Tis the season for cocktail parties and large platters piled with chocolate. Stress can be high, but don't let it get to you. A good party is all about presentation and these 8 contemporary serving pieces guarantee that guests will remember a flawlessly tasteful get together, no matter how the food turns out.

Branch Spoons by Jean Pradelle
A strong organic design will never wither, and these serving spoons sprouting leaves add natural style to a variety of modern table settings. These are dishwasher safe in silver plated bronze and available through the MoMAStore; $28 - $40.

Fluence Flatware by Oneida
High quality 18/10 stainless steel looses any sense of rigidity in favor of a fluid, elongated design. Simply gorgeous - and on sale . The 68 piece service for 12 is $480 now (down from $825) with smaller sets and individual pieces available through Oneida.

Porcelain Platters by Rob Gilad
Set your treats out on a pedestal for guests admire. The lofty spot will curtail awkward reaching and add interest and drama to the tablesetting, a win-win. Through DWR $180 - $230.

Stacking Bowls by Kaete Brittin Shaw
Perfect for parties, these bowls stack beautifully to take up less room on a buffet, and their unique contours offer grip enough for any butterfingered guest. Create an elegant look that plays up your settings by choosing just one color. $40 each.

Vesta Giftware and Serveware by Vera Wang for Wedgwood
The mix of curves and straight angles, shiny and matte finishes, smooth and ribbed surfaces makes this jumble of geometry and textures a modern collection that will be at home in any decade. And, we trust, will always be on the hostesses' table. $35 - $100 at Macy's.

Nio by Oliver Hemming
Condiments can make a meal, so give them the respect they deserve. Nio's modern shape and simplicity elevates sugar, spice, salts, even mayo looks special in the clear glass orb. $16, Unica Home.

BentPly Serving Tray by Derek Chen
Chen's simple looking tray for Urbana Design belies its many layered construction. The molded poplar tray with plywood feet is dressed up in your choice of nine bright

hues (each a graphic print or woven fabric coated in clear, high gloss resin) and backed in engineered macassar ebony. $150 at Design Public.

Inside Out Glassware by Alissia Melka Teichroew

AMT started this series in 2004 and we still haven't found barware we like better. The Inside Out liqueur, champagne and (new) martini glasses reinvent negative space. All available through Charles & Marie, $48-$60.