Amsterdam, 27 November - It’s that time of the year again! As we look back at the first months of the cosy season, a clear pattern has emerged on Catawiki, leading marketplace for special objects: Europeans are increasingly turning to second-hand finds to elevate their dinner parties. Searches for key hosting search terms surged already in September: glassware up 87%, candleholders up 47%, tableware up 21%, and wine by 15%. The perfect dinner party in 2025 is defined by intention, personality, and objects that tell stories. With the holiday season approaching, the appetite for story-filled hosting is expected to grow even further. To understand what makes an evening look effortless and feel meaningful, Catawiki has gathered insights and unexpected tips from five in-house category specialists. The result: a practical guide rooted in expert knowledge — and the platform’s signature love for objects with stories.
Introducing the 30/30/30 Hosting Rule Catawiki’s experts agree that the perfect dinner party blends timelessness, personality, and conversation-starting details. The formula counts: 30% Timeless Basics: simple white dinnerware, crisp linens, classic glass forms. These are the quiet heroes that will allow all the rest to shine. 30% Second-Hand Statement Pieces: think of vintage coloured glassware, antique vases, bold brooches repurposed as napkin rings, mid-century candleholders, or a gleaming silver knife rest. All the character-rich treasures that turn a table into a story.
30% Personal Touches: the finishing touch. Music, lighting, scent, signature drinks, and small details that reflect the host. This balance makes hosting feel intentional – not staged – and puts second-hand, intimate pieces at the center of the table. And just wait! Each category now shares its own set of tips: Fashion: Dress With Character, Comfort, and Something Vintage Insights from Fleur Feijen, Catawiki’s Fashion Expert According to Fleur, fashion sets the tone for the evening: “Accessories are key. A bright golden brooch filled with rhinestones catches the light during a candlelit dinner, and doesn’t cost you any comfort.” She encourages hosts to lean into pieces that feel personal: vintage brooches, silk scarves, or heirloom jewellery instantly elevate an outfit. Fleur’s tip is not just a hunch, it’s a fact: vintage brooches remain one of the most bid-on fashion items on Catawiki during the holiday season—a timeless accessory that feels meaningful and sustainable.
(Left to right: Cartier 18 kt white gold brooch, vintage monet gold brooch)
Home Décor: Lighting, Scent, and Second-Hand Touches That Transform Insights from Florentin Brunz Gaborieau, Home Décor Expert Florentin emphasises low-effort ambience: soft background music, a fully set table, and layered lighting. His favourite detail? Vintage knife rests – a small second-hand item that adds charm without clutter. “They’re easy to store, subtly seasonal, and bring a spark of character to the table.” For scent, Florentin recommends subtle room sprays – and don’t forget pine accents for the holiday season. For the table, his golden tip is combining neutral dinnerware with expressive vintage glassware. This creates tablescaping that feels elegant but doesn’t try too hard.
(Left to right: silver knife rests, Art Deco glassware set)
Design: Creative Maximalism Insights from Alexander Fahl, Design Expert Fahl’s approach to hosting is rooted in practicality first. Comfortable seating, places to set drinks, and flexible arrangements matter more than décor alone. But once the basics are handled, he encourages leaning into what he calls creative maximalism. “If you have a mix of chairs, plates, or cutlery, don’t hide it – blend them intentionally,” he says. Unique second-hand objects are the life of the party: think mid-century candlesticks, coloured Murano glasses, vintage vases. And if you’re looking for the perfect hostess gift, worry not, Alexander got your back. Alessi kitchen and tableware, such as an Anna G corkscrew, napkin rings, or cutlery stands are all tasteful and functional items that guarantee a dazzled host.
Wines: Build a Drinks Menu that Gains Momentum Insights from Patricia Verschelling, Wines Expert Patricia highlights the importance of knowing your guests and creating a drinks progression that feels organic. “Start with fresh, uplifting drinks, then move to a dry white or lighter red, followed by a full bodied wine for the main course,” she explains. Her golden rule is to let flavours move from light to complex and from dry to sweet. In practice, that might mean opening with bubbles or a fresh, lighter style white wine while ending with something smooth such as an aged cognac or whisky. She also stresses how much presentation shapes the experience. Thin glassware, tulip shaped champagne glasses, and a well placed decanter all lend charisma to the evening without overcomplication.
(Left to right: full bodied 2020 Bordeaux, crystal Dom Pérignon champagne glass set, Bisquit cognac)
Tableware: Curated Contrasts
Insights from Robin Goyeux, Catawiki’s Tableware Expert
For Robin, a table doesn’t need to be extravagant to be extraordinary. “Just start with a few essentials—a clean runner, a lush bouquet, and the soft flicker of a candelabrum. That’s already mood,” he says. But the real magic? The unexpected: rare, elevated small accessories like vintage salt cellars or engraved place cards that turn seating into choreography. Come holiday season, he skips the staged look in favour of simple impact: a patterned tablecloth, matching napkins, and a wreath. “Forget the matching sets. Mismatch boldly. Blend vintage with everyday pieces, that’s where the effortless curated feel and look is born."
