Mini Project: Table Settings

The holidays are upon us and I wanted to do a layered table setting. My philosophy is to use what you have, no matter the occasion, you can easily find items that will bring the overall vision to fruition.

Now, on the face of it, these gas-station china that inherited don't scream Christmas, but that shouldn't deter from using them. Other accessories can bring even this summer theme to a winter-y vibe.

My cream striped table cloth will do nicely as the back drop.

I found these napkins that don't have a winter-y theme, either, but have a shimmer, that will do well.

To really bring in the Christmas of it all, I went to the dollar store and bought these gold leaf charger plates to sit under the dinner plate.

I picked up a simple and inexpensive runner at Ikea; red for a pop of Christmas colour.

Now it is time to put it all together. Layering: table cloth, runner, charger plate, dinner plate.

Silverware could be layered on the napkin, but I chose to go beside. Knife always goes on the right, edge toward the plate, glass directly above the knife. Here's an graphic showing the formal setting. Generally, you won't have this many unless it is a 5+ course meal, so pick and choose based on what you will be eating. Basically, you sort your utensils in the order with which they are served, with the outermost utensils being used first, and making your way in towards the plate.

Finally, to bring in the winter-chic, I went outside and clipped some branches from a tree in my front yard. I pruned them to make a little tidier for use as a center piece, and used some of the smaller ones to jazz up the layering.

Each place setting - simple yet effective. I chose to layer the napkin over the dinner plate since my plate is so summer-like. Add a bread plate if you have bread, wine glasses, water goblets, or a dessert spoon if you need it, get creative!!

The finished table.

So, the moral of the story, it doesn't have to cost a lot if you use what you already have, and get inventive!