In previous newsletters we discussed the guidelines and steps to take to create the “perfect” dining room or area which conveys the look and feel you desire: formal and elegant, casual and comfortable and everything in between. If you missed any of these newsletters, Click Here to download any of the previous issues.
Hopefully, you have been able to complete the design of your dining room or dining area. The major elements have been taken care of--the furniture, colors, and lighting. You have a room you can be proud of; now let’s get you ready to entertain.
For entertaining, we need to add the accessories or table settings for the occasion. This includes the table linens and tableware-china, stoneware, flatware, stemware. The table setting should complement the room and express the feeling or mood of the room. This is made possible by selecting the appropriate style and color to enhance your room while giving you the mood for the particular occasion you are planning.
You may want to have a variety of table linens and tableware to accommodate the different types of entertaining you will be doing, be it formal or casual. You probably already have dinnerware for each type of occasion. If so, more than likely it will fit the style you created in your dining area. You can dress it up or down by selecting table linens that suit the occasion.
We are going to discuss each area in more detail and cover the basic guidelines for setting your dining table for different occasions.
Table Linens
There are many choices of table linens today. Besides the traditional tablecloth, there are table runners, table toppers and placemats, even round table placemats. Today many people prefer table runners, table toppers and placemats to tablecloths. They are easier to maintain and show off your beautiful table. Choose a style that complements your furniture and a color or colors that work well with your color scheme.
Another important thing is that you want the table linens to enhance or accent your dinnerware. If your china has a bold or ornate pattern, then you will want to select a solid-colored or small print pattern for your linens. On the other hand, if your china is simple, then maybe a bolder pattern will be appropriate. Select the color and pattern that best sets off your dinnerware.
There are other factors to consider when you are selecting the colors for your table linens for a special event. One is the seasons of the year. Spring and summer colors tend to be lighter, while bolder colors are more appropriate during the colder fall and winter months.
Another factor is the theme of your event. Colorful linens can set the mood you want to create. Vibrant colors add drama, while soft colors evoke a more refined atmosphere.
Again, keep in mind the overall style and color scheme of your room to make sure it looks its best and there is cohesiveness with all the elements.
Tableware
There are many styles of china, stemware, and flatware to select for your entertaining needs. There is fine china for formal and elegant meals, stoneware or earthenware for more informal and casual meals. For stemware, there is fine crystal to basic glassware and for flatware; there is sterling silver, silver-plated and stainless steel, listed from formal to casual.
You will want to make sure that all the elements have the same look and feel. Select exquisite stemware and flatware to go with your fine china, and casual glassware and flatware to go with your stoneware or casual china. Ornate china patterns usually look best with highly detailed flatware. If your china and stemware are more understated, a simple, modern design might be appropriate. Of course, your budget will dictate what you select. Remember the lesson on harmony. Each should have the same level of quality and feel so make your purchases accordingly.
It is essential that all these elements along with your table linens create a well-balanced table setting. With all the choices in the market today you should be able to find the perfect accents for your dining table.
Have fun “decorating your dining table”! Need more help? Here’s couple of books that go into more detail: “Perfect Tables” and “What Goes With What”.
Next month, we will cover how to set the table for formal and casual entertaining.
Until then - Happy Decorating,
The Dining In The Round Design Team
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