Friday, April 29, 2011

Table Linen - Choosing a Theme for the Table

By Cassidy J. Keele


Whether you are planning a large catering event, or simply plan on having your neighbors over for dinner, you will need to think about how you are going to set the table. Although it's possible to keep your plans spare and simple, with placemats on a wooden table, most people will also want to think about table linen, particularly for larger or more formal events. Linens come in all sorts of sizes, shapes, materials, and colors these days, so there is more that can go into this decision than ever before in the past.

A classic theme that you will see in many fine dining restaurants is to keep your table linen as simple and minimalist as possible. Neutral colors, including the ever popular white, are often chosen to help make the food stand out more.
Your tablecloth and napkins may be the same color, or you could choose a contrasting pattern to make the table look more interesting. It's also important to think about what types of serving platters and plates you will be using, because these will also need to blend harmoniously with your linens. White or cream are unobtrusive, but care must be taken to keep them clean and neatly starched.

For a more interesting look, you can experiment with all of the latest types of colors and patterns that are currently on the market. Table linen trends in the past few years have pointed more in the direction of vintage prints and patterns, as well as bold geometric accents or pretty floral designs. It's even popular in some circles to have mismatched plates and linens, so that your guests are thrown off-kilter with kitsch. Yet this is a look that may go over wonderfully for a home dinner party, but will not be acceptable for more formal or corporate occasions.

The type of event is one of the main deciding factors when it comes to choosing the top table linen options.
Another thing to think about is the type of accessories that you will use to finalize the look of your table. Accessories do a great job at accenting the dining area.

Table runners, coasters, napkin rings, and candle holders are all small but important details that can let you show your personality more effectively, or create a more interesting atmosphere on your table. With these subtle details, and starched, fresh linens, you can create all the ambience of your favorite restaurants from the comfort of your own home, but attention to detail is certainly a large part of this.




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