Simple tableware looks good in casual or formal settings. For an everyday meal, use woven place mats and paper napkins. A single peace lily leaf in a soda bottle makes a casual decoration. For a party, the same tableware rests on a classic organdy tablecloth. Organdy napkins, votive candles, gardenias floating in glass jars, and a French compote dish add to the formal feeling.

Shown here: woven mats, $6 and woven tray, $15, both from Global Table, 212-431-5839. Modern oval dish, $14, Dandelion, 888-548-1968. Fern Multi tablecloth, $100, and white organdy napkins, $12, all Sethi & Sethi, for store locations, call 212-967-1248. Glass jar, $40, and etched glass compote, $85, both from French General, 212-343-7474.