A fancy table setting immediately turns any dinner into a special occasion.
Experienced hosts know that the most memorable dinners have more in common than just good food and interesting conversation. The biggest difference between a ho hum dinner party and a truly remarkable social event can be simply a matter of style. The next time you are hosting a fancy meal, take the time to create a unique table setting that will add to the sensory experiences of your guests.
Table Coverings and Napkins
Table linens help to establish the decorative theme for your event.
The most traditional and formal table covering is a white cloth, which coordinates well with most china patterns and creates an appetizing background for a variety of foods. While always a safe choice, the white tablecloth has been overshadowed in recent years by an assortment of innovative options for adorning table surfaces. Choose an inspirational theme for your table setting, such as the native country of the cuisine you will be serving or the holiday you plan to celebrate. Try using table coverings in specific colors and textures that support your theme. For example, you might layer a colorful Indian sari over a table to create the perfect setting for the curry dinner you plan to serve.
Napkins may be either white or colorful, in solids or patterned prints. Decide if you want your napkins to blend in with the rest of your table setting, in which case you will want to select a napkin color near the color of your tablecloth. If you prefer to use the napkins for visual interest, select a contrasting color or pattern and fold the napkins into an intricate shape.
China, Cutlery and Glassware
Decorative glassware adds color to the dining table.
The most important consideration for selecting china, cutlery and glassware for your table is to make sure your selections will function appropriately with what you plan to serve. You should set out only the pieces your guests will use to consume the items on your menu, without any superfluous forks, knives or spoons to decorate the table. Consider the color, shape and texture of the food you will be serving and how it will look on various china patterns. Select the pattern that makes the food look the most appetizing. Colored glassware may look stunning against a white tablecloth, but it is not the best choice when your guests would appreciate viewing the color and clarity of a fine wine. Make sure all of the items you choose for your table setting promote your guests' enjoyment of the food and drink served.
Aesthetic considerations will also affect your choices of china, cutlery and glassware. Think about the mood that would be conveyed by using heavy colorful glasses as opposed to delicate goblets. Contemplate whether carved wood or antique silver cutlery would better suit the nature of your event. The most interesting tabletop designs are often derived from mixing different styles, such as vintage with contemporary. Experiment by mixing different colors, shapes and styles until you find a combination with enough continuity to please the eye.
Centerpieces
Centerpieces can be created with any beautiful objects that inspire you.
Depending upon the shape of your table and your seating arrangement, you can create a focal point almost anywhere on your dining table on which to display a centerpiece. Floral arrangements are the most common decorations used for a centerpiece since they can be created in any color, style or price range and are relatively easy to acquire. When selecting flowers for a centerpiece, it is important to consider the fragrance of each type of flower and how this will affect the food and wine being served. If you are working with a florist, take a piece of your china or a colorful napkin to the shop to help you select a complementary assortment of flowers.
Vases may also be combined to create a beautiful centerpiece, either left empty or filled with interesting objects such as fruit, colorful stones or dried twigs. Food items are often visually appealing and can be displayed to make excellent focal points for the dining table. Consider how a bowlful of oyster shells would look against a table set with antique silver. You can even compose an interesting centerpiece from an assortment of old candlesticks in various sizes.
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