Filed under: Your Home, Fun Stuff, Parties & Entertaining, Design, etc
Spice up Sunday night dinner with simple table setting ideas taken from over-the-top designer tabletops.
Vicente Wolf for Architectural Digest
At DIFFA's DINING BY DESIGN events, designers are to create 3-D dining installations that push boundaries, inspire guests and set the stage for fundraising. Yes, these tables are, by definition, extravagant. But that doesn't mean they aren't filled with small, simple take-home tips that you can put into place for tonight!
Today's table: Architectural Digest's table for DIFFA's DINING BY DESIGN
Table Idea #1: Think Floral
After all, it is that time of year, isn't it? But we don't just mean any floral arrangement. Follow the tips of this table setting -- multiply, cluster and use like colors. We're not saying you have to go as crazy as a wall of flowers but do use more than just your average bunch. Clump flowers together tightly to give the overflowing-yet-still-confined look of the flowers above. And lastly, take a color tip from this setting. Stay within one range of colors -- like the white, lavender and pale blue pictured. It's more composed than jumping across the rainbow but more dynamic and visually appealing than a monotone arrangement.
Table Idea #2: Change the Lighting
Lighting sets the tone. As soon as guests walk in, this is what hits them first (yes, even before they notice your meticulously set table.) So play with your options, starting with the dimmer. The level of light is super important -- and no, a dimmed tablescape is not just for romantic dinners. It can make your guests feel more festive, more catered to. All just by turning down the lights!
Table Idea #3: Chair Cushions
Maybe you've got a set of cushion-less chairs, or maybe the cushions you've got are feeling a little dated. Why not bring in a new set of plush, beautiful cushions for an unexpected new look -- or ever reupholstering if you're feeling ambitious. No, this isn't just a cosmetic change -- Sunday dinners can last awhile. You want to be comfy, don't you?
Look out every weekend for Sunday Table Ideas, and check out last week's table setting.