Atlanta designer John Oetgen is known for his penchant for subtlety. Icy blues, cool yellows, serene greens all play a part in the interior he designed for his friends and clients Tom and Marie Patton. Oetgen seeks a bit of a respite from the hit-you-over-the-head, surround-your-every-move decorations. The table he set for the Pattons includes white Taitu china, Wedgwood soup cups (filled with tomato soup-a nice touch for that hint of red), and a collection of individual sterling salt and pepper shakers. Red and green is present, but not in overly wrought wreaths. Instead clusters of red roses are supported by holiday greenery. The arrangements are low and simple. The meal to come, however, looks to be extravagant, with the hostess pulling out all the stops in her (or her caterer's) culinary endeavors.
Ideas for a subtle table:
- Winter whites and blues set the tone for the season as much as holiday red and green. Let the food and the flowers say Christmas.
- Mix different china patterns to create more interesting table arrangements. Keep the same color tones and degree of formality to pull the patterns together.
- Holly and nandina are great for holiday floral arrangements, but red roses lend a shot of color and elegance.
- Create compelling contrasts. White china, polished sterling, and clear glass are a vivid contrast to a dark wood table, heightening the glamour of the arrangement. The wood grain provides a lovely texture that might not even be achieved with a rich tablecloth.
- Keep napkins simple. Contortions of birds, fans, and the like belong in restaurants, not at private dinner parties, and take time and effort that could otherwise be devoted to more pressing party preparations.
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