) season :)

Dinnerware That Fits Your Personality

Your perfect table starts with the folks sitting around it, and the food you create. But after that? Dinner plates, salad plates and bowls set the scene. We swooned over this Threshold Avery 16-Piece Dinnerware Set ($70) from the moment we spotted it. The graphic design and hand-drawn nature of the patterns is just lovely.

Statement-Worthy Silverware

Or should we say goldware? ;) This Gold Izon Flatware Set ($20) has a luxurious feel while still being fun and not too weighed down. We’re sure you’ll use it way beyond the holidays.

Accent Plates

In addition to the perfect dinnerware set, we like to add a few pops of color or contrast. In this case, we threw in a few Crackled Glaze Ceramic Salad Plates in Blue ($19 for 4). You can do the same with bowls or even glassware if you’ve got a few stylish pieces you love.

Wooden Serving Bowls

Next up, we’re stacking up bowls for salads, side dishes and freshly baked biscuits. Mmm, biscuits. But we’re digressing here. This handsome pair of Acacia Serving Bowls ($30) is a staple set that you will use time and time again, even when it’s just dinner for two.

Bowls for Dips, Toppings and Accoutrements

Sure, you’ve got a handful of main events on the table, but we’re all about letting guests customize their meal. Use small, light bowls like these Oh Joy! Melamine Bowls ($4) to serve up fresh herbs, chopped green chile peppers and the like. These also make for great “add this to that” vessels for keeping dietary restrictions in mind — these bowls would hold bacon, nuts and shredded cheese pretty darn well.

Plenty of Cutting Boards

Guess what. Cutting boards are not just cutting boards anymore, especially these rather attractive wooden ones. Use them to serve stinky cheeses, fresh veggies or even an entire roasted cornish game hen. On our table we’ve got a Round Wood Cutting Board with Hanging Strap ($10), an Acacia Plank Cheese Board ($15) and a Green-Edged Acacia Serving Board ($20).

Paper Plates for Unexpected Guests

What are the holidays without a gaggle of unexpected out-of-towners showing up at your doorstep? You’re the hostess whose door is always open, which means you’ve got backup paper plates aplenty. We heart these Oh Joy! Abstract Rectangular Plates ($3) for any occasion.

Stylish Salt and Pepper

Not the female rappers from the ’90s, silly — though those dames were definitely stylin’. There are so many fun salt and pepper shakers out there that it’s easy to find a fun pair for your tablescape.

Quick and Easy Decor

If you’re cooking a big feast, the last thing on your mind is the decor in your dining room. Stock up on a few sets of Paper Fan Decorations ($6) and you’ve got wall decor, table decor or even an entire photo backdrop if you like.

Bonus! Silly Little Touches: And finally, don’t be afraid to get a little bit weird. For place settings, throw a little holiday knickknack into the mix, like a jingle bell, a little toy lamb or a bundle of mistletoe.

12 Undeniably Chic, Slouchy Bags To Upgrade All Your Fall Outfits

Whether you've seen The Olsen twins' oversized bags and are finally starting to cave, or perhaps you've been looking for ways to achieve that "effortless" look — slouchy bags are all people are talking about online, and I can see why. Not only are they practical, giving you room to fit your whole skincare routine, beautyessentials, and daily must-haves, they're also incredibly chic!

I've been searching for the right slouchy bag to give me that "not trying too hard" vibe that looks high end, but isn't $1000. Upon my online shopping, I found some of the most perfect and undeniably chic options from all of our fave stores like Target, Reformation, and so many more! Keep scrolling to find your new favorite daily bag!

Reformation

Reformation Patricia Bag

Anyone else been hearing about how the Margeux bag from The Row is the new Birkin? It's everywhere on socials, and I've fallen victim to lusting after it as well. That all stopped when I found this insanely cheaper alternative from none other than Reformation. And unlike places selling The Row version, you won't have to pay $10,000!!! Grabbing this one immediately!

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Love Knot Bag

White doesn't have to stop after Labor Day, especially in beautiful cream shades like this one here. I love the milky, creme color, along with the slouchy shape of the bag. It's seriously the ultimate slouchy bag I've been looking for — and all for under $100!

Free People Bobbi Slouch Bag

This Free People bag appears to be the perfect type of bag to "Jane Birkin-ify" — AKA grab your charms and necklaces and get to accessorizing it (like above)! It would look so cute with some added accessories to style it according to your personality!

