To host six to eight guests, you need fewer pieces than you think: two large serving dishes or platters, one big salad bowl of 24 to 30 cm, two or three pairs of serving spoons and forks, a jug or carafe for water, a few small bowls for nuts, dates or sauces, and a tray to carry everything. With these, you can serve almost any meal.
Why serve from dishes, not pots? Serving dishes bring the food to the table at its best, keep the table calm, and let guests help themselves. It also makes the meal feel like an occasion, even when the food is simple.
How big should a salad bowl be? For six to eight people, a bowl of 24 to 30 cm. It gives room to toss the salad without spilling.
How many serving spoons do I need? One pair for every dish on the table. Two or three pairs of spoons and forks cover most meals.
What do I need for drinks? A large jug or carafe of water on the table, refilled before it is empty, saves guests asking. Add a second jug for juice or iced tea in the warm months.
What about small bowls? Small bowls are the most useful pieces a host owns: for dates and nuts when guests arrive, for olives, sauces and dips during the meal, and for sweets afterwards.
Do I need a tray? Yes. A tray carries cups, glasses and small bowls in one trip, and it can stay on the coffee table as part of the setting.
Three quick answers
How big a salad bowl do I need for eight people? 24 to 30 cm.
How many serving spoons do I need? One pair for each dish on the table.
What is the most useful piece for a host? Small bowls, for dates, nuts, sauces and sweets.
