Holiday events aren't just about attending parties and dinners -- sometimes they're about hosting them, too. Setting the perfect table is just a simple matter of visiting one, more or all of the stores below and choosing the dishes, glasses and decorative items that reflect you:
Old World:
Bernardaud -- 499 Park Avenue
One of the great porcelain makers for more than a century, and now run by its fifth generation, Bernardaud combines beauty, artistry, and cutting-edge technology to offer top quality dinnerware and flatware for your table.
Scully & Scully -- 504 Park Avenue
This nearly 80-year-old shop also offers a stunning collection of china, crystal, sterling flatware and other home décor items from around the world.
MacKenzie-Childs -- 20 West 57th Street
From ceramics to enamelware to candles to more, these items are handcrafted (check for the stamp of the artisan on many pieces) in Aurora, N.Y., combining classic forms, individuality and whimsy.
Nouveau Noel:
C. Wonder -- 72 Spring Street -- 10 Columbus Circle
A terrific place for stylish, but humorous, cheeseboards, platters, decorative plates and more. Or pick up a wicker basket for next summer's picnics!
Jonathan Adler -- 47 Greene Street -- 37 Greenwich Avenue
New Jersey-born Adler's love of colorful pottery shows through all of his items, but is particularly appropriate for his dinnerware, glassware and linens. They just make you feel good!
HAUS INTERIOR -- 250 Elizabeth Street
This full-service interior design firm and store works with each client to create an environment that reflects his or her personality -- and sells unique items from trays to décor to convey it.
Marimekko -- 200 Fifth Avenue
Marimekko is all about texture and color -- from its linens (including tablecloths, placemats, napkins and aprons) to teapots to dishes to glasses. Just have fun!
Alessi -- 130 Greene Street -- 30 East 60th Street
Alessi is ultimate marriage of design and function for cutlery, baskets, and glassware, among other accessories. And this year, the company will donate 1€ for every item purchased worldwide to help orphaned and abandoned children in the Congo.
C.I.T.E - 131 Greene Street
Looking for something just a bit out of the ordinary? Look here for beautifully crafted mid-century pieces from Saarinen and Borsani, as well as up-and-coming designers.
Find it All for a Fabulous Fete:
Michael C. Fina -- 545 Fifth Avenue
One of the classic sources for tableware, gifts and jewelry, but always up-to-the-minute by offering traditional lines such as Waterford and some of the contemporary designers on this list!
Sur La Table -- 75 Spring Street -- 1320 Third Avenue -- 306 West 57th Street
Everything you'd ever want or need to create and present the perfect meal -- including cookware, barware, glasses, linens, and condiments!
Chelsea Market -- 75 Ninth Avenue
Most visitors head straight for the gourmet goodies sold here, from Jacques Torres' chocolates to L'Arte del Gelato to Eleni's cookies, but also check out Bowery Kitchen Supply, which offers professional quality equipment.
Crème de la Crème:
Baccarat -- 625 Madison Avenue
There is nothing like the feel and look of Baccarat crystal -- and that's been true for 250 years! The stems just make everything in them taste better -- and your table look amazing.
Villeroy & Boch -- 41 Madison Avenue
Want to be instantly transported to a chalet in the Alps? Just stock up on the tableware, glasses and décor from this classic shop.
Lalique -- 609 Madison Avenue
Beautifully detailed or classically stark, Lalique's stemware pays tribute to one of the founders of Art Deco while incorporating the latest technology.
Avventura -- 463 Amsterdam Avenue
The headquarters for Murano glassware on the Upper West Side, Avventura also offers other glassware and ceramics from around the world.
La Terrine -- 1024 Lexington Avenue -- 280 Columbus Avenue
Love Italian, French and Portuguese dinnerware, linens and ceramics? This is the place!
Eclectic Yule:
Fish's Eddy -- 889 Broadway
Open stock dinnerware, inventive glassware, and other edgy, fun items for your table and home -- shopping here is always an adventure.
ABC Carpet & Home -- 888 Broadway
A table is just part of an overall environment -- and ABC Carpet & Home can help you create the most stunningly eclectic ambience for your holiday and your home.
Pearl River Mart -- 477 Broadway
High quality Chinese porcelain and dinnerware that range from perfect for everyday, or right for that special occasion.
Happy Hosting and Happy Shopping!