Target

Target Slouchy Bucket Shoulder Bag

Brown suede is truly all I'm thinking about for fall, particularly in bag form. This bag from Target is an amazing option because while it's "slouchy", it still has some structure on the bottom, making it easier to sift through for your things. Because nobody likes spending 10 minutes looking for your lipstick!

Madewell

Madewell Curve Shoulder Bag

This style of curved-shoulder bag is everywhere ATM, and I can see why. Not only is it giving the effortless "I barely thought about my outfit, but it still looks like it's straight from a magazine shoot" vibe, but it's also so practical! The crossbody and shape of the bag help it to be comfortable for anybody that's on-the-go! I also happen to love this burgundy color — so on-trend this season!

Reformation

Reformation Silvana Bag

The always-chic Reformation just won't stop slaying the game with their accessories. From their shoes to their belts, and now bags, I truly can't get enough! Become an instant cool, city-girl in this suede bucket bag. I would pair it with a mini skirt, sweater, and knee-high boots!

Target

Target Crescent Sling

#BratSummer has left the chat and made room for #BratFall, because this color trend is not going anywhere! I'm loving this more watered down shade of green compared to the typical neon Brat color we've seen. It's definitely a fall-appropriate hue, while still bringing in some fun, autumnal color!

J.Crew

J.Crew Edie Shoulder Bag

J.Crew is always hitting the mark, and they've done it yet again with this year's hottest color: butter yellow. The typically summer color is breaking out for fall in an amazing way. I love incorporating this light hue to my more neutral outfits that need some color-love. This bag is also on sale, so you definitely wanna grab it now!

Mango

Mango Shopper Bag

A great, slouchy shopper bag like this one from Mango is great for all our commuters that work in-office and need a bag to fit all their must-haves for the day. This one is my fave, because it also could double as a chic travel bag to fit all your toiletries and travel essentials. We how affordable it is, too!

Reformation

Reformation Bucket Bag

This bucket bag is the ultimate luxe option for my girls that love to replicate Princess Diana's '90s style. I just know you'll feel oh-so chic with this heather gray bag slung over your shoulder. I recommend pairing this bag with a sweater-top like above, boyfriend jeans, and cute ballerina flats! Seriously, this would be my daily work outfit combo! And some bonus points for this bag? It looks like it could fit your entire office inside.

Target

Target Ruched Crossbody

This bag would have you thinking it's high end before you saw that the tag actually says "Target" on the inside. I love the chic ruching that is definitely trending this season. It's a great option if you're looking for something a bit more on-the-go and easier to carry around.

Reformation

Reformation Cylinder Bag

This bag genuinely looks like it came straight from The Row. It's a great alternative to their beloved '90s bagthat's taken the internet by storm! If you're looking for an alternative that isn't always sold out (and happens to be around $700 cheaper), then look no further!

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Olivia Munn Bravely Shares Mastectomy Scars In Latest Skims Ad

Olivia Munn bared it all in her latest SKIMS ad, proving you don't have to hide your scars. The actress posed in a campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, supporting Susan G. Komen®and highlighting her own journey with the disease. She looked absolutely stunning in every photo, but the most gorgeous moment was the way Munn didn't shy away from showing her mastectomy scars. She spoke to TODAY about her experience during the shoot, and why she ultimately decided to ditch her insecurities. Here's what she had to say!

SKIMS

Munn shared with TODAYthat she didn't initially plan to show her scars on the set. The campaign was focused on her recovery post-breast cancer diagnosis, but the makeup artist had a hard time covering up the scars throughout the shoot. She explained that she took a look in the mirror and thought, "I’m done being insecure about my scars." From there, she took the idea to show them off to the SKIMS team — and the rest is history.

SKIMS

And while she was scared to be so vulnerable on camera, this was ultimately a really empowering move for Munn. She elaborated that there are "so many women that have these same scars" who feel just as insecure as she did about them — and she really hopes those women see this ad. "Skims is so iconic and associated with beauty and sex appeal, and cancer really doesn't have that same connotation," she said. "So I just really hope that other women who have gone through my same path feel a little better after seeing it."

