Meet the Hostess: Patricia Murray

Patricia Murray, owner of Birmingham's Table Matters (table-matters.com), shares three ways to entertain in style.

Try a textured place mat. "Let the shape of your table dictate the mat," Patricia says. "Use round mats on round tables and rectangular ones on rectangular tables."

Make a lasting centerpiece. "Choose greenery or berries instead of delicate flowers so your arrangement stays fresh all week."

Use a pretty and practical goblet for water, tea, or wine. Patricia loves Simon Pearce's dishwasher-safe, go-with-anything Cavendish goblet.