7 Tips For A Chic Unique Table
Call me crazy but I want my holiday table to look like no other! I want it to be unique, different and not too obvious. Plus I want to use elements over and over, I don’t want all my home goods stuffed in bins in my garage retrieved once a year. I love place settings that aren’t too thematic. Leave the themes to the ones who do it best like Disney:) Here are a few tables I recently was inspired to set up and photograph. And these are my 7 Tips For A Chic Unique Table!
- Layering Patterns
If you have a rectangular table use a different runner, folded tablecloth or fabric laid in the opposite direction than a traditional runner. This will bring more color, pattern or repetition to your table. Place centerpieces in between if you like. Also you can mix and match fabrics, napkins, plate and glass colors. You’ll see in my photos below I did just that. See drawing below:
2. Snack Bowl
Give your entering guests a chance to snack and something that will lure them to the table. Even if they stand by their seat, drink their wine and nibble it gets everyone gathering around the table. I find guests usually come hungry, and a small snack that they cannot fill up on – like grapes or a bit of brie – will get them excited for more. And this gives you a chance to set the table, pour the wine ahead of time so you can nibble and chat when guests arrive. As the host, the more prep beforehand the better.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photos by Alissa Dragun
3. Herbal Accents
Use real herbs as an accent for each place setting. It smells delicious and gives the look a farm-to-table feeling. Even better if you provide an herb, like mint, that can be nibbled or placed into sparkling water.
4. Unexpected Colors
Thanksgiving is normally about the jewel tones – burgundy, gold, emerald – to me those colors are a bit dark. Mixing some earthier elements with a more vibrant color like turquoise or hot pink is unexpected and fun.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photos by Alissa Dragun
5. Mix Metals
I’ve mixed gold accented china with my silver flatware and goblet. It works! Plus it adds an eclectic touch to the mix.
Design by Krista Watterworth Alterman, Photos by Alissa Dragun
6. Get Fruity
Use real fruit to decorate each plate. It could get nibbled or used later. Using faux filler is just something else you have to store in the garage!
7. Keep It Meaningful
Work gifted or meaningful items into your table. I use my mother-in-law’s silverware, my husband’s grandmother’s china, and gifted feather placements and wine glasses. People love to see their meaningful items on your table.
Good luck and remember to have fun at your own party!
