Tips On Table Setting & Decorating

In order to have this unforgettable dining experience, these first two tips on table setting (for obvious reasons) are the most critical.

Tip 1: First, you should have a theme. And no, themes are not just for holidays. You can have a theme for the holidays, middle of the week or just because. Your theme can be based on the occasion, such as a birthday or your theme can be created based on the type of meal that will be prepared. For instance, you love to eat Italian food and you know of a great Italian restaurant, think about the setting, the lighting and how you feel each time you go there. Now you can create a theme that makes you excited about eating based on your love for Italian food.

Tip 2: Second, choose a tablecloth that goes along with your theme. Just to keep it simple, traditional and contemporary are our two styles of choice for everyday eating and can be used for your holiday spread. There are hundreds of styles and designs to choose from. Just make sure you keep your theme in mind at all times. Elegant or formal style tablecloths are typically for fine dining and are more appropriate for holidays and special occasions.

MORE TIPS ON TABLE SETTING

Tip 3: Select your dinnerware. Again based on your theme. For example: Your Italian theme would probably have the color(s) red, white and/or green. If your tablecloth has any or all three of these colors, solid colored dinnerware would be very appropriate for this setting. Don't worry about white-on-white. Your (Italian) meal with other table accessories will add just the right amount of color to your table. Here is an example.

Tip 4: Drinkware is your next item to look at in your tips on table setting. There are two types of drinkware that you would generally use at any type of table setting. First, a water glass and second a wine glass. The coffee cup is also considered drinkware, and is a major part of the eating experience. From traditional to elegant, these pieces can be used together or maybe you prefer one simple beverage such as lemonade. A tumbler would be practical accompaniment for everyday entertaining.

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Tip 5: For the silverware, when it comes to everyday eating, keep it simple. You do not have to bring out the good stuff to compliment your table setting. These tips on table setting are supposed to help you keep it simple. I guess you can say that is our Motto. With your formal dining events simple is not a word used in your vocabulary. Bring out or go purchase a more elegant style of silverware to, once again, go with your theme.

Tip 6: Last but not least your centerpiece. Centerpieces can be time consuming and expensive. Again, for everyday eating, keep it simple. You can have a fruit bowl, flowers, candles or all three in a simple dinner setting. Don't forget to be creative. Creating your own centerpiece (if you have the time) can bring out skills you may not have known you had. Let's look at some d.i.y. centerpieces.

D.I.Y. CENTERPIECES