Serving dish, tray, salad bowl

Inviting friends to an aperitif is always a pleasure. You've thought about the delicacies you're going to serve them, and now you're getting everything ready. But what's wrong? Is there a problem? You've forgotten a little detail that's really important: the crockery for your aperitif! Now you're searching your cupboards for the salad bowls, glasses and other dishes you need to serve the food in the best possible way.

The aperitif, a moment apart

Today, we're crazy about aperitif dinners! It's no longer a simple glass of wine with a few cookies at the start of the meal, but a real meal where everyone picks and chooses what the host has prepared.

To present all temptations in the best possible way, it's essential to think about crockery first. You're not going to serve simple little sausages in your great-grandmother's superb soup tureen, are you? It just won't do!

But don't worry, there are dishes perfectly suited to this moment with friends.

You can select one or more sets to present your amuse-bouches in the most elegant way. Spread them out elegantly on the table (remember to place sauces in bowls in the center of the table, to avoid the risk of sleeves being left lying around). Don't hesitate to multiply the different containers (depending, of course, on the dishes presented). Prefer smaller, less impressive dishes! If you don't have many different preparations to present, you can put the same preparation in different places in a number of bowls. This way, your guests won't have to go around the table to get to the delicacy they want.

Moving from container to container is all very well. But there's never enough hands to get everything back where it belongs! To ease the problem, you can select pretty appetizer boards or small trays.

At an aperitif, people drink. So it's essential to think about glasses and carafes. Be generous. Your guests may want a glass of wine and a glass of water. And they won't think it's a good idea to help themselves to the same glass! Place a wide range of glasses at the center of your table, depending on the drinks you're serving: water glasses, wine glasses, beer glasses, whisky glasses or champagne flutes. Forget about fragile crystal.

Don't forget the style!

Think your guests will only look at what's in the dishes? You'd be wrong! It's also essential to choose stylish elements. They'll enhance your preparations.

Want a modern aperitif without overdoing it? Opt for slates that double as plates or platters. You can combine your slates with bamboo salad bowls and cups (black will always go beautifully with wood).

A sophisticated aperitif? Choose ceramic pieces that won't fall. Forget porcelain, which won't withstand an accidental drop. White is an excellent choice to bring sophistication to your aperitif. Bowls, plates and platters are infinitely versatile. You can choose classic or more original shapes. A designer aperitif? Black is a must. A country-style aperitif? Choose characteristic shades such as taupe or ecru. Purists can also opt for services with floral motifs.

Want to add a touch of cheerfulness and dynamism to your aperitif? Choose colorful tableware. And for even more originality, you can mix shades. Orange, pink and red are a perfect match.

Finally, even if you're having your aperitif outdoors, don't forget your linens. A pretty tablecloth and napkins will add a touch of refinement that's always welcome, even if your aperitif is with friends. Here again, you have a choice of shades. From classic, refined white to highly original, flashy colors, everything is possible.