Dinner parties are back

Dinner parties are back WORDS JENNIFER ENNION

BRING OUT YOUR CHAMPAGNE FLUTES, SHINE UP YOUR CUTLERY, AND DRESS YOUR TABLE IN ITS FINEST CLOTH BECAUSE THIS SUMMER WE’RE CELEBRATING DINNER PARTIES. SAY GOODNIGHT TO RUSHED FRIDAY TAKEAWAYS AND INVITE THE GANG OVER FOR WEEKEND SPREADS THAT WILL NOURISH BODY AND SOUL. NOW SHOPS HAVE REOPENED, YOU CAN ADD EXTRA SPARKLE TO YOUR SETTING, TOO. HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST CENTRAL COAST STORES FOR FINDING DINNERWARE THAT WILL IMPRESS.

Centered Ceramics

If you love beautiful homewares, then you’ll adore Centered Ceramics. Primarily a pottery studio where you create your own bowls and plates, Centered Ceramics also sells an ever-rotating selection of handmade crockery. This is where you can expect to find gorgeous one-off pieces that will impress your dinner guests. Better yet, you can join a workshop and make your own.

246 West St, Umina Beach

Home by the Jetty

A welcome addition to the growing Long Jetty retail scene, Home by the Jetty opened less than 18 months ago. It’s a hub of coastally chic homewares, with bamboo bowls and salad servers sitting alongside tropical-inspired cutlery, twine-covered carafes and neutral table runners. Recently added to the collection is fun cocktail glassware, great for a girls’ nights in.

266 The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty

Blackbird

Tucked out of the way in the Bateau Bay shops is Blackbird, a homewares and clothing boutique. The carefully curated treasures inside include a lovely range of Robert Gordon mugs for when dessert is best paired with a wind-down cuppa. Over summer, keep your eyes out for more platters, pâté knives and picnic tables for backyard get-togethers.

101 Bateau Bay Rd, Bateau Bay

Magnolia Home & Gift

It’s highly likely Magnolia Home & Gift has caught your eye more than once as you’ve rounded the East Gosford bend. This is one of the Coast’s best lifestyle stores, selling everything from clothing and jewellery to an impressive range of dinner party supplies. This is the place to come if you need to grab more than a piece or two. You will find tropical bamboo bowls and a large range of eco-friendly cups and plates. There are timber chopping boards, salad servers, platters, Japanese-inspired ceramics, stylish glassware and plenty of tablecloths and runners. Expect to be impressed.

71 Victoria St, East Gosford

Haven at Home

You’re guaranteed to find something special to up your dinner-party style at Haven at Home. Some of our favourite items lining store tables are the acrylic jugs, tumblers and Champagne flutes. The range comes in on-trend colours such as amber and forest green, harking back to the ’70s. The fact they’re plastic and not glass also makes them perfect for when you’re inviting a few families with young kids over, or for poolside hangs. For pre- or post-dinner nibbles, check out the resin cheese knife sets.

490 Central Coast Hwy, Erina Heights