Designer Samantha Pynn shares her tips for how to use your table décor to set the stage for three different types of parties — cocktail, buffet and all-day drop-in.

Cocktail party

• Keep it small and simple. Put out things you can grab and easily mingle with — napkins, small plates, minimal cutlery and things you can grab, like chocolates and strawberries.
• Offer a few drinks — champagne and red and white wine — and use only one type of flower.
• Keep things on trays. This will make it easier to replace food and other items on the table.
• Seating: tabouret (a stool that doubles as a side table or nightstand)

Earthy-elegant buffet

• Pre-plan. Make a workback schedule and pre-make food. Have all your dishes clean and ready for use and have the dishwasher unloaded.
• Make it easy for everyone to help themselves. Use big bowls, casserole dishes and oven-to-table stoneware. Label things, like gluten-free bread, so people know what they’re eating.
• Roll up cutlery in napkins and put out plates and cups.
• Seating: foldable chairs

All-day drop-in

• Anything and everything goes. Mix dishware for a modern vintage theme.
• Put out snacks, crayons and activities for kids.
• Seating: poufs