HOW TO STACK DISHES BEAUTIFULLY ON A TABLE

 
HOW TO STACK DISHES BEAUTIFULLY ON A TABLE
 If you love dishes then you probably will love stacking them. A table set with a beautiful stack of dishes is so much prettier than a table set with just one big dish! Stacks of dishes are really show stoppers! Dramatic and artfully set! And they are a way for us to show off our curated collections! Today I have a few tips and secrets for how to stack dishes.

 

 

It’s HOME STYLE SATURDAY so let’s stack dishes! 
 
One of the biggest benefits of stacking dishes is that I can use the same dishes over and over again and get a new look every time!
Here are a few tips for creating beautiful stacks of dishes…
 

 A STACK IS 3 DISHES OR MORE

 
A stack of dishes does not have to be tall.  Start with 3 pretty dishes that work well together and… TA-DA a pretty stack is born! 
How easy is that?
 

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE EDGES

What makes a stack of dishes soooooo appealing are all the pretty edges that peek out from underneath each other.
 Choose dishes that have interesting edges or rims.
 
 

 ALTERNATE DISH COLOR 

 Using different colored dishes work just as well as dishes with interesting edges for making a fetching stack!
 When you can mix color and great edges… it’s a real winner! 
 
I collect pretty small plates in different colors and designs to use as a “topper” for a stack of dishes. 
 
 
 

ANCHOR THE STACK

 Add a pretty placemat or A runner or even a napkin under a stack of dishes to anchor them to the table.
 See how the blue straw placemats grounds the stack of dishes! LOVE blues and whites together! How about you?
 
 

 ADD SOMETHING SPECIAL TO THE TOP OF THE STACK

 Add a special bowl or fancy napkin or a little object that goes with the theme of the table to the top off the dish stack.
 It makes the stack more important!
 
Isn’t this pink flower bowl beautiful? Perfect for a delicate pink and white table! I got it years ago at HomeGoods for under $5.00. Great pieces don’t have to be expensive!
 
 

USE NAPKINS AND NAPKIN RINGS ON TOP OF DISHES

If you have pretty napkins and napkin rings use them on the top of dish stacks!
 
 I made this sassy flower napkin ring out of old book pages for our book club dinner. 
 
 

 STACK MORE THAN DISHES

Stack bowls and dessert plates and forks… or even cups. 
 Experiment! They make such great stacks too!
 
 
 Stacking dishes may be an art… but it is an easy art to master!

Home Style Saturdays Logo

Shabbyfufu | Coastal Decorating Ideas – Affordable and Easy

coastal-living-room-mantel-shabbyfufublog.com

So Much Better With Age | Restoration Hardware Atlanta Design Gallery

restoration-hardware-design-gallery

 

StoneGable | How to Stack Dishes Beautifully

HOW-TO-STACK-DISHES-BEAUTIFULLY

 

Designthusiasm | Vintage Books: Awesome Ways to Display Your Collections

Vintage Books | Awesome Ways to Display Your Collections - designthusiasm.com

 

On Sutton Place | Arranging Hydrangeas the Easy Way

on sutton place arranging hydrangeas

Savvy Southern Style | Swapping Beds

Savvy Southern Style

If you have tried any of my decorating ideas, menus or recipes please click the “tried it” box in my pins. Thanks so much!

Stacking Dishes -Do you love dishes? There is an art to creating beautifully stacked dishes. Here are tips and pictures to show you how!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

109 Comments

  1. What beautiful dishes you have. I love all the ideas. I will have to start looking for dishes when I go to estate sales and local resell shops.

  2. Anne Marie says:

    Beautiful – love the lilacs in bloom!

  3. I love the look of a set table. What a beautiful way to draw your guest in. Promises a great meal and wonderful fellowship. Stacking is a great plus for this.

  4. Pam Griner says:

    Love stacking! My table looks so pretty and inviting. Thanks!

  5. You create the most interesting and attractive tablescapes! Your extensive and carefully curated collection of dishes, linens, flatware, vessels and decorative items is amazing and the combinations you create are so intriguing. I’ll bet if you compiled the photos of your various tabletop posts you would have material to present to a publisher for a coffee table book. Would love to have a signed copy of your inspiring ” tablescapes and stacks” in my home decorating library.

    1. I agree with her. I totally would buy your book!!! Tablescapes. Menus. Seasonal decor. Outside living. Etc etc. you have a gift we want to see in book form and hold in our hands to browse through!!!!

