– How many will we be around the table? And what kind of atmosphere am I hoping for? These are the first questions I ask myself, and what determines whether I should have a long table or whether we can sit crowded,” says Helena Lyth.
She is a blogger and inspirer who has set many festive tables, both at home and in her work as a creative home and interior designer. Since it can sometimes be difficult to know how to start the creative table setting process, Helena says that thinking about how much space you have to work with will help you.
– If you’re planning to sit for a long time, there should be plenty of space for both arms and conversation, as well as plenty to look at. If it’s a more spontaneous and casual dinner, it should feel simple. You shouldn’t have to spend time on too many steps either. If the food can be served on the same plate that everyone takes from, it will be smooth,” she says and continues:
– To make everyday tablecloths not feel too overwhelming, I would say that all you really need to do is add something. If you never have a tablecloth normally, it can make a world of difference.
While sometimes a small decorating detail can be enough to create a more festive feel, there are of course more elements that are important for a hospitable table. Like sometimes thinking big and having a lot of everything, especially crockery, glasses and candlesticks.
That, along with arts and crafts, antiques and household items can always be found among the auctions on Tradera – all to create a table that guests won’t want to leave.
– All guests want to feel welcome, so a generous table setting creates a good start. By generous, I mean that there can be several layers of plates, even if there is no appetizer served. At least three glasses to get that inviting feeling that it will be a long and pleasant dinner. Textiles and cloth napkins frame and create a soft and welcoming feeling. Then there is no real table setting – if I may be so bold, if there are no candles on the table. It doesn’t matter if it’s a bistro-inspired table setting with just one candle in a brass candlestick or a whole forest – as long as it’s there,” says Helena and continues:
– To show your guests that you care and are looking forward to the dinner, there should be some kind of decoration for the occasion. A large bouquet or several smaller ones of fresh flowers, homemade paper decorations or place cards. Maybe some detail that shows the evening’s menu – if seafood is served, there may be shells on the table. Something to think about is using different levels. Have different tall candlesticks, a serving dish on a stand, a bouquet of tall flowers and two low ones. It creates a living table.
What types of dinner tables will we see in the future?
– I think we will want to socialize! We have lived in a time where single households have increased and loneliness is spreading. Gathering around a table for conversation and food is very important. In order for it not to be a threshold to invite home, I believe in a wave of food teams, neighborhood dinners on weekdays, potlucks and meals where we pick the food. Either by building up more buffet meals or by having a pick-up dinner in the middle of the table. I believe in more food on the table such as fondue. It provides simpler table settings to spend time on conversations and socializing.
Is there a style of table setting you like a little more?
– I can be charmed and inspired by all kinds of table settings and try many different ones. Sometimes colorful and grand, sometimes very simple. But the style I always fall back on is the classic French restaurant table setting. White tablecloth or none at all, white ironed linen napkins with patinated napkin rings, white porcelain – possibly an antique plate with a painted pattern over it. Then many glasses in different styles, one or two brass candlesticks and as decoration – brass trivets, salt and pepper grinder. Very straightforward, but still with well-chosen details and materials.
Text: Amanda Blennborn, freelance journalist
