Setting a Place at the Table!
Yesterday I showed you a few of my tablescapes and I thought you might be interested in setting a place at the table or … a few ways for presenting a pretty table.
First a disclaimer…I am not an expert in table setting….or in tablescapes for that matter…I just put together what I think looks good… it may not be your choice of centerpieces, dinnerware or flatware.
I learned from my Home Economics teacher (in high school) the correct way to set a place setting… like starting with the outside utensils (flatware) and working your way in; top to bottom with bowls and plates; glasses on the right.
However, if we have learned anything in the last decade….it is that one can do-their-own- “thing”.
…unless of course you are having a very formal dinner party for visiting dignitaries of some sort. 😉
I don’t know about you, but I haven’t entertained dignitaries ….ever!
Well, unless you count the Frontier Day Parade where we had the Governor of New Mexico riding in our covered wagon on the parade route in Moriarty, New Mexico.
But the Governor just sat up on the seat throwing candy all along the parade route, and waving at his constituents. (The twins and I were in the back of the covered wagon throwing candy…and yes, I confess that we may have eaten a piece or two) 🙂
We did eat lunch after the parade…but in a very informal setting (in other words everyone went through a line….a very long line) and I don’t believe the Governor stayed around too long after eating the Bar-B-Q sandwiches and Pinto Beans!. After all, he had a lot of governing to do. 😉
Ok…back to tablescapes and place settings.
Below are some tips for dining presentations, if you are having guests or if you would like to have a special dinner with your family!
Breakfast & Brunch!
The most important meal of the day can also be the most beautiful when you design cheery place settings.
The basics:
Dinner plate, salad plate, small bowl or plate, juice glass, tea or coffee mug and saucer, and all needed flatware.
Create a welcoming ambiance with lush tones, from dinnerware to table linens.
There’s no better way for your family or guests to begin the day than with lovely floral and botanical prints inviting them to sit and savor the moment.
Suggestion: Write each guest’s name on a sunny yellow lemon with a sharpie and place at each setting for a pretty name card.
Lunchtime!
Lunch is the perfect occasion for blending formal looks with comfortable, casual ambiance.
The basics:
Keep place setting relatively simple with a dinner plate, salad plate, water glass, cloth napkin and spoon, fork and knife.
Experiment with textures by mixing delicate-patterned table linens and rough-hewn accents like twine, natural fiber chargers and wooden flatware. (I like to use bandannas as napkins)
Suggestion: Pick up a few wedges of gourmet cheese, and a cheese board to pass around the table for dessert.
Eclectic Dinner!
Create an inviting dinnertime setting with warm hues, varying textures and a charming centerpiece.
The basics:
Dinner plate, salad plate, charger, cloth napkin and appropriate flatware. If having wine, set out both a white wine glass and a red wine glass so guests can have a choice. (I love chargers and have them in several colors and textures)
A grouping of little votive candles, candle-holders and a few flowers in small glasses or vases offers a simple-yet-elegant visual that won’t block your guest’s view.
Suggestion: Overlap 2 or 3 table runners of different colors or patterns for an extra unique take on a traditional table setting.
Sophisticated Dinner
Whether it’s for a special occasion, or just because – give your table and your dinner guests the royal treatment on any budget.
The basics:
Dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, charger, cloth napkin and appropriate flateware (including a dessert spoon), plus white and red wine glasses and water glass.
As a rule of thumb, use your dinnerware as the center of balance; build outward keeping everything evenly spaced.
Suggestion: Alternate geometric shapes for a dose of eye-catching drama. Fold table napkins into squares and layer between round plates. (you may have seen my Blue Willow dinnerware in previous food pics paired with red and white gingham checks for a “homey” look)
Whatever you do, it will be special as long as you do something that pleases you and your palate.
And paper plates, cups and plastic flatware are ok too….after all, they were good enough for the Governor of New Mexico! 🙂
Have a great day
Kari says
You are right Sandy, my Grandmother did the same with all 6 of her grand-girls…. however, my Home Ec teacher really went above and beyond, showing more utensils than I knew existed! haha! There were more utensils on each side of the dinnerplate than I was used to seeing, and I remember thinking…isn’t a knife, fork and spoon enough? 🙂
Thanks for posting!
Me
Sandy says
My grandmother taught all of her grandchildren the proper way to set a table.