In Partnership withMacy's Backstage

A Dinner Party Expert Swears By This Surprising Retailer for Her Holiday Needs (See Her Haul!)

Courtney BalestierSenior Writer, Creative Studio
Courtney BalestierSenior Writer, Creative Studio
Courtney Balestier is the Apartment Therapy Creative Studio Senior Writer. She holds a master's degree in magazine journalism from NYU and lives in Pittsburgh, where you'll find her doing DIY projects in her new house with her dog and cat (who are not being very helpful).
published Oct 30, 2025

When you’re known for throwing dinner parties, like content creator and author Cristina Viseu, you gotta keep things interesting. Cristina has no shortage of fun hosting ideas, from French butter parties to pretty picnics. And when it’s time to style them, there’s one store that never lets her down: Macy’s Backstage.

Credit: Courtesy of Cristina Viseu

Tucked inside select Macy’s department stores, Macy’s Backstage has something new every day — literally. With dedicated buyers finding the latest home goods, clothing, cookware, and more, you never know what you’ll find. One thing’s for sure, though: The prices will be unbeatable.

On a recent visit, Cristina picked up some classic essentials and eye-catching extras for her next gathering.

Credit: Courtesy of Cristina Viseu

On-Trend Designs at Can’t-Beat Prices

Cherry print is a cheerful, retro motif, and Cristina found some cute cocktail glasses and a serving dish on this fruity theme. Better still? The four-pack of glasses was only $7.98, and the dish was just $4.98! She also scored a serving platter with a complementary red bow detail for $9.99.

Credit: Courtesy of Cristina Viseu

“Macy’s Backstage truly feels like a treasure hunt,” Cristina says. “You never know what gems you’ll uncover, and that’s what makes it so fun. Every visit feels like a new adventure.”

Credit: Courtesy of Cristina Viseu

Essentials for Every Dinner Party

In addition to the season’s latest designs, Macy’s Backstage has a big selection of trend-proof serveware, table linens, and decor — exactly what a dinner party pro like Cristina wants to keep on hand. She picked up romantic lace placemats ($10.99), a pretty all-purpose tablecloth ($16.99), and a set of classic goblets ($7.99) to help her stay hosting-ready.

Credit: Courtesy of Cristina Viseu

“As someone who hosts often, I appreciate how Macy’s Backstage offers entertaining essentials at incredible value. It’s great for picking up little extras — whether it’s serveware, decor, or something unexpected.”

Cristina Viseu
Credit: Courtesy of Cristina Viseu

Back home, Cristina used her new purchases to create a colorful and romantic tablescape complete with snacks, sweet treats, and beverages. She’s already looking forward to her next Macy’s Backstage trip to hunt for more fashionable, affordable finds.

Cristina’s Full Macy’s Backstage Haul

  • Tablecloth, $16.99
  • Cherry glasses (set of 4), $7.98
  • Goblets (set of 4), $7.99
  • Wooden serveware, $6.99
  • Placemats (set of 4), $10.99
  • Cherry serving dish, $4.98
  • White serving platter, $9.99
  • Bow serving platter, $9.99
  • Gravy boat, $5.99

Total: $81.89