SKIMS

The star also took to Instagram to give a behind-the-scenes explanation of her experience. She reiterated that she was "done being insecure" about her scars. "Every mark life has left behind on my body is proof of how hard I fought," she wrote. "I hope other women who have been self-conscious about their scars see these photos and feel all the love I’m sending."

She also shared that SKIMS will donate 10% of their bra sales (except bralettes) to Susan G. Komen® — a charity dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer — from October 23-31 in stores and online. "It’s really meaningful to be part of an initiative that supports research and helps countless individuals impacted by breast cancer," she said.

SKIMS

All of this comes on the heels of Munn's announcement earlier this year that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She revealed the diagnosis came after recently tested negatively for well-known breast cancer genes and had normal results from her annual mammogram — but her doctor to check her Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score. The test showed Munn had a 37% risk of breast cancer, so she pushed for more answers that eventually lead to her diagnosis.

Since then, Munn shared with PEOPLE that she had 4 surgeries in 10 months and underwent medically-induced menopause — all the while juggling being a new mom with husband John Mulaney. She shared, "I'm lucky. We caught it with enough time that I had options. I want the same for any woman who might have to face this one day."

SKIMS

After that March announcement, it's clear Munn is dedicated to raising awareness for women's health — and particularly their options. While chatting about the SKIMS campaign, Munn told TODAY, "You've got to go your doctor and you inundate them with information and you don't stop until they give you the test you need."

If you want to test your own risk for breast cancer, the National Institute of Health has resources here.

Looking for more celebrity news? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

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How To Build A Local Community When You’re A Digital Creator

Verizon

verizon

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

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The 'Severance' Season 2 Trailer Is Finally Here & I Have So Many Questions

The cast and crew of Severance are finally returned to the office after months of waiting for production to resume, and we finally have a first look from the new season! Apple TV+ just posted a teaser image from season 2 of cast member Adam Scott holding a bunch of blue balloons. We don't quite know the significance of this picture to the plot, but we do know we are pumped to see it!

Executive producer, Ben Stiller, spread the news about the Apple TV+ series’ return back in January 2024 with a quote tweet simply commenting, "back to work.”

Adam Scott also teased the Severance season 2 production in an Instagram post the same month, saying it’s “lovely being back at the office.” Severance season 2 is officially back on track. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming season!

Watch The Official 'Severance' Season 2 Trailer!

Adam Scott is back in the first teaser trailer for Severance season 2 — and spends the entire trailer running from his problems (relatable). It appears that despite the fact Mark's innie retreats at the end of season 1, it looks like he wakes back up in the elevator and has lots of surprises waiting for him in the office.

Is there a release date for Severance Season 2?

Apple TV+

Severance Season 2 Release Date

Yes, we finally have a release date for Severance season 2! The sophomore season will hit Apple TV+ on January 17, 2025.

What is Severance about?

Apple TV+

Severance Season 2 Plot

Severance is a fictitious psychological thriller TV series that’s focused on a biotech company named Lumon Industries. In the show, Lumon Industries has popularized a procedure called ‘severance’ that separates their employees’ work selves from their personal lives. Essentially, when Lumon employees are at work, they can’t recall anything outside of work, and vice-versa when they aren’t at the office.

The first season of Severance follows Lumon Industries employee, Mark (portrayed by Adam Scott). Throughout the first season’s nine episodes, Mark and his coworkers begin to learn more about the severance procedure, their double-lives, and Lumon Industries’ true objectives – and it all begins to unravel in a mysterious way.

Who stars in Severance?

Apple TV+

Severance Season 2 Cast

Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Jen Tullock, Dichen Lachman, and Michael Chernus are all part of the main cast in Severance.

Deadline confirmed in 2022 that Gwendoline Christie, Bob Balaban, Merritt Wever, Alia Shawkat, Robby Benson, Stefano Carannante, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, and John Noble are part of the Severance season 2 cast.

Where can I watch Severance?

Apple TV+

You can stream season 1 of Severance on Apple TV+. If you don’t already have a subscription to Apple TV+, you can try the platform 7 days free before subscribing for $9.99/month.

Why is Severance season 2 taking so long?

Apple TV+

Severance season 2 is taking so long because production was halted in the wake of last year’s writers strike.

The cast and crew began filming season 2 on October 3, 2022, with production shutting down on May 8, 2023. Since SAG-AFTRA has struck a deal with AMPTP studios, it’s “back to work” on the Severance set per executive producer, Ben Stiller.

