Whether hosting a fabulous dinner party, or simply having a nice, quiet dinner at home, I am a HUGE fan of dressing up the table! It’s like a mini design project, any day of the week, all wrapped up in a bow on your tabletop. And, at the end of the day, it is another another great reason to test drive new color, fabric and recipe combos!
Here are a couple of quick tips on how I like to do it!
Start with a plan!
What are your colors? (Typically, this is going to be based on what you already have in your house!) What type of food are you serving? Who is coming to dinner? Much like any larger design project, I like to take into account all of the details, and map it out to ensure that everything is complimentary, cohesive and thoughtful!
Assess the Goods.
What do you have to work with? Look at your dishes, linens, napkins, bowls….you name it!! What do you want to use, and how can you combine them in a way that is fresh and new, and honors this amazing design plan you have just now created in your head?! As most of us do not live in the Pottery Barn showroom, our supplies will be limited. For my own home, I have a really lovely and simple set of white dishes (from Pottery Barn) that I invested in a couple of years ago, and they are my go to! As time has passed, I have slowly worked to acquire various colored napkins and fabrics that I can use to mix up the look.
The Canvas.
In other words, your base layer. Are you using a full linen tablecloth? Are you draping fabric on the table or opting for a runner? Maybe you prefer place mats or a table that’s clean and bare. Whatever floats your boat, floats mine! There are no rules! Try out various ideas and options and see what feels best!
The Layers.
Start to layer on the details. This would be your plates, chargers (if using), napkins, silverware, glassware, etc. I love to incorporate various types of finishes and textures, as it can add so much dimension and depth. Here are some additional notes on that!
Highlight. Decide which items will shine and which will sit back and support your superstar details. In order to appreciate the really special details, you need to allow for moments of quiet by allowing your less important details to slide into the background. If everything on your table is flashy and fabulous, you can end up with a bunch of clutter and very little to focus on.
Layer! What’s prettier than a crisp white dinner plate on a lovely linen cloth?? A crisp white salad plate on top of a crisp white dinner plate on a lovely linen cloth!! By adding a couple of layers here and there, you will achieve a much more interesting and dimensional setting! And, don’t forget to play around with your textures and finishes. By mixing in a select group of intentional finishes (ceramic, woven, wood, metal) and textures (fabrics & linens) you will create interest once again! I like to stick to 2-3 various finishes or textures (as opposed to more) as I find that more can tend to look overwhelming.
Set Your Center.
Centerpieces are the icing on the cake! They are usually, almost always, my favorite piece of the puzzle. You can opt for fruit, flowers, candles….all of the above! You can even display some of your food items as your center focal point. The options are endless. Use what you have and don’t be afraid to think outside the box!
Wow With The Tiniest Details.
When able, I love to incorporate the tiniest of details, that will help guests to know you are thinking of them. This can be a small love note at each seat or even a special food item that is catered to someone in particular. You know your guests best!
Edit.
Evaluate and edit the table you have set. As I have mentioned several times, a cluttered table is not a peaceful one. Edit any items that do not fit and that steal from the overall aesthetic and design you are working so hard to honor.
Have fun with it! Your table is where you invite loved ones to sit with you and share life. Let it be an expression of who you are and what you want to give to others. 🙂
With love,
m
Photo Credit: Loft Photography
