When your host has even just one pretty little serving dish on the table, you're made to feel special when it is passed to you. Some ideas for doing the same for your guests...

• Glass Beehive Cloche from Sur la Table

• Sky Map Dessert Plate from Anthropologie

• Almond Bowl by Harry Allen at MoMA

We grew fond of using even just a single special serving dish when we visited Lena's home in Montreal. Her table was generally set with basic dishware, but there were a few special little wooden bowls or handpainted ceramics embellishing the table for holding jams, butter, or some such small thing. They made even the mundane "passing of the salt" feel ceremonial.

When you're entertaining, it's the perfect time to get out odd little serving dishes you don't often use. Don't be shy, just take out one or two and use them!

first image: Hostess Blog