Is Severance creepy?

Apple TV+

Severance follows the horrors that come with working in an office, so yes, it’s creepy. Just kidding (sort of)!

The surreal tone of Severance definitely makes it creepy. There’s an ongoing feeling that someone – or something – is constantly keeping watch and wants to gain control. This tone, paired with the series’ clean, manicured (yet cold) visuals, chalks it up to be fairly disturbing.

The characters in the show become increasingly aware of this cryptic, surveillant presence, and the building tension definitely adds to the show’s creepiness. It’s also pretty existential, which is the creepiest feeling of them all.

Was Severance canceled?

Apple TV+

Severance was not canceled. (Thank goodness!) The production was put on pause due last May to 2023’s writers strikes, but it’s up and running now. We are enthused about the show’s return!

Never miss a new show or movie announcement by signing up for our weekly newsletter! Keep checking back here for more info.

This post has been updated.

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'Nobody Wants This' Season 2 Won't Feature This Controversial Couple

All it takes is a few episodes of Nobody Wants This to realize it's one of the best rom-coms of the year — and that Adam Brody is still super hot. The series, which also stars Kristen Bell, has gone viral for everything from its hilariously relatable approach to dating to "the best kiss of all time" to how eloquently it explains the fear that we're too much for a romantic partner. With an 8.1 out of 10 on IMDb, a 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, and literally millions of TikTok views, it's no surprise the show was just renewed for a second season. Here's everything we know about Nobody Wants This season 2.

What's going to happen in Nobody Wants This season 2?

Hopper Stone/Netflix

Creator Erin Foster just revealed Nobody Wants This season 2 is actually going to get rid of this tease from season 1: Morgan and Sasha's flirtationship. "I think we’re going to wrap up their weird 'Is it romantic?' thing. Because we want to see them together in season two, hanging out," she tells The Hollywood Reporter. "We want to see Esther. I think we went down that road enough that now we’re going to pull back and reposition so we can have them all in scenes together without [Morgan] being like, a full homewrecker. But we’re going to give Morgan something very fun. Justine [Lupe] came in and we pitched it to her and she was like, 'This is my dream storyline.'"

Is Morgan going to be swept off her feet? Or maybe she'll inherit a huge sum of money and become her own trophy wife. That would be SO Morgan.

Is there going to be a season 2 of Nobody Wants This?

Stefania Rosini/Netflix

Yes on October 10, Netflix announced that Nobody Wants This will be coming back for season 2. And (spoiler!!!) now that Joanne and Noah have decided to be together, and Noah's decided to give up his position as Head Rabbi, I have a feeling they'll have to deal with a lot of opinions. (Namely, Noah's mother).

"Creating Nobody Wants This will forever be a career highlight for me," creator Erin Foster says in a statement. "The incredible cast, crew, producers and executives all made this into the show it is today, and to experience viewers' reactions to this series now that it's out in the world has been more than anything I could have dreamed. I’m so lucky to be able to continue this story, and to do it alongside Jenni Konner and Bruce Eric Kaplan, who I've been such a fan of since Girls... Justice for healthy relationships being the most romantic!”

When is Nobody Wants This season 2 coming out?

Netflix

We know season 2 is coming out in 2025, but stay tuned for an official Nobody Wants This season 2 release date.

Who's in the cast of Nobody Wants This season 2?

Netflix

The Nobody Wants This cast includes Kristen Bell, Adam Brody, Justine Lupe, Timothy Simons, Stephanie Faracy, Tovah Feldshuh, Paul Ben-Victor, Michael Hitchcock, Jackie Tohn, Sherry Cola, Shiloh Bearman, and Emily Arlook.

Does Nobody Wants This End on a Cliffhanger?

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Nobody Wants This might not end on the same kind of thrilling, dramatic cliffhanger as Outer Banks season 4 part 1, but it definitely leaves us with a ton of questions. How will Joanne and Noah's families react to the news? What does life look like as a couple? Will Joanne be able to flaunt their relationship in front of all the teenagers? No matter what comes, these two are very much in love, and I can't wait to see them continue to heal and grow together.

Adam Rose/Netflix

Check out 10 Reasons Nobody Wants This Is The Best TV Show Of The Year — and all the other October TV shows to watch this month!

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