I get so many compliments on my table settings when we entertain that I thought I would put together a selection of some of my favorites. Over the next week, I will be posting different tablescapes on Instagram, Facebook and will combine the entire collection on the blog with a few more from the past at the end of the week.
Most people just decorate their tables when they have company. However, we enjoy setting a fun and festive table all of the time. Even if we are having take out, we set up a nice table or sometimes dine at the kitchen island.
Whether it is on our patio, in the dining room or a casual meal at the breakfast table or our kitchen island, why not make it special?
Needless to say, I have several sets of dishes, and many of them can be mixed and matched to create a unique vignette every time.
https://www.spode.com, https://www.royaldoulton.com https://www.portmeirion.com
Several sets have been purchased at Homegoods, TJ Maxx or online. We have Villeroy & Boch Botanica and Parkland Green, many sets of Italian pottery, Spode Christmas Tree for the holidays, Portmeirion Botanic Garden, Royal Doulton and many more.
https://www.homegoods.com, http://tjmaxx.tjx.com, https://www.marshalls.com
I have a selection of green leaf bowls, plates and serving items that mix well with most of the china patterns. Also, I found some footed green glass bowls that I like to use for morning yogurt or desserts. They work well with most any dish set and add some height and dimension to the table.
As far as glassware and crystal, we have a selection of green glassware, Ralph Lauren water glasses and stemware and a variety of wine glasses.
http://ralphlauren.com, https://www.villeroy-boch.com
Most of our serving pieces except for the Villeroy & Boch Botanica are plain white in a variety of shapes and sizes. I love using cake stands on a buffet to add height and other items to make the presentation more attractive.
Linens and napkin rings are essential to making a table setting “pop.” My favorite napkin rings are rustic birds, grapevine wreaths, and “Madame” and “Monsieur” silver rings. Sometimes I use fresh herbs, flowers or ivy and wrap them around the napkins. Table runners and table cloths can also add to the setting with different colors and patterns.
Look around your house or garden to see if you have anything that can be repurposed into a creative napkin ring, or be used on a buffet table to add interest. Breadboards, small frames to indicate what dish is being featured on a buffet or menu chalkboards are always a functional element.
Another thing that is essential is fresh flowers and candlelight. Something as simple as a small vase with roses from the grocery store can make a real difference. Or, place a bowl of lemons or other fruit and incorporate this into your theme. I also create a centerpiece/vignette by using serving trays to gather items in one place.
How about place cards and a printed menu featuring the meal that is being served? This really makes a statement, and if you want to control where your guests sit, place cards are always a good idea. I use books, small chalkboards, salt and pepper sets, potted herbs and many other items to make our tables memorable.
Different occasions call for different themes. Here are some ideas that you can incorporate into your table settings:
Christmas – tree decorations or bulbs, acorns, garland, evergreens (or you can use fresh rosemary – looks like greens and smells so lovely), miniature trees, small wreaths, pinecones, battery operated white twinkle lights
Easter/Spring – eggs, small nests, garden items, bunnies, birdhouses, anything floral, cloches, topiaries, small watering cans, gathering baskets
Summer – birdhouses, birdcages, floral napkin rings, flowered napkins, moss, ivy, small terracotta flowerpots and lots of flowers
Fall – pumpkins, mums, topiaries, olive trees, fall leaves, acorns, pinecones, olive trees, warm colored linens
Winter – when transitioning from fall and before decorating for Christmas, I remove the fall décor and make things more neutral and ready for the Christmas extravaganza
My name is Kim and my passion is surrounding myself, family, and friends in a life of luxury. Each week, I’ll share with you new tips and recipes to create a luxurious life .
Omg, this looks incredible 😍
Ao good!