The Art of the Table: Simple Objects to Elevate Every Meal

Pieces to create interest and conversation

Between our time in New York and Connecticut, life moves between the city’s rhythm and the quiet of our country house. In both places, gathering with family and friends is at the center of it all. Hosting has become a thread that runs through our days — sometimes for holidays, sometimes just for an easy Sunday evening — and the table always feels like the heart of it.

For me, setting a table is never just about plates and glasses. It’s about creating a space that feels thoughtful, welcoming, and a little bit magical, whether it’s a casual dinner or a celebration. I love layering in small objects — pieces that spark conversation and bring a bit of personality to the table. Sometimes they’re heirlooms or things found on travels, other times they’re playful pieces designed to surprise.

That’s where objects like this Gohar lemon squeezer trio come in. It’s functional, of course, but it’s also sculptural, witty, and just unexpected enough to make someone smile when they sit down. These are the kinds of details that turn a table from ordinary to memorable — the little pieces that feel both useful and like a piece of art.

Stainless Steel: Gohar Lemon Squeezer, Trio

There’s nothing that transforms a table more than candlelight. It’s the softest, most flattering glow — my favorite light to eat, talk, and linger by. I keep a mix of tapers, tea lights, and pillars on hand so the mood can shift from casual weeknight to holiday gathering with just a spark of a match. Here are a few of my go-to styles: