Wine & Dine in style
Yes people, we are staring at FALL and summer will officially be over in a week ! As gloomy as it may sound, there's consolation in the fact that before we have a full blown winter we will get to witness Fall and well that's actually something we all look forward to, it's the second best thing that happens to us on the East Coast weather wise. As we store away our shorts and tank tops and the bikinis and pull out our long boots and scarves and sweaters, we also find that first "house party" invite in our mail. Yes, with fall comes the season of wining & dining at home aka House Parties.
I love entertaining at home, apart from home decor and renovations, my other big passion is cooking. Like home decor projects, I find cooking extremely therapeutic as well. I have had many house parties over the last few years at my place. I make everything at home, appetizers to desserts, everything is homemade by me.
I have often been complimented for my table settings and table decor and I genuinely believe that it's not about just placing food on the table but there should be a method to the presentation. Now don't get me wrong, I am not implying that you set up protocols or something but a little thought behind the presentation works really well and sort of brings the whole gathering together.
As a kid I was in charge of setting up the table before meals. My mother would ask me to put the place mats on the table, set the plates & dishes and basically organize the table before everyone sat down to eat and then after the meal, clear the table. It was routine work and not something that we did just when we had people over or when my parents were entertaining. We did that every single day. That's how the whole table setting scene stayed with me. I love my place mats, coasters, runners and table cloths and I make sure to use them for my parties. I especially enjoy the fact that after looking at the settings in my house I have converted a few of my friends to table setting enthusiasts :)
So what are the essentials for a beautiful table setting? Just one - Linen.
Table linens can make or break your table decor. It is my opinion that no matter how expensive your crockery or silver is, without the proper background of a runner or place mat, it will look ordinary! I like to layer my table in beautiful linen to give an artisanal feel, a more country modern setting. A beautiful runner across the dining table sort of makes the whole setting look like a picture from that lifestyle magazine you admire each time you stand in the check out line at your local Whole Foods.
The motifs, the borders and the fabric itself makes your setting look ultra premium and desired. I am particularly fond of organic cotton mixed with canvas, for it provides stability and the runner stays in it's place. No sliding, no flying!
Table Runners are great but if you are someone who likes place mats then do not pair a runner & place mats together. Decor Faux Pas !! Place mats should be linen on principle! No really, I cannot understand why there are even plastic ones out there in the market. Not good for you, your home and the environment. Linen is easy to maintain, wash.iron.use.repeat. Low maintenance and gorgeous! Linen makes everything look pretty. Take a look !
I love the look of a tablecloth, but placemats seem more casual, more relaxed somehow. Like I would do the whole shebang - cloth, runner etc when I have guests over and when it's just me, Mr. X and my kid, then place mats are just perfect for me.
Next on my list - Dinner Napkins, for a more formal sit down dinner or lunch. Have in-laws over, or the boss and his wife or maybe a date where you cooked at home, napkins make an impression. They don't just up the aesthetic appeal of your decor but also gives your guests a feeling of being looked after and tells them that you are thoughtful, through and organized. Linen napkins are table etiquette 101. There are several super pretty cloth napkins in the market, go for a matching set- place mats & napkins.
Something that I picked up over the years about Napkin etiquette - Whether you are dining in a fancy restaurant or at a friend's house, you should try to be courteous and neat as you eat, using your napkin as necessary. Be as inconspicuous as possible when putting your napkin in your lap at the start of the meal and then back on the table when it is over. It is rude to wipe any mess with that beautiful napkin your host provided you with. Just saying !
Does the sight of water rings make you pull your hair out ? The answer is YES for me. No one likes dirty water rings on the table. No one. Please use coasters. Place them below your coffee mugs or your glass of water. Water stains are ugly and I have seen people lose their minds over water rings, it's a trigger for some people LOL. Coasters can be used anywhere, work station , dining table, your coffee table or even your bar. Coasters keep your tables and spaces, mess free and they enhance the look and vibe of the room too.
These are a few basic essentials for great table settings. So, I hope you will keep these in mind the next time you throw one of your super awesome parties at home or share these ideas with a friend who is planning one. I always love hearing and getting suggestions on Home Improvement, I would love to hear how you throw parties and dinners and your tips and ideas for table decor & settings :) so please do share.
Happy Decorating!
