Notations
CONTEMPORARY TABLESCAPING
Tabletop patterns cover a wide range of color palettes and unique designs. Some patterns reflect how artisans delve into traditions to create current classics. Decorative motifs such as florals, lace and imagery continue to be seen century after century.
What distinguishes the work of the best designers working today is their inspired use of history updated for the present. These timeless designs reflect the way we live today and yet connect the bride with traditional looks.
There is a large and varied selection for your choice. Many designers prefer white linen as the background for their designs. But don't be afraid to surprise your guests with unexpected settings. Select colorful linens that reflect shades from your china to provide a more informal look. Select compatible casual napkins and placemats to provide even more variety. It's fun to use formal china for a picnic. It's colorful to mix patterns and provide an eclectic look to your dinner table. Personally, I find a mix/match table much more interesting and inviting to create and watch my guests' responses. I love to create a different placesetting for each guest, mixing colors and patterns between the dinner plate, salad plate, goblet, etc. Though I rarely go too wild, I try to find a common theme for the table and go from there. Another perk by using this method- I get to use many of my different china patterns for the same dinner. I don't tell my husband how many different sets of china we have. He's never asked, which probably helps us to still be married after all these years.
Another recommendation- Register for your good china now. You may not use it now, but you will in the future. Also your guests like to buy nice gifts for you, and after all, selecting your own china pattern is just more proof that you are truly ready to be married and set up your own home. Also, don't be afraid to register for beautiful crystal wine glasses. Nope, you can't put them in the dishwasher, but they certainly dress up a table, and as you get older and entertain more, you will definitely need them. Besides, I just enjoy looking at them!!
I alway recommend registering for a good, heavy flatware for every day use. You need to not skimp here. Make sure you get good flatware that will not easily bend when you scoop the ice cream, or try to cut the meat that you as a new bride might accidentally burn a little.
I also recommend choosing a pattern with a design on the handle. This will camoflage those tiny little scratches that inevitably come with washing, storing, and general use.
Please keep in mind a few basic rules when setting the table- the knife is on the right side of the dinner plate with the serated edge facing the side of the plate. This is done so no one accidentally gets cut or nicked. The teaspoon sits immediately right of the knife. If having soup, the soup spoon sits immediately to the right of the teaspoon. On the left side of the dinner plate, the dinner fork is placed immediately next to the edge of the plate. The salad fork is immediately left of the dinner fork.
I personally like to put the dessert spoon and fork on the table immediately above the dinner plate.
There even used to an old rule of no candle light until after six o'clock, which of course, has given way to use candles anytime, though I still recommend unscented candles for the dining area. We don't want the candle smells mingling with your great dinners.
I encourage you to know the rules, and to know when to break them.
Remember, it is your house and your tablescape.
A Gift from:
Bridal Elegance and Bridal Elegance's Gift/Bridal Registry Division, My Favorite Things
