A well set, put together table is like an outfit or yes, even a bed! I
wanted to use this as an example to drive home this wardrobe point I made
yesterday but wanted to get outside the clothing box and into another
coordinated style concept.
Just as the pillows accent the sheets and pull out colors in
the comforter and throw, note how this wonderful bed (also from my friends at
Anichini) is so interesting in its coordination.
Think how your table, in terms of textiles can borrow from
these ideas as you might mix textures, colors materials and patterns:
Runner: can be used to create a landing strip and center the
place settings. Two used in a criss-cross
on a square or round table centers the 4 settings, on a rectangular table one
72 inch used lengthwise down the center to the heads of the table with 2 -52
inch or so placed to space the other guest places creates a large “-H-“ shape. This
is the first layer and allows the grain or color of the table to become part of
the element of the table.
Placemat: this is the next layer that gives a shape
foundation to the dinnerware. I like to
use rounds or ovals but traditional rectangular shapes work especially well on
square or rectangular tables.
Charger plates: used
mainly for evening or more formal dinners at home these help to give each
person a sense of real estate. This is
the next elevating dinnerware layer and is used for the entire meal as a
backdrop to be taken away if desired for a dessert course or left throughout
depending on the host’s style. In more
elegant restaurants the charger is sometimes used to start the guest off and
then ceremoniously removed as the dinner proceeds. The charger can also be used as a buffet
plate or serving platter again depending on need of the host.
Tablecloth: Nothing
can transform a tabletop like a tablecloth but they are a bit more demanding in
terms of maintenance. If you want to
cover a not so perfect table or change the overall appearance of the tabletop
itself, using a tablecloth is a quick and effective way to do that. It is sensational at adding a color or
pattern to heighten the look and mood of the gathering. Very effective at combining different tables
when more seating is needed and two non matching tables are put together. Nothing shouts formality more and with
current trends being less so, tablecloths are now used for festive occaisions
and holidays. Hint; sheets, flat queen
or king size make great tablecloths that can easily be tossed in the washer
afterward. Sheets bring hard to find
patterns to the table as well. And when
you retire them from the table they can be re- used for guest bedding.
Napkin: you can never have enough napkins. If you love a napkin so much that it is “the
one” then bite the bullet and buy 24 of them for longevity as well as buffets
and larger events like informal brunches or barbeques. Otherwise sets of 8 should suffice. Feel free to mix styles or colors between
guests or specify between hosts and guests or match everyone. Matching the napkins at each place setting
pulls the table together and sends a large impact to the overall presentation. It’s
also a more sophisticated note than mixing so much depends on the time and mood
of the lunch or dinner. Do change it up
from time to time to refresh the look, especially if you tend to use the same
dinnerware. Also consider placement,
such as laying the napkin on the plate, to the side of the plate or rolled and
in a glass at each place setting. Don’t over
think fancy folds, sitting down to dinner is not a time to show off your
origami skills or make guests have to unknot a palm tree or bird shape or
something you learned on a cruise ship class. A little dash shows you care, an
intricate napkin fold shows you had way too much time on your hands.
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