Hosting eight guests, simply

Eight people is the magic number: enough for a real party, few enough for everyone to talk. It’s also the point where the dishes start to look scary.

The short list

Eight round placemats, eight large plates, eight small ones for dessert, about twenty napkins and some cups. With a single pattern — Classic Olive, for example — the table looks like it was set by a stylist.

Ten minutes, on the clock

Lay the placemats, then the plates, fold a napkin on each, add the cups. Soft lighting, a few branches in the center: you’re ready.

And afterwards?

Everything clears away in one gesture, along with the leftovers. You stay at the table with your guests until the last coffee.