I was driving home from my dental appointment earlier (yes, even dentist's wives have decay and need fillings!) when I saw the most beautiful sight. There before me was a full rainbow framing my suburb, and as I got closer to home, I found myself wishing that it would end on my roof... I turned one corner and drove into a mist of colours as I drove along home and parked my car.
Talking about colours - my new PR 'angel' asked me to do some research on table-setting trends, so here are 2008’s table-setting trends according to Sophia Lindop…
Trends are 'movements' created by people just like you and me, so why not be true to oneself by creating authentic trends? However, trends do exist and are followed either consciously or subconsciously. Like with food, I believe that table-setting trends have come a full circle, so unpack Grandma's inheritance, polish the silver cutlery, and put to use what you haven't seen in decades! Good, heavy, old silver cutlery is back in!
As for linen, large white tablecloths become the canvas on which you have the freedom to paint beautiful memories! Large white fabric napkins are a necessity, or you could use bright coloured ones to brighten up your table. My friend bought beautiful dishcloths a while ago, and uses them in place of napkins - they are fun, and are big enough to cover your lap and to not keep dropping to the ground. I like to drape napkins over the backs of the dining chairs.
Crockery stays white, but adapts with interesting shapes and are mostly oversized, forming a perfect backdrop to beautiful food! Wine glasses are over-sized and voluptuous!
As for flowers, interesting flowers like tulips, lisianthus or peonies are important, and better still, use flowers from your garden. Another interesting thing to do is to make arrangements using fruit, vegetables or a combination of both with the occasional flower in between... Here's a tip from my florist: when arranging flowers, and in order to make your arrangement look great, cut the stems to different lengths and place them casually in a vase... It will give your arrangement dimension.
This winter, drape colourful blankets over the backs of the chairs - I find that people tend to hang around the table all evening, so they might as well get cosy! Remember: candles, candles, candles!! In large silver candelabras, in small colourful holders, or in any other way. They create a soft light that adds to a wonderful atmosphere.
I have, in the past, bought small picture frames for a intimate dinner party with friends. In each frame I put a special picture of one of us with this friend, a picture that would conjure up happy memories - guests ended up taking these home with them, feeling very spoilt! I am also in the process of having tablemats made using some of our favourite pictures that represent different stages in our lives. I am sure these will make for great conversation pieces!
Mostly, keep it simple and uncluttered. Be true to yourself. And have fun!!
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