The dinner table is the heart of the home, a magic place where moments are treasured and memories made. Family events, anniversaries, and holidays are all celebrated around it. So dress up your table, set the ambiance for a meal and play the perfect host. Dhanishta Shah tells you how.
What kind of tablecloth should you use? Does the wine glass go on the left or right? How about the dessert spoon? There are several elements and techniques to not just setting a table but designing a dining look. Chhavvi Singh, Creative Director, Moha, believes that it is not only the table, but also the accents and furniture that enhance the overall look. “The dining area is a very important space in any home. A long rectangular dining table gives a grand feel to the space. Baroque-style dining chairs in luxurious velvet add royal appeal to any room. A large chandelier in the center of the dining table, coupled with art work or a painting add to the grandeur,” says Singh.
Opulence Rules
Once the peripherals are set, one can move on to the finer aspects of laying the table. With an influx of luxury brands, aesthetic sense and sensibilities are changing too. “People now prefer table runners to conventional table cloths. They are adopting the European dining style complete with cutlery sets and glasses. Many are going the opulent way,” remarks Mandeep Nagi, Creative Director, Shades of India. “For an opulent look, the table decor should include beautiful handmade wine glasses, elegant cutlery, silk napkins and ties, and a stunning runner.”
Classic Tones
If you are thinking luxury, white remains the timeless favourite. “A plain white tablecloth teamed with white or single-coloured porcelain, accented by silver or gold accessories makes for the classic table setting. Delicate glass and stemware will add an elegant finishing touch. It’s all about mixing tone-in-tone rather than experimenting with colour. However, you can highlight an all-white look with colourful accent pieces,” says Amit Gadkari of Villeroy & Boch India.
The Art of Cutlery
Don’t let the fork run away with the spoon! Cutlery should be carefully chosen and appropriately placed. Copper and silver tableware are timeless. “Silver is trending in India. People are choosing to invest in flatware and tableware rather than complete dinner sets” says Prashant Sarawgi, Director of S.R. Artefacts (Episode Silver). Delicate and intricate craftsmanship make these statement pieces.
Fabricating Luxe
Fabrics tell several stories at the table. The key to acheiving the perfect look, feel, colour and texture, lies in finding the right fabric. “Fabrics soften the mood and create their own identity. Silk always adds a sense of opulence. Fabrics should be thought of before incorporating the cutlery, runners et al. Subtle colours are preferred for dinner settings and brighter tones for lunch or breakfast settings,” says Nagi.
Beyond Dining
From sterling silver to bone China and Art Deco, options are aplenty. “A plush look can be achieved with an elaborate dinner set, combined with mother of pearl or other rich table mats, and a beautiful centre piece (such as a tall candle stand, a crystal statue or simply fresh flowers in a beautiful vase),” says Singh. According to her, dining is not just about the food but the accompanying ambiance. “Do remember, that interesting conversations are an important part of a meal and avoid high candle-holders or big flowering bouquets that make it impossible to see the person on the other side of the table,” advises Gadkari.
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