Food always tastes better when the table looks great
Maybe I’m just a closet Victorian matron – I’ve been accused of being rather pedantic about tables being set – but I love the detail and creativity that can be channeled to set a delightful table. Call me old fashioned but I just love a pretty table!
channeling my inner hythinth
To paraphrase my “candlelight dinner” idol Hythinth Bucket (it’s pronounced Bouquet!) from the BBC TV show Keeping up Appearances, I love to invite people over for a “candlelit supper”. It’s fun to choose just the right placemat, napkin, and of course, napkin ring holder (I have collections of all of these), the perfect glasses, the right vase with flowers, just the right candlestick holder. Playing around with different textures, patterns, and colours makes a table much more visually appealing so don’t hold back – be creative and have fun!
When guests tell me I shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble I tell them not to complain – their visit warranted the attention. It’s my way of showing that I am honored by their attendance.
formal or informal?
I know that when I visit others the paper towel becomes a serviette and the TV becomes both table setting and entertainment. Sometimes that bothers me, this new lack of enjoying the art of entertaining; other times it doesn’t.
I don’t want the formality of Victorian manners and stuffiness but I do enjoy savoring the prospects of a candlelit supper – enjoying good food with friends.
picking a theme
How do I start planning a table? I think about the meal and what we are going to eat and try to match the theme. For example, if I’m doing a Japanese meal or serving Sushi as a starter and then having fish as a main meal I may use chop sticks, placemats and serviettes I’ve made with Japanese figures on them, lots of blue and white (my personal favorites) bowls and simple shell napkin rings.
confessions of a fabraholic
I love fabric. I love the patterns, the textures, the colours. Sometimes I just see a fabric or pattern that I know would be wonderful and really, it only takes a bit of fabric and a bit of time and voila, yes, it’s another serviette. Yes, I could probably host a UN Summit meal with the number of serviettes I have!
Whether it’s a collection of 2 Eiffel tower themed serviettes for a simple breakfast or 8 small hors d’oeuvres serviettes for a cocktail party or 6 Art Deco inspired graphic serviettes for dinner party, I have the event covered. By making your own out of fabric you have so many options to create fun and imaginative and themed tablescapes.
The little touches that make it special
Do come over for one of my candle light suppers….I’ll start setting the table!
