I've told you before how much I love tableware. A shrink might say it goes back to the decade I spent as a food editor. Maybe we shouldn't go there...

Many of us can't afford to entertain as fancy as we did in the past, but we can still have friends over for a meal and have them bring a dish.

I just love these two items that I found on www.homeandgardenparty.com. They are reasonably priced, too.

Entertaining Essentials Glass Tray: This 17-by-8-inch tray straddles the line between plain and fancy. It's made off hammered bubble glass with fluted edges. It's shown here with the Entertaining Essentials Rectangle Stand. The tray is $25 and the stand is $15.

Entertaining Essentials Plates: Set of 4: Love these 7 1/2-inch square matching plates that can be used for a lot of foods -- as salad or bread plates, spoon rests, candy dishes or pillar candle plates. They are only $30 for four.

When are you inviting me over for the party? I'll bring the mojitos!

XOXO-- Shopper Girl

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