The most generous tables are slightly unfinished: unpressed linen, beeswax tapers that lean, fruit that still looks like it came from a market rather than a studio.
What to Put Down, What to Leave Off
One cloth, a handful of plates that do not match too perfectly, glasses you are not afraid to use. Skip the charger plates and the themed napkin rings. Light the tapers before guests arrive so the room already smells like honey and wick.
Serve what is in season, family-style. The goal is a dinner that forgets to end.