Your cheat sheet for laying a classic, beautiful table
The Easter weekend is time to bring family and friends together to share a meal. Which is always so much more enjoyable when you have a beautifully set table. Lots of fuss? Not at all … simply follow this step-by-step guide by Betsie van der Westhuizen, general manager at Maxwell & Williams.
Colour scheme: Start by deciding on your colour scheme. An all-white table setting says elegance and sophistication. A monochrome tablescape can be trendy or create a very colourful, playful table top.
Table cloth or place mats? Consider the atmosphere that you would like to create when choosing between a table cloth or place mat. Place mats are gaining popularity but remember that place mats are much more casual and preferred for breakfast or lunch or an informal dinner. When using a place mat, all cutlery should be displayed on its surface. A white table cloth is the most formal option and usually used for dinner, whereas a colourful table cloth is perfect for a special holiday supper or casual evening meal. Start with a plain cloth and add colourful plates and serve ware. If you decide on a really bold table cloth, complete the look with your favourite white basic items.
Cutlery shortcut: Only set the table for courses that you are going to serve – no need to add more cutlery just to look fancy. Always place your fork on the left of your plate and knives on the right. Your dessert spoon is placed at the top of the plate with the stem of the spoon facing the right. A soup spoon is placed to the right of the knife. Make sure all your cutlery items are lined up and spaced equally. The goal of the table setting is to look like a mirror.
Napkins Placing: A napkin in a glass or cup is a big no-no. Add interest to your table by playing around with various napkin folds. Tie your napkin with a ribbon or place a napkin ring in the centre of your napkin, then place it in the centre of the plate. When using a soup bowl, place your napkin to the left of the place setting – never inside the soup bowl (it will slouch into the bowl). Alternatively fold your napkin and place it under the place setting.
A handwritten touch: The main goal of a beautiful table setting is to make your guests feel special, so don’t forget to add a personal touch. A handwritten menu and beautifully crafted nametags at each guests’ place make guests feel welcome. It also shows that you gave the seating plan thought so that guests are seated next to those who will make them feel at home.
The centre of attention: The centrepiece for your table is where you can really add a unique touch and make the table stand out – whether you use freshly cut flowers, a formal floral arrangement, potted herbs or plants. And don’t forget those candles.
Add glassware: Do not be afraid to use glassware in a non-traditional way. Using your favourite tumblers as wine glasses or serving beautiful cocktails in wine or gin glasses will create an eclectic feel and a talking point. Keep it classy by decanting your red wine into a chic decanter. Always have a jug of water on the table for your guests.
Classic white crockery, cotton tablecloth in pebble with white cotton serviettes … simply laid with cutlery and wine glasses … all from maxwellandwilliams.co.za. Just add flowers for the perfect setting.
Whether you’re serving a posh wine that you want to breathe, or a boxed wine (not to be sniffed at … so many great ones from excellent estates – but a bit bulky to keep on the table), pour it into this Diamante Connoisseur Carafe, R330 from maxwellandwilliams.co.za
Small arrangements in different size and height vases (like these Clive options) make for an easy centrepiece. From R599 from Country Road at Woolworths.
Don’t have time to do a centrepiece? One of our favourite cheats is to buy potted herbs from Woolies, pop them into terracotta pots and place them along the centre of the
table. Smells gorgeous, looks fresh and fabulous and you can use them afterwards.
Compiled by: Kym Argo
