The table setting tonight is a touch above casual….Today, being a special occasion, I have used a beige faux suede tablecloth, black charger plates, with snow white napkins with a black napkin cover and tan and black napkin holders. I added black wine glasses as well as black water goblets. My candles are a warm beige in colour set in black candleholders.
The china I am using today belonged to my husband’s mother. It is a white plate with a silver rim and really looks amazing. Along with this is a cup and saucer at each plate.
Now to bring it a step more, add salt and pepper shakers at each setting (in my case tonight it is set for three) and individual butter dishes.
You could serve meatloaf and make t look amazing at this table. It isn’t so much what you serve to eat BUT how it is presented.
Enjoy!
Festive Season Table Ideas
I have, very rarely, used bright red and green for the holiday table. I have used softer tones, neutrals, whites, softer sage greens.
These colours usually make the table look elegant, even though you might consider using paper plates. When using bright colours it is more light-hearted. If you don’t have napkins that match the table cloth, you can’t go wrong if you put out white cloth ones. BUT, they should be as bright a white as you can find. This gives a crisp look and shows you are starting to pay attention to details.
You can make napkin rings with a bit of a sparkle to create atmosphere. Always have candles and fresh flowers. You can laugh, I always have tulips in the house at Christmas. I like white but have used a soft pink. Depends on what I am using. Below is a setting for a “pre” Christmas dinner with friends,
Your Choice When Accepting Dinner Invitation
As a guest you should always take a host/hostess gift. Wine, flowers, gadget for the kitchen or bar, homemade candy…it doesn’t matter but to watch people go to these dinners with nothing in hand, shows no respect for the host. It doesn’t need to be expensive, just thought out and thoughtful.
After watching an “expert” expound that you should always open wine a guest has brought to dinner, I want to assure you this is NOT the case.
As the Hostess, if you have planned your dinner carefully and picked the wine and it is chilling, then you just say thank you and put it aside.
In truth, once you give it to the hostess, it no longer YOURS and should be her option. If your wine is chilled, then perhaps this would be a good choice. If she decides otherwise, it is no ‘rejection’ of your gift.
I don’t understand why an ‘expert’ would want you to spoil your plans over this.
Comments anyone?