When getting ready to set the table it is always good to imagine things in layers. You start with a base and build upon it, this lets you dress up or down depending on the occasion. We first need to think about covering our table and textiles. Textiles are an easy, inexpensive way to shake things up at the dinner table. With a little bit of imagination, you can transform your table according to the season – or even your mood! Are you going to use place mats, a runner or tablecloth? Take your overall color scheme into consideration when making your choice. Here we show both a table runner solution and place mats. Are your napkins going to be in fabric or paper? Are they going to match your overall colour scheme, or are they going to stand out to provide a pop of colour? You can also create a special atmosphere by layering textiles. Here, in the New Year look, we have used a white tablecloth as a base, topped with contrasting table runners in an unexpected direction. In the winter setting, the napkins are draped over the edge of the table to enhance the layering effect.
Next, think about your plates, cutlery, and glassware for the occasion. Remember you can combine several different types if you don’t have enough of the same pieces. Just make sure it looks cohesive. Dishes are the foundation of any table setting, and they can affect the mood of a dinner depending on their size, shape, or colour. The first thing to think about when purchasing tableware is how you’ll use it and how often. If you’re a home-grown chef who likes cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner all at home, then it might be a good idea to have a full range of plates. This can include large plates, side plates, pasta bowls, cereal bowls and dessert bowls. You’ll also need to think about how much tableware you need based on how often you have guests and how much storage space you have in your kitchen.
When it comes to flatware, you’ll need twice as much as you might think. Half of it will be in the dishwasher, so be sure to double up on knives, forks, and spoons. And when it comes to style, it might be a good idea to have an everyday set of flatware and a fancier, more elegant set that you would use for more special occasions – especially if you’re the type of person that likes to entertain often! Regardless of the look, you should also consider how the flatware feels in your hand. Is it comfortable? Being able to cut and scoop with ease is important. While you might dread placing flatware, don’t worry! You don’t have to be overly-concerned with the rules; just keep the placement consistent. A quick tip is to place your flatware in the order they are going to be used. The flatware that’s going to be used first should be placed furthest from the plate.
You can also use your glasses in unexpected ways, too. Why not try using them to serve your favorite mousse, parfait, or custard recipe? Any dessert will do!
The next step would be decorations. You can use flowers, vases, stones, beads, candles…you name it! Or save the table for food and drinks and use the ceiling to hang decorations, instead! Accessories can make a mealtime more memorable. Décor doesn’t have to be expensive. Bringing the outdoors indoors is an easy way to add decoration. Go out into your garden or nearest park and pick whatever catches your eye: branches, leaves, stones. Or if you’re feeling crafty, you can spruce up the table with some handmade projects! As the days grow shorter in winter, it becomes the perfect opportunity to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere with candles. The warm light puts people at ease, and flatters food and people alike. While not necessary, place cards or name tags can add a nice touch to the table. Place cards don’t have to be cards, either: they can be edible, or something guests can take home with them!
