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Courtesy of Pepperidge Farm
If you were planning a full spring shopping spree, Nate Berkus has a different idea: don’t. The designer is firmly anti-trend, and instead of piling on new decor, he’s focused on editing, refining, and investing in pieces that actually last.
- Nate Berkus says don't focus on trends for spring or summer 2026.
- The key pieces to buy are pieces you'll use for the rest of your life, including a quality sofa, candlestick holders, and a gilded mirror.
- Don't skimp on tabletop decor! It's a great time to invest in napkin rings, stemware, and more.
- Nate's Chessmen cookie board goes on sale 10 am ET on April 22 and April 29.
But that doesn’t mean your home can’t feel fresh for the season! From vintage finds to one tabletop essential he swears instantly elevates any gathering, the interior designer is sharing exactly what’s worth buying now—and what to skip.
And in a rare exception to his “buy less” mindset, he’s teamed up with Pepperidge Farm to create something that blends entertaining with timeless design: a limited-edition Chessmen Cookie Board inspired by his love of classic patterns.
Fans can visit ChessmenCookieBoard.com to pre-order the exclusive Pepperidge Farm x Nate Berkus Chessmen Cookie Board for $60 via two limited drops, while supplies last. Drops go live at 10 am ET on April 22 and April 29.
“My whole thing around spring is not bringing anything new in," he told E! "It's getting everything out. I cannot believe that our little family of four can gather and keep and hang on to so much over one season. So for me, it's all about refining, editing, donating, cleaning, and organizing."
Maximalist Decor Trend Explained—and Why Nate Avoids It
As maximalism continues to trend across social media and interiors, Berkus says the bigger issue isn’t the look—it’s the pressure behind it. “I think the issue with trends in general is that I think that they're designed to make people feel bad about what they 'missed out' on or what they think everybody has that they don't."
"I would say that if that's something that feels like it's the right look for you, and you're not doing it just because a lot of people are doing it, then I would definitely buy and collect things that you know you're going to love 10 years from now.”
He advises buying vintage or antique furniture or lighting, which he says "stays with you forever."
He also called out a "beautiful gilded mirror or an iron mirror is something that you'll always find a place for no matter where you move."
His other pick? "A well-made sofa. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it does need to be well made and in a solid fabric."
PERFNIQUE Vintage Mirror
This arched baroque wall mirror is adorned with intricate scrollwork and delicate floral motifs. Choose from three sizes. Prices vary.
Coastal Corduroy Comfort Sofa
Upholstered in a luxurious, textured corduroy fabric, this affordable sofa offers a plush and inviting feel that’s perfect for lounging. Its neutral color complements any decor.
Tabletop Decor Ideas: What to Collect for Entertaining at Home
When it comes to entertaining, the author and TV personality says some of the best pieces to invest in are the ones people often overlook. “I actually think that the world of high-end tabletop has been ignored!" he shared.
"When young people aren't paying attention to a category like silver or porcelain or napkin rings or stemware. That's when you can get the best deals," he advised.
"Entertaining is obviously about food and setting the environment and all those things, music and lighting, but it's also about the ability to set a beautiful table. You can start collecting those things now."
Sardine Metal Napkin Ring Sets
Actually, you can have fun with your tablescape! These fun sardine napkin rings are a subtle way to add a pop of your personality to your dinner party without going overboard. Choose from a set of 4 or a set of 8.
Estelle Colored Glass Stemmed Wine Glass (Set of 6)
These handblown wine glasses are inspired by an antique glass collection. Choose from multiple colors.
The Best Table Decor Item to Instantly Elevate Your Dining Table
If you invest in just one thing, Berkus says this is the piece that makes the biggest impact—no matter the occasion. “A beautiful pair of vintage antique candlesticks," he shared. "Sterling, bronze, stone, brass, it doesn't matter. Both for formal entertaining, and more importantly for informal entertaining, because you can use your white dishes with something like that, and it automatically feels elevated.”
Quince Brass Candlestick Holders (Set of 3)
Inspired by vintage designs and updated with a classic, polished brass finish, these candlestick holders make a statement placed individually on your table or mantle and clustered as a set.
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As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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