Food for thought: The first course is setting the mood.

When it comes to entertaining, defining the vibe of the occasion is always a top priority. From festive holiday gatherings to casual summer dinner parties, these thoughtful tablescape additions will keep your guests talking.

Farm and Field Menus by Minted

Menus add an elegant touch while teasing the evening’s courses to come. These charming designs from Minted bestow an agriturismo vibe upon the table no matter your locale — plus, they’re a great way to discreetly scrape sourdough crumbs of the table.

French Flax Linen Scalloped Edge Placemats (Set of 4) by Bed Threads

Bored of basket weaves? These French flax placemats put a wavy edge on every meal while still embracing the minimalist virtue of restraint. Go with the vibrant “Limoncello & Turmeric” combination to really put the party in dinner party.

Candy Glass Short Candlestick – Persimmon (Set of 2) by The Last Line

Candlelight adds an intimate ambiance that needn’t be reserved just for romantic occasions. Unearth your collection of taper candles and root them in these color-rimmed glass holders. You’ll have a table right out of a vintage movie set.

Rainbow Burlap Napkin, Set of 4 by Atelier Saucier

The purpose of napkins is to protect your pants, keep your lips clean, and veil your mouth when you’re inevitably removing the piece of kale from your two front teeth. But that doesn’t mean that they have to look disposable. These Rainbow Burlap Napkins by Atelier Saucier brighten up the table whether they’re laying flat or in use, so you can save face in style.

Sabre Bistrot Flatware, 16 Piece Set, Tortoise Finish by Food52

Flatware should feel as good as the food tastes. Modern in its appearance, this tortoise finish flatware set punctuates table settings with class that’s even easier on the eyes if you happen to be wearing matching frames around them.

Henry Holland Studio Water Jug by Ssense

This is more than a water jug; it’s a conversation piece, and we all know a good host gives guests something to talk about. This sculptural Henry Holland Studio water jug deserves to be the center of attention — and your table. Whether you’re using it for serving or as a vase, this piece understands the assignment.

Bistro Glasses – 8oz (Set of 6) by Couleur Nature

We didn’t write the book on hosting dinner parties; Martha Stewart did that. But we believe we’re within our bounds to suggest that it’s essential to keep your guests hydrated. Do so in the chicest of fashions with water glasses reminiscent of a Parisian cafe.

Estelle Stemless Wine Glasses – Smoke (Set of 6) by Lulu & Georgia

The fashionable nature of natural wines require the appropriate glassware. Coordinate your reds, whites, pinks, and oranges with their colorful Estelle counterpart. (If you’re looking for a one-size-fits-all, you can’t go wrong matching any wine hue with smoke.)

Bottoms Up Vase by HAY

The dinner table is a pedestal for not only your culinary creations, but also your floral arrangements. Prune branches from your browning rose bush to create an asymmetrical masterpiece in a sculptural vase.

Vintage Found Silver Cake Servers by Pottery Barn

Serverware should be as sweet as the dessert. Whether it’s a Swiss meringue buttercream layer cake or a torte, indulge in a cake cutter that’s as delectable as the slice delivered to your plate is sure to be.