LIFE SPACES
Fresh & Fantastic Celebrations
By Traci McBride
Does this sound familiar? We pull out our special-occasion china and serving pieces for a holiday dinner with an eye on tradition. What we end up with is a boring table and predictable place settings. The only thing that changes each year (hopefully) is the centerpiece.
Here are ways to bust out of the holiday entertainment rut with a few layering tricks:
Tip #1 – Layer your china with unexpected pieces. Try mixing prints and colors, buy salad plates in a contrasting color or print at a thrift store to layer on top of your traditional set of dinner plates.
Treat yourself to accent chargers available at big box stores or Amazon. A charger, which sits on top of the placemat and is slightly larger than the dinner plate, gives your table setting the pop and layering it needs.
Tip #2 – Layer your tablecloths. Try combining a tablecloth with a runner, then top it with placemats, chargers and china. Play with the runners; you may want to run a single one lengthwise or try several shorter ones width-wise.
Tip #3 – Elevate your buffet. Use risers to give different heights to food dishes. Not only do varying heights look aesthetically pleasing, but it is also easier for guests to serve themselves.
Don’t have decorative risers? Use shoe boxes, books, and other sturdy pieces. After placing them where you want and at the heights you want for your food, cover them with a tablecloth, a piece of fabric or easy-to-wash scarves that fit your theme.
Tip #4 – Use items in different ways:
- Cake plates make great risers under casseroles
- Use martini glasses for butter or nuts
- Place ornaments on plates covered with cloths for an unexpected look
- Hit the back yard for shrub and tree branches to place in urns
- Place flatware on trays to keep them easy-to-reach
- Place salad dressings or gravy in small teapots for practical and beautiful servinging pieces
- Use what you’ve got for syrups and sauces. Be creative and avoid serving condiments in their original containers.
- Label charcuterie board items with tiny chalkboard signs
Something as simple as potato chips can be served in something lovely, such as a basket or crystal bowl. Don’t have the right container? Borrow it from a friend and thrift the rest.
Presentation is key; delicious food tastes even better when served in something interesting and beautiful.