  6. The silver coffee urn with rose arrangement inspired me to get mine out and try the same! Thx

  7. You have a gorgeous collection of dishes….I longed looking at each table setting….so beautiful!

  8. What beautiful dishes, I love all!! Thanks for inspiring me to try this too.You make it look so easy. Enjoy your weekend.

  9. Terri Smith says:

    Good morning Yvonne, I was just at pottery barn yesterday and saw a beautiful display of sun flower dishes stacked. I might have to go back and get a few to stack! Have a great Saturday Terri

  10. Love all your dishes and the way you arrange them!Just beautiful!!

  11. Wow! You have such a knack for making the most beautiful tables!! Thank you for sharing your “stacking” dishes ideas! That are great!

  12. Cindy Finter says:

    I agree with the comment made earlier about the silver coffee pot. I have my mother’s and love the idea of using it with a flower arrangement.

  13. I really need to get more dishes! What lovely pieces you have. I especially love the black and white table setting. You are so talented!

  14. Been seriously considering stacking to display inherited dishes from my mom, now my mind is in a “stacking” mode!! Need to shop for unique dishes as accents, shopping trips ahead! Need to return to my “saved” dishes at Replacements! Thanks so much for sharing.

  15. Such beautiful dishes and such a pretty way to stack them. I need to mix and match more and maybe add some new special dishes.

  16. mattsgramma says:

    Gorgeous tablescapes!! I love looking at how you put things together! I just ordered some cloth napkins and now I am inspired to look for some napkin holders.

  17. Beautiful collections of dishes – I love dishes too — but my question is — how do people eat off them? Do you serve one thing at a time and then take away the dish? Or do you remover all dishes before eating and then just use the bottom one? Or do you take a dish, put food on it and bring it back, then take it away when done,etc — love a pretty table — but cannot figure how to navigate the stack for use. HELP!!!

    1. Laurene Shewan says:

      I was wondering the same thing. Then storing them all would be my problem. I love china and have multiple sets, but storing them so they are accessible is the issue.

      1. I wonder about the same concept all the time! I’ve counted the stack and I can’t figure out how to use all the dishes during the meal. The dishes are gorgeous, but I’m starting to experience storage problems!

    2. Carol Davis says:

      My same question – What you do with the dishes? Does the hostess get up and go around and pick up all the plates from the first course, serve the second course then repeat. When does she get to sit down and enjoy the meal? That would make my guests feel uncomfortable if I was always up and down serving them and not enjoying the meal.

      1. I’m so glad you asked this question! I LOVE the look but can’t quite figure out how it works practically speaking. Yvonne? Help!

    3. While beautiful and I love beautiful things, I too wonder about function. Are the stacked place setting for decorative looks only.

      Yvonne I’d love to hear your thoughts.

    4. I was thinking the very same thing Diane. The arrangement is very pretty for say, a professional photo shoot for a store, a blog, a decor magazine, etc. but I’m not sure how it “translates” into real living. Before company arrives, for example, I have often admired how nice my green cabbage dishes look when combined with some transferware I have (I love mixing dishes) but then I take it all apart as it’s just too impractical when serving the food.

    5. Susan McLain says:

      I’m so glad you asked this question! I have tried to figure this out for the longest, but have not succeeded in getting food out with room left on the table. I was beginning to think I was the only one who couldn’t figure out. I’m not able to leave my table set, as my husband uses the dining table for meetings and I never know when those will take place. Oh, but I do have such an addiction to plates, pretty and also English China and ironstone. Finding new places to store it has become a problem!

      Thanks!
      Susan

  18. Pearl B Simmering says:

    I love dishes too! Yours are exceptionally beautiful! Have you ever seen how the Russians stack their cups? Wish I had a pic to send.
    Grannypearl

  19. Kathy Menold says:

    Another one of my many addictions are dishes and after reading that setting a table will stop everyone dropping off their stuff onto the table I always try to have a set one. Stacking dishes has a duel purpose for me. Gives me another place for a seasonal accent. Right now for summer I use white plates on the first layer with various green dishes and bowls for stacking. Looks summery with the lemon centerpiece and runner I am using. Fun to change it up each season.

  20. Karen VanLoo says:

    I absolutely LOVE dishes the way you do! I love all of your ideas, there’s nothing more beautiful than a gorgeous table setting with lots of dishes. My favorite ones of yours are the creamy white ones with the different patterned edges. Love all of these ideas though!

