Festive Table Setting
 This festive season put some fun and style into laying the table, it’s a great way to set the scene and helps make for a memorable occasion.
These days setting the table can be as elaborate or simple as you like, but it’s during the festive season when you can really be creative, get the family involved and have the guests ooh-ing and ahh-ing.
Increasingly, we are seeing a trend away from very formal table settings towards a more relaxed way of serving and enjoying food. The key to a gorgeous, stress-free table setting is preparation, so laying the table should never be last minute. Here are some basics that apply to almost all table settings and how to get it right:
* Choose a tablecloth that is sized to your table, allowing about a 30 to 40cm drop on each side (the more formal the table, the longer the over-hang). Iron out any wrinkles. The centre fold, resting exactly at the centre of the table, should be the only crease visible on the table.
* Napkins are placed at the left of place settings or can be folded and placed on the bread and butter plate, main plate, or, if you choose, intricately arranged in a glass.
* Place the dinnerware, so that the main plate is at the centre of the place setting and the bread and butter plate is set to the left or upper left (above the fork) of the main plate.
* Lay the cutlery on the table in the order of need, starting from the outside of the place setting. Knives are placed next to the plate with the cutting edge towards the plate.
* Cutlery required for dessert or eating cheese and biscuits may be placed above the main plate, with handles toward the right, or brought out at the same time when the food is being served. Arrange the cutlery handles in an even line with the edge of the plate for a clean line.
* Place the glassware, so that the water glass is at or near the tip of the knife. Place wine glasses to the right of the water glass and closer to the edge of the table.
* Decorate your table creatively; for instance, using candles, baubles, flowers, fruit, or seashells. A festive look can be created even with white crockery and plain glassware, just use a beautifully decorative or colourful tablecloth.
Alternatively, a simple white tablecloth can provide a base for your coloured or patterned crockery and simply add colour co-ordinated candles and napkin holders for a complete look.
* Remember when creating a table centrepiece, it should not block the view of the guests of one side of the table from the other. Keep any arrangement lower or higher than eye level so not to distract guests.
Creative Table Top Tips
Add a personal touch to your festive table with these simple ideas:
* Roll napkins and thread on some tiny baubles or tuck in a single feather or flower.
* Twist berries and ivy around low vases and candle holders for a stunning centrepiece.
* Tie pieces of ribbon around each guests cutlery to add colour to a table.
* Make individual place cards for each of your guests in a style in keeping with your table setting.
* Scatter a few tea lights down the centre of the table and add a few drops of scented essential oil to the candles.
* Be inspired by the new ranges of bright floral- printed paper napkins and choose fresh flowers similar to those depicted in the napkin design to form a matching centrepiece.
This article is courtesy of Home Couture |