Setting a table should be an expression of your personal style. Think of your table setting design as a painting. First, you must choose your canvas. So, in this case, a table. The look, color, and texture of the table will set the mood for the rest of the painting. Remember, there is no right or wrong choice, the only rule is to have fun creating originality and fun!
Here are my tips for being creative:
Tip 1: DEFINE THE THEME OF YOUR RECEPTION
Big or small, whether it’s a cocktail party, a barbecue, or an intimate lunch, it’s essential to define a theme.
It must add vibrancy to your reception and captivate your guests.
The look you create should be consistent from start to finish.
Tip 2: AVOID TOO EASY THEMES.
One tip would be to choose a flower color and repeat it in candles and table linens, for example. Keep seasonal colors in mind and let them influence and inspire you.
Tip 3: USE UNEXPECTED ITEMS
Cups, bowls, baskets, bottles, antique china, etc. You can also place a small arrangement of your own creation at each seat to serve as a gift for guests.
When thinking about accessorizing a table, inspired by the colors and shapes of a china set, you can add texture with items such as brass silverware, crystal glasses, and perhaps unexpected objects.
The best way to create a table setting is to be able to play with many elements that would not traditionally belong at the table. Introducing an unexpected element helps you change your perspective.
Tip 4: ECLECTISM AND VARIETY
My favorite way to create an original table involves four things: original patterns, varied textures, colors, and surprising elements.
Playing with eclectic decorations using these four elements adds interest and playfulness to any dinner party, inviting guests to not only enjoy a good meal, but also a time of discovery and surprise.
Changing plates from one place setting to the next is also a great way to stay true to an original theme while playing with patterns and colors.
Tip 5: CREATE A CONVERSATION BOND
When I’m hosting a dinner party where guests don’t necessarily know each other, I like to include props that lend themselves to starting a conversation or, at the very least, a few questions, thus creating a bond between guests.
An idea: postcards from far away destinations or origins as original place cards. This is a great way to break the ice and encourage guests to comment and reminisce about their experiences, acquaintances, and adventures from their recent travels.
Tip 6: PLACESTICKS
Create original place cards, but they don’t have to be made of paper, for example using leaves.
You can also use surprising objects as gifts or as place cards (shells, herbs or flowers from the garden, seasonal sweets like salted caramels, etc.) They will delight your guests. Herbs like rosemary can be wrapped in twine and placed at each place setting. Attach recipe cards with summer salads for example to encourage your guests to comment and try something new.
Tip 7: PLATES/CUTLERY/GLASSWARE
Use original and fun mismatched dinnerware in preference to the easy-to-find in specialty or non-specialty stores.
Examples:
Plates that don’t look like plates (lettuce-shaped plates, for example).
Colored cutlery or cutlery with handles made of wood, nacre, or other materials.
Original shaped and partially colored glasses (Avoid colored glasses for wine, not appreciated by purists…)
Mix and match dishes and glasses according to your decor. Remember, there is no right or wrong choice when you are making a design.
Tip 8: LEAVE A SMALL SOUVENIR
Give your guests a little souvenir of your reception.
For example, you can take Polaroid photos of your guests, print them out and give them a souvenir. You can also go to your local tourist store and purchase a selection of refrigerator magnets, postcards, and knickknacks to display on the table.
You can also write down or copy some of the most popular quotes of the moment. Print them on cards and decorate them accordingly. If your budget allows and you have the space, buy some fun costumes. It’s a fun way to entertain and guests will love it.
Tip 9: DARE
Never forget that setting a table and entertaining friends and family should be fun! Get creative, let your inner child out, and create magical moments for your loved ones!
*Source image: Pinterest