  21. Norma Rolader says:

    Love your tablescapes!! I will have to start looking for beautiful dishes all of your dishes are so beautiful. Thank you for all your inspirations and God bless

  22. Babette Thurston says:

    Awesome ideas Yvonne! I do have dish envy with all your beautiful dishes! I wish I did have more dishes to stack and maybe in a year or so when we sell our house and move to our forever home I can start collecting. But right now I’m trying to declutter!! LOL! Thanks again for these gorgeous settings and you have given me some inspiration to use for the dishes I do have!

  23. Wow!You did it again.I am always so inspired by your artistic abilities.

  24. Erica Thomas says:

    I love your stacks of dishes post. So creative and I love the plate edges. I never thought to look at the edges until now. I am ready to go dish shopping today. I picked up some colored plates at Goodwill. Perfect avenue for the little surprise pieces. I found red toile demitasse cups for 99 cents. Possibilities are limitless. Thank you again for your inspiration.

  25. I’m inspired! Love the white on white.

  26. Thank you for sharing all of your tips for stacking dishes. Each share is a work of art. I’m going to remember: alternate colors, look for pretty edges, and add something fun on top. The rose dish is stunning and I adore the lilac colored plate.

  27. Yvonne, I am envious of your wonderful collection of plates. You have quite the knack for making such artistic and inviting tablescapes. Have a great weekend.

  28. Pink flower bowl is pretty

  29. Your tables have inspired me so many times over the years! I love your style and have used many ideas in my own tablescapes. Thanks for all the eye candy!

  30. I love your tables capes and your dishes! I have all white dishes, but after seeing this post, I think I need to get some other colors and mix them in.

  31. Martha Durick says:

    Lovely setting! You really have a special talent! I love dishes too, but I could use some info on storage. I would second the comment on a book showcasing your wonderful tablescapes.

  32. Love this post about dishes! I wonder if you could re-post your tutorial for making the napkin rings from book pages. They are perfect for a book club setting!!!!

  33. Jan Fusco says:

    I love dishes! Beautiful stacking.

  34. Teresa Sole says:

    I love your blog! It’s always so artistic and creative!!!! Blue and white is my favorite, too! I have loads of blue and whites and I’ll have to try stacking them. Thank you so much!

  35. beautiful dishes…great ideas,thanks!

  36. I have a love of beautiful dishes and have to hold back from adding to
    my collection because of lack of storage.My favorite is to stack dishes
    and put objects on top.Loving your dishes and tables capes,so pretty.

  37. I love all your stacking ideas! Candy for the eyes?

  38. Anne Porter says:

    What is it about pretty dishes that draws us in and makes us happy? They’re little works of art and deserve to come out of their hiding places and onto our tables! Thanks for introducing us to stacking!!!

  39. Thanks for showing this. I love my dishes but hate I can’t see them . Now it’s game on! Time to get into storage.

  40. Since I am a china “junky”, I loved this post. I participate in tablescaping events that serve as fundraisers for charitable organizations. This is very popular in the “South”, so I just want to toss the idea out for others to consider. We recruit 25 plus ladies or retail shops to set beautiful table settings for a luncheon or evening meal; sell tickets; invite a speaker; allow time to wander among all the exquisite table designs and then enjoy a delightful meal. A church fellowship hall works well as a venue and the charity reaps the net proceeds. The tickets are usually $25 – $40. This gives you a GREAT excuse to purchase new china and crystal with a clear conscience!!!

  41. I’ve never stacked my dishes like you do but it’s a lovely idea and I think I shall implement it!

  42. Debbie Hooper says:

    All of the table settings were wonderful! I loved the blue and white ones with the cherries! Would you share where you purchased those?

  43. All the place settings are so pretty! I’m especially fond of the blue and white. Your collection is quite impressive!

  44. Laura Harrie says:

    I saw your link in Shabbyfrufru about the stacked dishes. Wow, what great ideas! I can’t wait to start arranging a designed table top. No more boring tables for me! I liked this so much, I signed up for for your newsletter. I am excited to get more great ideas, thank you for opening my eyes!

    1. Welcome to the StoneGable family Laura! Thanks for signing up for the newsletter!

  45. Rebekah Lynch says:

    What a joy and what beauty you display so well. I love the blue and white and the stackable dishes. Now I am off to copy your ideas!

