With the holidays and holiday parties upon us, I thought I'd share you some of my decorating tips. Remember that Friday, Saturday and Sunday we're holding a barn sale. These table-setting goodies are available at the sale!
When I set a table, it's a
staging-in-motion. Whether I am setting up a scene for my barn sale, or
setting up to have guests over for dinner, the thought process is pretty much
the same: 'How many people, where are we sitting, what are we
eating," etc.
Of course staging in a barn or (let's
say) for a movie, is a little different than for an actual party at your
home. However, the one common thread to me is always
"drama," "impact," "wow factor.”
For those sporadic times I entertain
my friends at home, I appreciate the "wows" and in return, I am sure
my guests appreciate seeing the time I put into "making it special."
So..... here's how I do it:
Start with a great table, bigger is
better. I'm not into dark brown woods, and I feature mostly whitewashed
and distressed woods with beautiful textures in my barns and home. Anything to create drama.
Then....... look for your inner placemat girl. I am currently
using old roof slates, but who knows what's around the bend? ;-) I cannot
emphasize enough: layering! Make it richer than you really
are!
Next, you’ll need a charger,
something larger than your dinner plate, just for OOMPH (it has not other
use!)... then find large dinner plates, very simple, and possibly more
scalloped or adorned medium-size plates, and to top it off, smaller bowls for
an hors d'oeuvre or a soup.
For cutlery (or silverware as you
call it here), you will need as many as you serve courses, so smaller knife and
fork for starter or soup spoon; knife, fork and spoon for main course, and
appropriate ware for your dessert choice. It is fun to assemble
good-quality vintage, or if you prefer, nice modern ware to offset your vintage
plates? I am all about combining old and new.
Glassware too is important, especially
when decorating with vintage dishes, the clean glass will give a lighter feel
to the rest of the table. I like big goblets for red and white wine and
like to collect old stemware for shot glasses and cordials/cocktails etc.
Lastly, I go for beautiful serving ware, such as platters,
tureens, bowls etc. Bigger and cleaner-looking is best, in my
opinion, combine old and new, but keep lines clean, not fussy. A
beautiful silver-plated soup ladle is a worthy investment. It makes soup
look that much more delicious and is something you will cherish for
years. In fact, most of my serving pieces are vintage. Some I have
had re-silvered to prolong their life!
Which brings me to napkin rings: another great item
to collect! So fun to have a mix-match of different styles and to unify
them with large, brandnew, clean linen or cotton-blend napkins! Looks
ueber classy. During the holidays, I’m
pairing ironstone with glittery ornaments—simply chic.
Good luck, send me pictures!
