There’s a kind of magic that happens when you gather friends around the table for no reason other than to enjoy good food, beautiful surroundings, and the joy of each other’s company. As summer fades and cooler days begin to roll in, I wanted to host something that felt effortless and elegant, with warmth layered into every detail.
Inspired by the changing season, I created two tables using pieces from Perigold that transition beautifully from early evening bites to a candlelit dessert course. The first was a relaxed tapas setting, full of golden tones, textures, and a homemade sangria that carried the evening forward. Later, the table evolved with new sweets and a second sangria crafted just for dessert.
These gatherings don’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the loveliest ones are the simplest. A thoughtful table, a few beautiful bites, and the company of people you love. That’s what this was about.
Why I Love Using Perigold for Entertaining
When I am setting a table, I want it to feel beautiful but also effortless. I want my guests to feel welcomed the moment they sit down, and the right pieces help make that possible. Perigold is one of my favorite sources for finding those special touches.
Shop this beautiful table here.
Their collection is full of thoughtful design, from timeless dinnerware to sculptural statement pieces. What I love most is that everything feels elevated but still very livable. Whether I am hosting a quiet dinner with family or something a little more festive, I can always find pieces that bring beauty and personality to the table.
For both of these tables, I chose items that feel layered and intentional. I started with classic Wedgwood plates, which I love using as a base because they work with so many styles. The golden Juliska placemats add just the right amount of texture and a little warmth to the setting. And I always like to include one dramatic piece that anchors the entire table. The Michael Aram candlesticks did exactly that. They have such beautiful movement and height, and they immediately draw your eye in.
To finish the look, I used fluted stemware from Nude Glass. I have served sangria and sparkling cider in them many times, and they make every drink feel a little more special.
Perigold is full of those unexpected pieces that bring a table together in a way that feels personal. Every time I use something from their collection, it feels like I am layering in a little more of my own style.
Two Tables, Two Different Styles, Both with Perigold
While both of these tables utilize similar pieces from Perigold, they are perfectly served as standalone ideas for your next holiday dinner party. Enjoy!
Tapas and Sangria with Perigold
When I think of hosting something a little more spontaneous and relaxed, I often turn to a tapas and sangria setup. It is one of my favorite ways to entertain when I want to invite a few friends over and spend a few hours simply enjoying each other’s company. It is the perfect date night idea too. A little less formal, a little more inviting, and always full of warmth.
For this table, I leaned into that spirit of relaxed luxury. The mood is cozy and conversational, set in the dining room with soft candlelight, sculptural pieces from Perigold, and plenty of color from the food and florals. It all comes together in a way that feels both intimate and festive.
A tapas and sangria evening is really about abundance in small bites. Think olives, roasted peppers, manchego, spiced nuts, crusty bread, and anything that feels sharable. It is not about a formal main course but rather a rhythm of little plates that keep the evening flowing. Add a few sweet treats like tarts or fruit, and you have a full evening that feels complete but never heavy.
I served a classic red wine sangria filled with citrus slices and cinnamon. The fluted stemware from Nude Glass makes even the simplest sangria feel elevated. I like to keep the sangria chilled and serve in clear glasses so the colors of the fruit shine through.
The dishes themselves are key to the feel of the table. I layered Perigold’s blue and white floral dinner plates on top of a woven charger for contrast. I loved how the rich blue of the pattern played off the gold accents of the flatware and napkin rings.
You can see from the centerpiece how I brought in a seasonal element with greenery, dried hydrangeas, and a few scattered pears and mandarins. This touch makes the table feel grounded and adds a sense of time and place without needing a large floral arrangement. It is a simple way to anchor the middle of the table and let the food shine.
The gold twisted candleholders added height and just the right amount of shine. I let them curl across the table slightly, and the effect was almost sculptural. These are pieces I turn to again and again when I want to add a bit of drama.
Instead of a traditional table runner, I let the natural weave of the placemats and linen tablecloth provide texture. The napkins are embroidered with soft gold, and I tucked them into decorative gold napkin rings that almost feel like little bursts of light.
