How to Build the Perfect Party Closet, According an to Entertaining Expert

Your dinnerware says a lot about you and your impeccable taste. As the thing your guest looks at the most during the evening, it's important to find a set that energizes your table and embodies your own personal style. Stokes recommends looking at "one-stop shops" like Bergdorf Goodman or Scully and Scully—both of which offer a wide variety of tabletop goods—when looking for entertaining basics. You're bound to hear a dinnerware set—like this Mottahedeh classic—calling out to you from the shelves.

As a seasoned globetrotter, Stokes notes linens—such as napkins, tablecloths, and even placemats—are "a wonderful thing to bring home from your travels." The patterns and one-0f-kind details tell the stories of your travels and add character to your table. If you are looking a little closer to home for your linens, Stokes recommends turning to Tina Chen Designs, E. Braun, and Mary Mahoney for all your textile needs.

Stokes believes everyone needs at least one good set of silver, and she tells her clients that the best way to buy silver right now is surprisingly at auction. Look for auctions and even estate sales in your area—you'll likely find a dazzling set of flatware or silver dinnerware at reasonable prices. As for online retailers, 1stDibs and Chairish also tend to offer a wide range of secondhand silver sets.

While traditional rules of entertaining suggest you need four different glasses for each table setting, Stokes disagrees. "I modify the rules of table setting for my modern life," explains Stokes. "I simply put out a water goblet and a wine glass for each table setting. I don't want to clutter the with a whole lot of things."

William Yeoward is Stokes's go-to source for all things drinkware with their hand-engraved crystal goblets and wineglasses.

Stokes recommends that everyone consider investing in a round dining table, as it allows people to feel more part of the group and conversation. Believe it or not, you'll often find a chic silver or wooden lazy Susan at the center of almost all of the designer's tablescapes to help make serving different dishes or condiments easier. Look at local and online antique or vintage shops to find a couple that complement your dinnerware and table linens.

Stokes's best advice for people just getting into hosting dinner parties is to always figure out the seating chart beforehand.

"It's very nice to organize where you're going to see people before they come in," says Stokes. " You don't want to be flustered trying to get a drink for somebody or taking a coat, at the same you're trying to seat people—it's too much."

Her secret entertaining tool is leather seating arrangers that help both plan the night's seating arrangements and help your guests find their places.

Whether for chilling Champagne or holding ice near the bar, a cooler is an indispensable tool that should be found in every party closet. Stokes admits she's turned to Amazon to pick up a couple of ice buckets when in a pinch, but she recommends also looking at antiques stores or auctions for Champagne buckets and wine coolers with stands.