Sitting down to a beautiful table is a part of creating a hospitable atmosphere. It shows consideration for your guests because you took the time to prepare for your time together and you made a place just for them. Take your event to the next level by implementing easy ways to elevate your table at your next gathering!
You probably already have most of the elements that go into creating a beautiful and inviting table. If not, you don’t need to run out and buy a lot of expensive doodads. Simply add a few classic pieces that can be used over and over again and combined in new and fresh ways.
Here are 7 strategies to thoughtfully create the mood and enhance the artistry for your event by elevating your table.
1. Choose colors carefully
Colors can set the mood from peaceful to exciting. In general, use 3 colors that complement one another. Medium blue with white and green lends a serene feel. Yellow, green, and light blue may say spring or a lighthearted atmosphere. Primary colors are often used at children’s parties. To have a garden feel, consider shades of pinks and greens, with either blues, purples, or yellows. Play with various color palettes before your gathering to decide what mood you want them to set.
2. Pay attention to your serving dishes
Use serving dishes that work well with each other. Glass serving dishes will make your table look more expensive and upscale than plastic or a combination of paper and plastic. A calming and classy combination of mostly white dishes rests the eyes while throwing one or two wood serving pieces, such as a beautiful wood tray, in the mix can add warmth to your table. Based on your color palette and the vibe you’re going for, decide what colors work best. Generally, white, clear, silver or a combination is a good foundation for holding your food. If you’re careful, you may be able to successfully add an occasional piece in a color from your palette and still maintain a cohesive look. Gold and copper pieces add a touch of glamour or old world charm depending on the patina on the piece.
3. Use linens on your table
Adding a crisp, unwrinkled tablecloth sets the stage for creating a beautiful table. White is a good choice, but you aren’t limited to white if your dishes will be white or if dishes complement your color. A single color from your color palette works well. While you can use plaid or a simple print, be aware that the rest of the table will need to pick up the colors of the cloth tastefully. Too much color can just look busy and detract from being welcoming. A single table runner and cloth, textured, or unique place mats (not plastic unless for a child’s party) can also bring charm, especially to a beautiful wooden table.
4. Treat your napkins as art
Fan out a group of paper napkins. Fold your paper or cloth napkin to hold your silverware. Drape your napkin over the edge of your plate. Let your napkin sit gracefully inside a goblet. Artful napkins can take your design to the next level. Choose cloth napkins over paper to elegantly elevate your table.
5. Use china, stoneware, or porcelain dinnerware
Skip the paper and plastic plates and go straight for the breakables. When you set the atmosphere, guests will be more careful of your dishes so breakage is usually kept to a minimum. The sophistication “real” dishes give to your table and the guest experience is well worth it.
6. Literally elevate your table by varying your serving ware heights and sizes
A variety of sizes and heights for your serving dishes make your table look inviting. Giving the eye different levels to look at add variety to your table. If you keep to your serving color palette, providing visual interest in the form of size, height, and even texture will still give a cohesive look. For instance, go ahead and put your cake, scones, cookies, or muffins on the table using a pedestal cake stand. (For one of our go to GF desserts, check out our gluten-free blueberry crumb cake!)
7. Pay attention to the colors and textures of the food
A wide variety of color in your food makes for an appetizing plate. Vary the textures by including fresh as well as cooked foods. Think shapes, how the food will look on your serving dishes, and how the presentation on your dinner plates. Set foods whose colors go together near one another. Remember, we eat with our eyes first, so make it look delicious!
These are a few simple strategies you can apply to give your table an inviting look and elevate your guest experience. Stay tuned because we have more coming! Know a friend who is always looking for new tips on creating a welcoming and beautiful atmosphere for events? Feel free to share this post with them. Do you use these styling tips already? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments on how you style your table!