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FeedTable Touches
Eight tips you can use to set the stage for dining with style
Sometimes it’s fun to make a fuss. When you step out of your routine and take others along with you for the ride, wonderful things can happen. ✽ When hosting a dinner party, making extra effort with the
dining room table lets guests know you value their company and sets the tone for the evening. If this all sounds like fun, we’ve got some ideas to get you started. Whether it’s a refresher on which spoon goes where, a few new company-worthy recipes, or decorative touches that take the excitement level up a notch, here’s a feast of ideas to inspire your next gathering
TIP 1: Place settings should be layered in the same order that the meal is served: soup bowls on salad plates on top of dinner plates. Include a separate salad plate if your dishes feature a sauce.
New Wave collection photo courtesy of Villeroy & Boch
TIP 2: Forks should be placed to the left of the plate and knives and spoons to the right. The idea is to work from the outside in, so the salad fork should go to the left of the dinner fork, and the spoon to the right of the knife. Keep the blade of the knife pointing toward the plate.
TIP 3: Linens are a great way to add a punch of color, although if the surface of your table is attractive and can take some drips and possible spills, it’s fine to skip the tablecloth.
Rhapsody in Blues collection photo courtesy of Waterford Wedgwood
TIP 4: Use your favorite collectables, such as vases, candlesticks, or your child’s artwork, to add personality to the table, but don’t get carried away with too many objects.
Photo by JE Evans
TIP 5: If you have a glass tabletop, consider placing a fun touch beneath it—like ribbons, flowers or glitter.
Photo by JE Evans
TIP 6: The classic, simple rectangular folded napkin can be placed under the knife and spoon or at the center of the place setting and topped with a place card or decorative accent.
Photo by JE Evans
TIP 7: Allow a minimum of 15 inches between place settings for proper elbow room.
Photo by JE Evans
TIP 8: Before your guests arrive, sit down to check if anything on your table will obstruct conversations.
Photo by JE Evans
Resources:
Villeroy & Boch www.villeroy-boch.com
Waterford Wedgwood www.wedgwood.com
Whole Foods www.wholefoodsmarket.com
Kraft Foods www.kraftrecipes.com
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