Shop runners
Shop place mats
Shop napkins
Shop Coasters
Sustainable hand made Home Decor & Textiles
I love entertaining at home, apart from home decor and renovations, my other big passion is cooking. Like home decor projects, I find cooking extremely therapeutic as well. I have had many house parties over the last few years at my place. I make everything at home, appetizers to desserts, everything is homemade by me.
I have often been complimented for my table settings and table decor and I genuinely believe that it's not about just placing food on the table but there should be a method to the presentation. Now don't get me wrong, I am not implying that you set up protocols or something but a little thought behind the presentation works really well and sort of brings the whole gathering together.
As a kid I was in charge of setting up the table before meals. My mother would ask me to put the place mats on the table, set the plates & dishes and basically organize the table before everyone sat down to eat and then after the meal, clear the table. It was routine work and not something that we did just when we had people over or when my parents were entertaining. We did that every single day. That's how the whole table setting scene stayed with me. I love my place mats, coasters, runners and table cloths and I make sure to use them for my parties. I especially enjoy the fact that after looking at the settings in my house I have converted a few of my friends to table setting enthusiasts :)
So what are the essentials for a beautiful table setting? Just one - Linen.
Table linens can make or break your table decor. It is my opinion that no matter how expensive your crockery or silver is, without the proper background of a runner or place mat, it will look ordinary! I like to layer my table in beautiful linen to give an artisanal feel, a more country modern setting. A beautiful runner across the dining table sort of makes the whole setting look like a picture from that lifestyle magazine you admire each time you stand in the check out line at your local Whole Foods.
 |
| Organic Cotton hand block printed Table Runner |
 |
| Organic Cotton hand block printed Table Runner in white & subtle red |
 |
| Organic Cotton hand block printed Table Runner with Floral Motif |
 | ||
| Organic Cotton hand block printed Table Runner in white & blue |
Table Runners are great but if you are someone who likes place mats then do not pair a runner & place mats together. Decor Faux Pas !! Place mats should be linen on principle! No really, I cannot understand why there are even plastic ones out there in the market. Not good for you, your home and the environment. Linen is easy to maintain, wash.iron.use.repeat. Low maintenance and gorgeous! Linen makes everything look pretty. Take a look !
 | |
| Organic Cotton- Canvas place mats in block prints |
 | |
| Organic Cotton- Canvas place mats in block prints |
I love the look of a tablecloth, but placemats seem more casual, more relaxed somehow. Like I would do the whole shebang - cloth, runner etc when I have guests over and when it's just me, Mr. X and my kid, then place mats are just perfect for me.
Next on my list - Dinner Napkins, for a more formal sit down dinner or lunch. Have in-laws over, or the boss and his wife or maybe a date where you cooked at home, napkins make an impression. They don't just up the aesthetic appeal of your decor but also gives your guests a feeling of being looked after and tells them that you are thoughtful, through and organized. Linen napkins are table etiquette 101. There are several super pretty cloth napkins in the market, go for a matching set- place mats & napkins.
 |
| Organic cotton block printed napkin |
Something that I picked up over the years about Napkin etiquette - Whether you are dining in a fancy restaurant or at a friend's house, you should try to be courteous and neat as you eat, using your napkin as necessary. Be as inconspicuous as possible when putting your napkin in your lap at the start of the meal and then back on the table when it is over. It is rude to wipe any mess with that beautiful napkin your host provided you with. Just saying !
Does the sight of water rings make you pull your hair out ? The answer is YES for me. No one likes dirty water rings on the table. No one. Please use coasters. Place them below your coffee mugs or your glass of water. Water stains are ugly and I have seen people lose their minds over water rings, it's a trigger for some people LOL. Coasters can be used anywhere, work station , dining table, your coffee table or even your bar. Coasters keep your tables and spaces, mess free and they enhance the look and vibe of the room too.
 |
| Hand painted wooden coaster set |
These are a few basic essentials for great table settings. So, I hope you will keep these in mind the next time you throw one of your super awesome parties at home or share these ideas with a friend who is planning one. I always love hearing and getting suggestions on Home Improvement, I would love to hear how you throw parties and dinners and your tips and ideas for table decor & settings :) so please do share.
Happy Decorating!
Shop runners
Shop place mats
Shop napkins
Shop Coasters
Sustainable hand made Home Decor & Textiles
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