People think that setting a beautiful table is difficult, but in actuality setting a nice table is such a simple thing. It doesn’t require years of study at The Sorbonne or personal instruction from the likes of Emily Post. It’s easy. There are just five, key elements and takes just a few moments each day to accomplish. So follow these steps to set a beautiful table…
First Step to Set a Beautiful Table: Quality Flatware
Good quality flatware is the start to any great looking table setting. Although it is relatively expensive to buy good, quality flatware, it is definitely worth the price, because most often one good set of everyday flatware will last you a lifetime (kids running pieces through the garbage disposal notwithstanding). Quality stainless or silverplate will hold up over time and will take a lot of abuse. When purchasing quality flatware look for a nice heft that won’t bend under the pressure of daily use.
If you chose silver-plate, rather than stainless, prepare to polish it occasionally. But regular use will make this polishing less of an issue than the the sets of silverplate and sterling that you hide in a drawer and only bring out for state occasions. Use keeps tarnish at bay! Know, however, that silverplate or sterling should NEVER be washed in the dishwasher, as it will take on a milky cast that is really hard to shed.
Insider Tip: Consignment and thrift stores, like Consignments Ltd., are great places to score quality flatware.
Add Solid Color Dinnerware To Set a Beautiful Table
For years and years I had the same dinnerware as my Mom. I grew up on Johnson Brothers, Blue Willow (Mom still has it), so when I looked to acquire dinnerware I gravitated right to the familiar. It is blue and white and a bit busy, but it is a fine choice. For years it served me well. Then I started to become more interested in cooking. All the wonderful chefs I was learning from talked about “plating” and making the food look better by the dishes they are served on. I decided to take a shot and turn away from the Willow and go all white for my daily dishes. You know what? They are right. Food looks way more attractive on solid color dishes; there’s no distraction for the gorgeous food to compete with. Solid dishes can be beautiful and of high quality, but because they are solid, they make the food the star of the show. Again, you’ll want to check your local consignment shop if you don’t have solid dishes already.
Then Chose Clear Glassware: It’s a One of The Basic Steps to Set a Beautiful Table
Just like food is the star of the show on solid dinnerware, clear glassware allows the beverage to shine. Colored glassware can be fun for special occasions, like cobalt wines for Hanukkah, but quality, everyday glassware is most versatile in clear glass.
Add Attractive Table Linens
Another great thing about using solid color dinnerware is that you can go way bolder with table linens. Navy blue plates can work with floral placemats, striped table cloths or paisley chargers. The possibilities are endless. A placemat for everyday table setting anchors each place and gives it extra color and interest and it is oh-so-simple to pull off. Most placemats are easily washable. Stay away from any that aren’t washable or are of low-quality. They shrink terribly after the first wash. Cloth placemats can also be flipped and used several times per side before serious washing is needed. Table runners can also serve as placemats for two when draped across the table. Table cloths will have the same effect of interest to the table and add warmth and color too!
The Last of The Steps to Set a Beautiful Table: Cloth Napkins
A lot of trees give up their lives to make paper towels and paper napkins. As a matter of fact, did you know that: If every household in the United States replaced just one package of virgin fiber napkins (250 count) with 100 percent recycled ones, we could save 1 million trees? So what if we replaced them with cloth? Cloth napkins not only reduce environmental impact, but help you to set a more beautiful table, every single day. Cloth napkins are available in so many fabrics and patterns and you can really up your table scape game by adding them. Everyday cloth napkins can be used until soiled (which for kids will be almost daily, but for adults may be several days or a week). Leave unsoiled cloth napkins at the place when clearing the table (because we know everyone always sits in the same place anyway). Have fun with napkin rings or napkin origami to make setting a beautiful table even more fun.
For more tips on adding style to your home, check out my previous blogs like: Budget Friendly Kitchen Makeovers and Create a Fall Centerpiece with Thrift Items.
No Comments