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Decor

China Cabinet Essentials & How to Style Them

China Cabinet detailsHow to style a china cabinet by Randi Garrett DesignChina Cabinet essentials by Randi Garrett Design

CHINA CABINET

I recently shared, 5 tips for finding the right furniture piece, you can read about that here. Today I want to take you inside my china cabinet and share with you my dining room essentials and how to style them in your china cabinet.

Eating is essential to living. My philosophy is celebrate that daily task but making everyday meals something special. Building a dish collection that can be used daily, for every occasion AND for entertaining, is crucial.

Here is a basic list of what you will need to fill your china cabinet so you can entertain with ease!

China Cabinet Essentials

  1. A set of white dishes {dinner plates, salad plates, bowls}
  2. Set of glassware {stemware & tumbler}
  3. Set of Silverware {gold and / or silver}
  4. Napkin Rings
  5. Chargers
  6. 3-5 Serving Platters
  7. Large Pitcher
  8. Cake Plates
  9. Votives & Candle Sticks
  10. White Napkins

***There is a detailed source list at the end of the post so you can stock your cabinet with my exact essentials.

A set of white dishes is so versatile! They can be dressed up for a fancy meal or dressed down for a casual one. Below are photos of the same dishes styled for different occasions …

Skyros Designs Villa Beleza place setting styled by Randi Garrett Design

Villa Beleza dishes styled by Randi Garrett DesignsChina cabinet essentials with Skyros Designs styled by Randi Garrett Design

Here is another example

Elegant place setting with fresh oranges featuring Skyros Designs Cantaria dishesSky rose Cantaria styled by Randi Garrett Design

Notice the dishes are the same, I simply switched out the silverware and stemware to give each place setting a different feel.

Store your dishes and chargers in your cabinet by stacking them together. Nestle votives together for a charming vignette.  Votives create a lovely ambiance for your guests to dine over. Chargers add a finishing touch to your tabletop.

How to style your china cabinet

Arrange smaller plates in large, glass display boxes to keep them dust free and to give height and sparkle to your cabinet.

How to style your china cabinet

Store your napkin rings in beautiful canisters.

Pom Pom at Home Chateau napkin rings

Stack dessert plates on top of cake plates. Tuck larger serving platters behind dishes, they will take up less room in the back and they will also act as a beautiful backdrop for your other dishes.

china cabinet essentials

Stemware, glasses that stand on a footed base, lend themselves to a more sophisticated table. You will use these anytime you want to dress up your table. A set of tumblers can be used for daily meals or in collaboration with your stemware on a fancy table. They are a basic essential that you can use in countless ways.

Skyros Eternity glassware

Glassware

Skyros Eternity glassware

Elegant glassware for china cabinet

Group your stemware and glassware together in your china cabinet. This will give you cabinet a clean, organized look.

Your silverware is really the jewel of the table. Gold creates a sparkle that instantly dresses up your place setting.

Elegant pink and gold place setting by Randi Garrett Design

Silver-plate, stainless and silverware can be used in either a casual or dressy occasion. If your budget only allows you to purchase one, start with a silver – plate or stainless set first. You can invest in a gold set later.

Pitchers serve a couple of purposes, obviously to serve beverages, but they can also double as vases for centerpieces.

Skyros Designs Cantaria

Cake plate collection, how to style your china cabinet

Dessert. The final and favorite part of the meal! I believe that everything tastes more delicious when served on a cake plate! That is why I have them in every size! Cake plates can be used to display more than sweet treats. Use them to serve mini quiche, stack pancakes, present a yummy ham, be creative with this china cabinet essential.

Mini cake plate display, how to style your china cabinet

Now go stock your china cabinets and set a pretty table! Whether you are serving yourself, your family, an intimate group of friends or the whole neighborhood, if you stock your cabinet with these essentials, you will be ready for any soiree that comes your way!

How to style your china cabinetChina cabinet essentialschina cabinet detailsHow to style your china cabinet Elegant dining room by Randi Garrett Design

ROOM SOURCES

DISHES

PAINT

Ralph Lauren’s Edwardian Linen mixed by Dunn Edwards

 

Join the Conversation

15 thoughts on “China Cabinet Essentials & How to Style Them

  1. This might just be my favorite post of yours! I love your gorgeous new Skyros dishes and glassware! And I noticed some cupcake stands and cake plates that I have. 😉

    1. Thanks so much Jen! I will forever think of you when I use those cake plates! xo

    1. Thank you Bethany! I am so glad you enjoyed it. Have a lovely day! xo

  2. Randi, I need a grown up china cabinet just like you! This is stunning and so inspiring – I love all of your beautiful settings too! Tam xo

    1. Yes you do! I can only image the beauty you would create with one! xo

      1. Thanks Tam you are a doll! I am so happy to call you my friend! xo

  3. Randi, I absolutely adore your china cabinet essentials and how you have them displayed. Thank you for taking us on a tour and I have a feeling this might actually inspire me to do some more formal entertaining!! Everything is lovely!

    1. Thank you Bree! You definitely need a cabinet! You would style the heck out of it too! xo

  4. I love this post! Where did you get the beautiful scalloped placemats? I’ve been looking everywhere for pretty ones to decorate my dining table.

    1. The placemats are also from Skyros Designs. You can find them on their website. They come in tons of different colors. xo

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