I Use This $2 Tabletop Accessory Every Time I Host Friends (It’s a Crowd-Pleaser!)

Written by

Cullen OrmondAssociate Home Editor at Apartment Therapy
Cullen OrmondAssociate Home Editor at Apartment Therapy
I write about house tours (but I love a good kitchen and kids' room article). My work can be found across AT Media, including The Kitchn and Cubby. I’ve been writing about home-related topics for nearly five years and love seeing how people make their homes unique.
published Jun 12, 2024
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Crate & Barrel is my safe space. If I’m ever feeling blue, I grab my purse and immediately head to the nearest location. (I was actually devastated when the store closest to my apartment closed.) Not only are the staff members uber-friendly, but there are also bits and bobs that can instantly brighten your day without you having to commit to a hefty price tag — even though Crate & Barrel’s sofas are exceptionally comfortable.

So, a year or so ago, on a day when nothing seemed to go my way, I found myself browsing the impeccably curated sections of Crate & Barrel and ended up in my favorite section: serveware. And to my delight, a jewel among jewels twinkled bright enough to catch my eye. It was a mini oval sauce dish that cost just under $2. 

Credit: Crate & Barrel

One of my greatest joys is hosting dinner parties, and I’ve noticed that, over time, I’ve wanted to continue elevating and improving upon each festive occasion. However, limited space and a moderate budget prevent me from shopping frivolously. If an item is going to be invited to my dinner table, it has to meet some requirements: be relatively inexpensive, small in size, and wow-worthy. 

When I spotted the little bowl, my hostess heart began to flutter as visions of its many uses flickered through my head. Those soon became a reality when I brought the set (I purchased four) home. The porcelain dish is less than five inches long, and it’s stackable, so I can store it without taking up too much space.

But the bowl is also super versatile. When I’m hosting a dinner, it’s a simple way to elevate any condiment instead of putting a dollop on a plate. I’m a big fan of putting together charcuterie boards (it’s an art form!), but sometimes you need something to break up all the flat cheeses, so I’ll display nuts or olives in the bowls. Alternatively, I could see how these bowls would be useful for holding rings while washing dishes or stashing loose change. 

My guests and I aren’t the only ones who benefit from these dishes. My bunny, Tiffanie, loves blueberries, and I’d never just throw them on the floor for her to gobble up. Instead, she eats them from her Crate & Barrel sauce dish. 

I’m not exaggerating when I say this mini bowl has brought me joy. It’s not only such a simple way to make any place setting look sophisticated, but it also gets the stamp of approval from my bunny. And honestly, that’s the only rating system that really matters.