  46. Always fun to look at all these dishes, colors and patterns ! Makes me feel all “girlsy”. Now added a beautiful dress and heels to be seated at that table!

  47. Marcy Leonard says:

    Such beautiful combinations! Am so in love with the texture and fanciful edges of the white dishes!

  48. Beautiful! I just love all the different ways to use mismatched dishes. Very pleasant place settings.

  49. Elaine Guenther says:

    Yvonne!!! You’ve outdone yourself again. Great post, my friend. I’ve just finished a cup of tea at the dining room table and then checking my emails. Up popped Stone Gable, my favorite. Your Lilacs in Bloom dishes stacking was just for ME, I’m sure (lol), thanks. I changed my table to reflect that site in Lilacs in Bloom. Thank you so much. I love white dishes, also, mix and match, complimenting cloth napkins. I carry that theme into the sunroom. Have a wonderful weekend……….e

  50. Love all the pretty dishes, love all the pretty colors !

  51. I’m so inspired by your plate stacking that I’ve bought white dishes with basket weave edges, salad plates with ball edging and small navy stripe and polka dot bowls.
    Thanks for all your great ideas. You are awesome!!!

  52. Lisa Marutz says:

    I have a dish “thing”, thus I have a storage problem! Any helpful ideas??
    Thanks so much!!

  53. I know that these are probably dishes you have slowly amassed over years but, oh, how I WISH your blog had one of those “SHOP THE LOOK” things. I would purchase EVERY one!!! Absolutely stunning! Thank you

  54. I love the stacked dishes . The sugar bowl is so pretty . Thank you for the great ideas .

  55. I loved today’s post. I do have a thing about looking at dishes!!! Inspiration!!!

  56. I love your table vignettes but when you are having a dinner party it seems like it would be a problem. When you are entertaining, do you stack plates? I am really interested. Thanks.

  57. Lovely settings Yvonne, you must have a plethora of beautiful dishes. I can’t imagine where you store all of them.

  58. Love your tablescapes and tips.

  59. I have quite a collection of dishes. Just today I bought a 4 place setting of Johann Haviland China at an auction. In fact I have so many dishes I am running our to storage area for them. I am on the search for a small building that I can display all my china on shelves so I can see them easily and use them more often. I love your ideas for using them on your serving tables. Thanks for your blog.

  60. Of course if anyone was going to be able to stack dishes in a gorgeous way it would be you. I think you’d make even paper plates look exquisite. Was going to try and give you a big hug (or kiss your feet) at Haven but I only saw you once and you were surrounded by fans. Hope you’ll be there again next year! Beautiful post – again. 🙂

  61. Mary Reeves says:

    Hi Yvonne,
    I’ve looked everywhere for the little covered pot with a blue bird and cherries. Adorable! Do you have a source or a maker’s mark?
    Thanks,
    Mary

    1. Hi Mary, It is a VERY EXPENSIVE sugar bowl.
      I found it at a going out of business sale for $10.00. It is a Gien piece and the pattern is Oiseau Bleu. Hope this helps.

  62. Your styling tips are very helpful and takes the mystery out of setting a pretty table. I love all of your table images. You truly have a gift and an eye for detail. I LOVE the dishes pictured in “It Is All About The Edges” and would love to know where you purchased them and/or the name and maker. Thanks for sharing your talents.

    1. Hi Lollie, I found those dishes at HomeGoods. The only marking on the back is a letter “B”. Hope this helps.

  63. Your “stacking plates” post was just what I needed for inspiration. This week I am having a friend over to celebrate her birthday. There will be stacked dishes for our table and I love the napkin between the plates. Thanks for this tip!

  64. Elisabeth Cuningham says:

    I love love love stacking dishes!!!!! You should do a podcast episode (and blog post!) on dishes and the best ones to choose cuz I’m kinda lost on how to begin my collection without breaking the bank…

  65. All of these dish stacks are stunning! Beautiful!!

  66. Teresa White says:

    Beautiful idea to stack dishes on a table. Thanks for the info and pictures to show how they work.

  67. Mary Nell Harding says:

    You have such beautiful dishes, which make all of your tablescapes lovely. Great ideas.

  68. Fabulous table settings. I so appreciate these ideas, you have no idea just how much.
    1. I thought I knew how to set a table, now I can see how I often missed my target of setting a beautiful table.
    2. When it come to setting a table more is better
    3. Seasonal is important
    4. Can mix and match
    5. Be creative!
    Thank you!

