On entertaining - fun with china Part I

In a previous post, I already shared my love for the white dinner plate (Feb 9).  Nothing beats its classic ability to complement any table decor or showcase any food.  So now I want to show you how easy it is to build a variety of table looks with the white dinner plate as the foundation.  Again, while this idea seems like a "no-brainer", I wish someone had told me sooner!

Like interior decorating of old, manufacturers today still condition us to think "matchy-match" is the right way to go.  All of the major china brands continue to pitch their complete 5-piece place settings.  In fact, many still require patterns to only be purchased in this pre-packaged set.  No open stock!  Really?  Maybe it's a marketing tactic to keep the patterns $$$ and out of reach for the masses like status symbols?   Could be. (Geeesh, marketers!)  Maybe it's simply old school thinking that hasn't caught up with today's lifestyles?  More likely.  As you've begun to see with this blog, to me, decorating and design is all about individuality and self-expression.  Absolutely use all the tools, history, traditions that are available to you. But don't be pressured into necessarily following them.  Mix it up, edit, add - create something that's as unique as you are.  

So one of my biggest insider tricks is to get the look of a designer pattern by buying only the salad/dessert/accent (s/d/a) plate.  Think about it.  When setting the table, the s/d/a plate is usually stacked on top of the dinner plate anyway.  It acts as one of the first volleys of visual impact (you know, eye candy). The plate underneath is basically hidden, so why spend the money?  Just use the classic whites you already own!  The little loss in design is more than compensated in convenience, $$$$ savings, less storage and more flexibility.  Let the eye extend the colors/patterns with linens, rings/ties, flowers and other accessories.  Check out some of these quick combinations:

Large muted green floral with coordinating mat to add a little bit of Spring.  

Summer's radiant blue is captured along with a sparkling blue ring to brighten the table.  

Fall harvest with coordinating mat to warm a cool night 

Don't be afraid of using solid color plates either.  Tone on tone can be very dramatic in and of itself.  I tend to add a little texture with the table linen, rings, placecards or flower/twig inserts.  To me, this gives a nod to the simplicity of the monochromatic design while also providing a subtle hint of interest.  Check this out:

Summer casual with a fun demitasse cup to serve a taste of chilled soup










Part 2 of my fun with china post (coming soon) will show ideas on how to play with patterns on patterns.  This is really where some creativity and uniqueness begins.  Not a rocket science, just a lot of trial and error.  (Think about picking out a tie for a suit or jewelry for a dress.)  Sometimes a clash of bold patterns works!  Sometimes it's more about opposites attract.  Hopefully, this post has already got you thinking.  About what you already have.  What you might want (and now can afford) to buy.  What might make your next table stand up and be noticed!!

Till the next time....