Ottolenghi wants 'guests to feel welcomed by the table before they even taste the food' – here are the exact dishes he uses for his inviting, playful tablescapes

'I want guests to feel welcomed by the table before they even taste the food,' Yotam Ottolenghi tells Homes & Gardens. Any good entertainer knows that tablescaping can make or break your dinner party, but it's much harder to know where to start with your array of dishes, tablecloths, and centerpieces. To ensure that you know how to impress visitors every time, we spoke with the acclaimed chef and cookbook for his top setting tips.

The restauranteur favors a bold and bright method of tablescaping. Aside from the scheme in his restaurants, Ottolenghi's love for color is best captured in his Feast Collaboration with Serax. Each piece in the collection practically bursts with life. From plates with abstractly painted faces to yellow bowls swirled with organic patterns, they are a symphony of design and color.

The look is true to what you might see if you went over to Ottolenghi's house for a dinner party. He tells H&G: 'I love abundance, color, and playfulness when it comes to setting a table. With the Feast collection, it’s all about mixing and matching pieces to create a lively, inviting atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to combine bold colors and patterns—it adds a sense of joy and celebration to the meal. I’d recommend layering different plates, using bright platters to serve food family-style, and letting the dishes spill over with abundance. This approach creates a table that’s full of energy and makes the food even more appetizing.'

Beyond the aesthetic, choosing the best dinnerware set can reshape how we experience a meal. Ottolenghi says: 'I’ve always had a deep love for how food is presented—it’s not just about taste but also about the visual experience. Serax felt like the perfect partner because they share that passion for quality and craftsmanship. Together, we wanted to create tableware that elevates the dining experience, something beautiful yet functional. The designs are inspired by nature and the organic forms of vegetables and fruits I love working with. We focused on clean lines, but with a softness that feels inviting, much like the food itself.'

What dish is most important in your dining table decor? According to Ottolenghi, it's the largest dish. He states: 'If I could only have one, I’d choose one of the large serving platters. I love communal dining, and a beautiful, well-designed platter brings people together at the table. It’s perfect for showcasing colorful, abundant dishes that encourage sharing and conversation. Whether it’s a vibrant salad or a roasted vegetable dish, a big platter makes everything look more appetizing.'

Entertaining is an art, and it comes easiest when the art is laid out on the table. Whether you love to cook, or prefer ordering takeout for your guests, an array of beautiful, unique dishes can elevate the experience every single time. Yotam Ottolenghi's Serax collection is a great place to start.