  69. Julie Briones says:

    Wow! BEAUTIFUL post! I recognize some of those dishes from HomeGoods…It’s amazing that they look like stoneware… even in “person”! Thanks for sharing, Yvonne.

  70. You do have an incredible collection of beautiful dishes Yvonne! Any tips for a middle aged woman who loves dishes but has a limited storage area? You really must share your storage tips too, it must be an amazing sight! Love these tablescape articles!

    1. Another thought just crossed my mind…when you are entertaining do the number of stacked plates relate to your courses you serve? They are just gorgeous!

      1. Love stacking dishes. I was wondering the same. I don’t usually serve four to six courses at any meal. How do you remove the dishes that are not needed during a meal without it seeming awkward?

        1. Just remove them. Don’t make a big fuss about it. I usually take away ALL the plates before dinner. I’ll either use the ones I want to serve on or put them by the buffet to let my guests serve themselves. Hope this helps, Valerie!

  71. Lisa Smith says:

    Are any of these dishes available to buy, or all they all antiques? I am in love with this look!

    1. Hi Lisa, I don’t sell any of my dishes. Most of my dishes were bought at HomeGoods.

  72. I think I’m on the wrong post , loved the tips on stacking dishes. Can’t wait to hear the podcast on it. The easing into fall was full of tips and they were great .

  73. Diane McDaniel says:

    I’m looking for a new set of dinnerware & I really love the stack in the “About the Edges” section. Would you please identify the brands & patterns used in that picture – especially the bowl & dish on top of the stack. Thanks so much.

    1. Hi Diane, I got all these pretty edged dishes from HomeGoods years ago. The only marking they have on the back is the letter “B”. So sorry I can’t tell you more!

  74. Mary McDonnell says:

    Even though I agree wholeheartedly with your ideas on stacking dishes, I rarely am satisfied with my own attempts! In the end, I often just stack the same pattern together for a table setting. I know- a bit boring! I’m inspired to try my hand again after reading your post. I’ll send you a pic if I like my results. Thanks for the inspiration and courage!

  75. Erah McMullen says:

    Where oh where did you get the white on white decorative edge dishes featured in this article?! I have been searching for just such an item(s).
    Merci, Erah

    1. Hi Erah, I found them at HomeGoods several years ago. They are “HOLIDAY BOUGH” from Barreveld

  76. Thank you for awakening my creative side and for giving me so much to look forward to each day. I have so many plans for my house now thanks to the wonderful ideas and pictures you’ve shared.

  77. Such an inspiration to read and go back to all your posts and try to incorporate your style into my home. Not good at it but I learn so much from you, Also love it that you live in Lancaster County PA. Its awesome to read about the area when I live in Dauphin County.

  78. I have been so inspired by your blog! I like that you make it instructional and show photos about what you are explaining. I have been listening to some of your podcasts, too. It is challenging to make decisions about remodeling our 28 year old home (think golden oak everywhere), but I have saved most of your blogs so that I can reference them for ideas. Thank you for the effort you put into your blogs and instruction!

  79. linda jensen says:

    Wow I am thrilled I found your blog. I am a decorator and refer to it often. I have introduced others to your blog. I always feel inspired and love the practical applications of your ideas to make my home a haven. Blessings, Linda

    1. Welcome to the StoneGable family, Linda! Thanks for spreading the word.

  80. Hi Yvonne! I always keep in mind your tips and ideas on stacking beautiful dishes, but I wondered if you could help me with this? When I go to Home Goods, which I have several times with the intent to look for dishes, I find ones I love but the shades of white are different. I have two sets of white at home, but I feel like the different patterns of white dishes should be a similiar shade right? Also what about the thickness of the dishes such as stacking a thin china plate on top of an earthen ware plate? -Thank you for your beautiful ideas and inspiration!

  81. Bobbi Duncan says:

    All wonderful and inspiring ideas, Yvonne. You set some really awesome table settings!

  82. Veronica K Nightingale says:

    What a great idea! 8i love dishes and this gives me an excuse to collect more! Seriously, I am now using my “good” dishes every day!

  83. It would be great to mention that as someone stacks dishes, it’s important to keep in mind what food courses will be served with each.

  84. Stephanie says:

    I love your white square dishes. What is the name of those?

    Thanks!
    Stephanie