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With Spring coming into full bloom, it is time to start planning for friends and family joining you for food and libations. Why not jump in head first and plan a nice dinner with a creative table setting for entertaining? Here are 5 simple guidelines to keep in mind when setting your table for company.
Colors and Themes: Looking for an elegant table statement? Set your table in a monochromatic theme. Otherwise, pick a color or subject matter and work around it. A small table should have no more than 2-3 visible colors and a larger table of 8-10 people should have no more than 6, lest the space feel loud and chaotic.
Embellishments and Table Settings: Make sure you have the appropriate table setting for the food being served. A basic setting includes dinner, salad, and bread plate accompanied by a knife, fork, spoon, and water goblet. However, do not put out any unnecessary pieces, as they will only clutter the table and confuse your guests.
Tablecloths and Napkins: Your table linens should reflect the colors of your chosen theme, as well as coordinate with the dinner set so the entire table setting feels uniform. Cloth versus paper napkins create a cozy vibe for your guests and offer great visual opportunities with unique folding styles. You can also think outside the box by hanging pressed individual cloths across the backs of seats as seen in the photograph.
Centerpieces and Focal Points: Creating a personal centerpiece is actually quite easy. Generally speaking, the larger the flower bloom, the less of them you need to make a tasteful arrangement. You can also use small potted plants, as they allow guests to speak freely without having to dodge their conversation around a large vase or orchid. If your table is already packed with serving dishes and place settings, try using the chandelier above the table as the focal point by adding in some embellishments to combine the mood and overall theme of the gathering.
Menus and Place Cards: Every guest wants to know what’s for dinner, so make it easy on them with a printed and detailed menu. Consider adding place cards to help guide your guests to their seats, which will permit you to seat people with common interests next to one another. This will also allow you to split up couples and close friends for new discussions and interaction.
With these guidelines in mind, now it’s time to send out the invitations. You can create a wonderful dining experience in your own home by keeping the table clear for conversation, and full of color and life, insuring your guests will be pleasantly satisfied.