Who says a simple dinner with family or friends can't be sophisticated? By using things you already own and adding a few inexpensive accents, you can set a beautiful and interesting table. Whether you're having a candlelight dinner for two or a holiday feast for the entire family, here are our favorite ways to transform a meal into an event:
1. Make it brilliant: Crystal, silver, and candles add sparkle to the table and make any dinner seem more special. For a simple centerpiece that really shines, place a mirror under a broad crystal bowl filled with water, floating candles, and flowers or flower petals. It's a great look for a romantic evening as well.
2. Cover it up, or not: If you have a beautiful table, show it off by forgoing the tablecloth. The warmth of the wood puts the spotlight on shiny crystal and silver. Or pile on the white linens--which makes everything stand out. Placemats are a must on glass tables. Bamboo, sisal, or other natural materials are great choices for alfresco dining.
3. Mass flowers: Fresh flowers in crystal goblets, porcelain creamers, or heirloom mint julep cups make perfect centerpieces or place setting markers. Use a range of colors for the most interesting presentation. The flowers can be roses trimmed to their blossoms or whatever flower or greenery is blooming that week in your garden.
4. Go earthy: For a more casual dinner, use warmer colors and natural materials. Wooden eggcups and candleholders add interesting accents to the table. Layer fern fronds or magnolia leaves for organic placemats.
5. Edible compositions: A large wooden bowl filled with artichokes or other sculptural vegetables or fruits makes for an easy centerpiece. The bowl could also be filled with oranges, pears, or yellow squash, depending on the season, to vary the color scheme.
6. Dine alfresco: What better way to start the day than with breakfast outside? Keep it simple for speedy setup and cleanup. Your food, presented beautifully, can be the centerpiece. A platter of fruits and breads placed in the center of the table lets everyone serve themselves and cuts down on the number of dishes to wash.
7. Mix it up: Use brightly colored chargers or glassware as an accent to white or neutral dishes. All your patterns need not be part of the same pattern. Mix patterns and styles to give your table vitality.
8. Frame it: Picture frames can serve as platters. Large, ornate frames are great for serving drinks at a cocktail party, while simple wooden frames can hold appetizers in a more casual setting.
9. Plant it: A hurricane surrounded by little terra-cotta pots of rye grass is an easy centerpiece that suits the alfresco mood. For parties, the rye grass can be used as placecard holders. It grows quickly.
10. Chill out: When dining outdoors, keep beverages in carafes on the table to cut down on trips into the house. Or keep an attractive ice bucket nearby filled with drinks.