For gatherings like this, I like to keep the layout flexible. A few pedestal stands allow the dishes to layer at different heights, and small votive candles scattered across the table add soft lighting. The result is a romantic table setting that feels warm and welcoming without being too precious.
This is a wonderful option for a romantic anniversary, a special evening at home, or even Valentine’s Day. Tapas encourage slow dining, and sangria invites lingering. Together they create an intimate atmosphere that is perfect for enjoying quality time with your better half or sharing a special moment with close friends.
Perigold’s pieces help bring a certain polish to the table, even when the meal itself is delightfully casual. That balance is what makes this table so memorable. It is full of personal touches and beautiful layers, and that makes it the perfect setting for a romantic evening full of laughter, shared bites, and glasses raised.
Desserts and Bubbles with Perigold
Once dinner wrapped, I wanted the evening to linger just a little longer. There’s something so comforting about gathering around a table that shifts from savory to sweet, from lively chatter to quieter conversation. And for this part of the evening, I created a second sangria just for dessert.
This version was lighter and a touch more fruit-forward than the first. I infused it with citrus, berries, and just a whisper of spice, letting it chill while we enjoyed the tapas. By the time dessert was served, it was ready to pour, and each glass felt like a small celebration.
I kept things cohesive and served the second sangria in the same beautiful fluted glasses. They added height and elegance to the table and paired so naturally with the warm gold tones woven throughout.
For the desserts, I styled a few of my favorites. A rustic apple tart with puff pastry and cinnamon sugar sat in a silver tray with beaded edges. I added poached pears, served over jewel-toned berries, and a classic bundt cake topped with fresh mint and fruit. These sat on clear pedestal stands that gave everything a little lift without feeling too formal.
What made this table feel especially complete were the finishing touches. The crisp white napkins were gathered in sunburst napkin rings from Perigold, which looked like tiny sculptures. Their sparkle played so well with the candlelight and gold flatware, catching the light just enough to make guests notice.
The twisted gold candelabra curled along the center of the table like a vine, framing the flowers and desserts in a way that felt both organic and sculptural. I loved the way the magnolia leaves and soft hydrangea added structure and depth without competing with the food.
With this sangria, there was no need for champagne or cocktails. It felt personal and seasonal and matched the relaxed elegance I wanted for this moment. The fruit floated just below the surface, the orange slices clinging to the rim, and each glass looked like it belonged on a holiday card.
This table was about slowing down. About offering something sweet and sippable. About letting the room glow just a little brighter before everyone stands up to say their goodbyes.
Get the Look and Recipes
If you’re feeling inspired to recreate these gatherings at home, I’ve pulled together everything you’ll need. From the dinnerware and glassware I used to the recipes that helped bring each table to life, here is a little guide to help you get started.
Shop the Table
- Wedgwood Plates
- Juliska Placemats
- Michael Aram Candlestick
- Nude Glass Stemware
- Kim Seybert Napkin Rings
Tapas Inspiration
If you prefer a mix of store-bought and homemade, here are a few beautiful recipe ideas to pair with your favorite market finds.
Dessert Recipes
Sangria Recipes
- Stephanie’s Red Wine Sangria
- Non-Alcoholic Sangria from The Mindful Mocktail
- Sparkling Autumn Sangria – I added dried orange slices and a few blueberries for a seasonal touch. I also prefer using organic apple cider for this one.
Perigold helped me bring that vision to life with pieces that feel both refined and approachable. This was dessert and bubbles, but done with softness, warmth, and care. The kind of table you remember because it made you feel truly welcomed.
What I loved most about this table was how it encouraged us to slow down. From the first toast to the final bite of dessert, the evening felt effortless but special.
Every detail helped set the tone. The plates, the candlesticks, the glassware, even the napkin rings came together in a way that felt graceful but never too formal. Perigold’s collection made it easy to create something that felt like me.
This is what I want more of. Simple gatherings that feel generous, tables that are beautiful without being too polished, and food that brings people together. Whether it’s a few small bites or a full dinner, it’s the thought behind it that guests will remember.
I hope this inspires your next evening at the table. Keep it warm, keep it easy, and most of all, make it your own.
