Setting the style – dining

The more I have researched into interior design the more involved it gets, much like a large tree, a central trunk, from which the branches grow, from which smaller branches grow…. I could go on and on. Part of this not so known aspect of interior design is table setting.

The trick with setting the table is not to try too hard. Too much in the way of candelabra’s and tall flower arrangements make conversation very difficult for the person sitting opposite. You should ensure that any centre piece is no higher than eye level. There is also the practical consideration of giving your guests enough room to eat comfortably and not having to knock elbows. If you have a lot of guests I would tend to go for a buffet.

I tend to go for the understated and let the food speak for itself – after all, the guests are there to eat!

Here is my place setting:

This is a very inexpensive, I made the napkin and holder myself, as it was Christmas and I wanted a festive feel, the sparkly part of this ring was a string of glass beads for a Christmas tree. Afterwards, I dismantled the napkin holder and made one with a spring-like feel. Homemade napkin rings can be made very easily and cheaply using oddments found around the house. Bits of wire entwined with beads or all those old buttons could be used - this will make your table look a little different to the norm! Pay a visit to a garden centre and get inspiration! Faux flowers are very lifelike; you could team them with an old napkin ring wrapped in ribbon or painted.

I see no shame in using paper napkins providing you keep an eye on the size and buy the more expensive ones. I bought some beautiful black and gold filigree design ones once but unfortunately they were only the size of a men’s handkerchief, which did not go down well with anybody sitting at the table! There are also lots of different ways of folding napkins, for some you need a degree in origami but others are simple and effective and can look stunning.

So much depends on the quality of your table top, if it is stained or had knocks, I would use a table cloth, but if it is not too bad I would use place mats. You could always cover up some stains with a table runner. Another idea, instead of place mats would be to use gold or silver chargers. These would frame your china and make it look very elegant. The rule of thumb – do not overcrowd your table. I also provide 2 coasters by the place setting, one for wine/port etc and the other for water.

Candles can give a lovely soft glow, where safety allows, should always be considered for your table. Some nice tea light holders at either end or a bowl filled with water for floating tea lights would create an intimate atmosphere. Placing a row of stemmed flowers in a long thin glass vase with glass beads can look stunning.

Simplicity is the key, don’t make your table look as though you have tried too hard. But, you could go completely the other way and go crazy with a ‘Great Expectations’ inspired table, whilst using edible flower displays, Heston Blumenthal comes to mind!

Anne Suart