Gathering by Kristen Caissie (Rizzoli, $105)

It’s hard to imagine anyone could fill an entire book with ideas for setting the table, but Californian florist/designer/ stylist Kristen of Moon Canyon has done so — and we’re definitely not mad at it. In a series of evocative scenes supported by abundant tips and techniques, she shows how to include botanicals and hero homeware among the usual knives, forks and spoons as a symbol of sharing that creates a mood and excites the senses.