Napkin Rings

Dazzle your guests with handmade napkin rings. Purchase beads in colors that coordinate with your china; then string the beads on strands of raffia. Tie the ends into a bow.

Frosted Centerpiece

Add elegance to your table with sugared fruit. Dip fruit in egg whites, and sprinkle with sugar. Allow to dry, and arrange in a glass compote for the perfect table decoration.

Your collection of china and silver is probably more than adequate for entertaining small groups. Six, eight, ten, maybe even a few more -- no problem. But once your guest list expands, you'll need a lot more of everything.

Consider setting up a party closet or cabinet that's well-stocked with all the essentials, such as wineglasses, dinner plates, and forks, for serving an informal buffet to a large group of people. Over time, you're certain to realize a savings. Disposable plates and glasses become surprisingly expensive when purchased regularly. Fees for renting party goods also add up quickly. But when you own rather than rent, you never have to worry about packing up and returning the items.

Your selection of party ware can be as simple or as elaborate as you choose. Not everything has to match, and the collection should reflect your own style. You can sometimes find stacks of interesting old dinner plates at antiques stores, consignment shops, and estate and garage sales. Restaurant-supply companies are reliable sources of economical tableware sold by cases of one or two dozen items each. Imports stores offer a wide array of tabletop essentials and accessories. Once your party closet is well-stocked, you're set for years of easy, enjoyable entertaining. Use your tableware innovatively and on each occasion you'll create a welcoming setting that's sure to be remembered.

Gradually take advantage of sales and special offers to stockpile these basics.

A Party Tub
Look for a large acrylic container for icing down beer, wine, or soft drinks.

Plates
Clear glass plates or inexpensive white dinner plates will go with everything. Choose matching salad plates for serving dessert. Or you can opt for a more eclectic look by gathering old plates from various sources.

Napkins
Collect and use colorful paper napkins; they will brighten basic dinner plates and make cleanup a cinch. Cloth napkins are more luxurious, but you may not want to deal with laundry the next day.

Flatware
Watch for attractive stainless steel forks and teaspoons to purchase by the dozen. Find an acrylic stand or a shallow wicker basket for organizing flatware at the buffet table.

Wine Glasses
Select well-proportioned wineglasses that will fit into your dishwasher. You can use them for many purposes, such as serving iced tea, punch, or ice cream.

Cups And Saucers
Purchase a quantity of good-looking cups and saucers; or you may prefer mugs, which are easy for guests to handle.

Votive Candle Holders

Accumulate these by the dozen and you'll have enough to space around the house-on your dining table, along the railing of the deck, in the guest bathroom.

Serving Pieces
Baskets make cleanup easy. Select some brightly colored dish towels or tea towels and reserve them for use as basket liners, or pick up a few colorful napkins on sale -- you don't need a complete set. Large bowls make entertaining easy because you don't have to refill them very often. Black or white containers are especially good choices-they are complementary to various foods and handsome alongside white dinner plates. Large glass or acrylic salad bowls are versatile enough to use with many kinds of foods.

For Beverages
You'll need an ice bucket and tongs. Pitchers are handy for iced tea or lemonade; you can also use wine carafes for serving beverages. A large coffeepot makes it easy to accommodate a group-consider purchasing a pot jointly with a neighbor and you can take turns using it.

Centerpieces
It helps to have one pretty container, such as a tureen or jardiniere, that you can fill with seasonal fruit or vegetables. For variety, place bedding plants or small houseplants in the container. Use candles to give a soft glow to the table.

Fabric
Watch for well-designed fabrics that repeat the colors in your collection. Purchase a few yards to swirl down the center of your table. You don't have to hem the edges -- just turn them to the underside. Once your party closet is well-stocked, you're set for years of easy, enjoyable entertaining. Use your tableware innovatively and on each occasion you'll create a welcoming setting that's sure to be remembered.