Elegant family get-togethers or dinner parties with friends are a great way to have fun without a huge entertainment budget. With little extra expense, it is possible to set an elegant table to rival any fancy restaurant. Follow the steps below for ideas to set your own elegant table.
Instructions
Set an Elegant Table
1. Plan the decor of your table to go with the meal you plan to serve. This should include a theme if one is desired, a color scheme, linens and the type of dinnerware, silverware, glassware and serving pieces you will use. Try to use what you already have on hand, whenever possible. And ask your guests for any needed pieces. You save extra money and they feel like they have contributed to the meal.
2. Choose linens for your table. Typical table linens include table cloths and/or table runners, placemats and napkins. Don't be afraid to use a table cloth and placemats or table runners. Differing colors, patterns and textures can add extra interest to the table.
3. Choose your dinnerware, which includes plates, salad plates or bowls, casserole dishes, soup bowls and anything else that might fit with the meal you have planned. Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns, shapes and colors. Place different glasses for water, tea (or other main beverage), coffee and wine.
4. Save money on a centerpiece by improvising with things you already have. Cut flowers from your garden and arrange them in a large vase or make individual place settings with juice glasses that hold a single flower. You can also use candles instead of flowers or greenery or choose an interesting figurine or knick knack to be the focal point. If your table needs more decorations, crystals, jewels, seashells, confetti or ribbon curls are fun to add.
5. While taper candles are usually displayed in elaborate candle holders in the center of the table, lots of other options are available as well. Try clustering a group of taper candles of varying sizes on a mirror or on a plate that matches the table settings. Place a single votive candle in a pretty votive holder or small glass at each place setting. Float tea light candles in several bowls placed strategically around the table. Think about the food that will be on the table when choosing the best layout for your candles.
6. To make easy place cards, write guests' names in calligraphy on a standard index card. Or you can prepare them on the computer, adding a picture or a decorative pattern.
7. Place silverware with the first piece to be used farthest from the plate. All forks should be on the left and the bread knife, a regular spoon and a soup spoon should be on the right of the plate. Dessert pieces should be served with the dessert.
8. If wine is served, it should be brought and poured at the table, then either removed or put into a wine bucket at or near the table.
Tags: your table, already have, elegant table, table runners, taper candles, with meal