Table Setting - To Express Ourselves In Our Own Style


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	Table Setting To Express Ourselves In Our Own Style

	One of the nicest things about entertaining at home like table setting is that it allows us to express ourselves in our own, individual style. This is reflected in the kind of food we choose to serve and how we serve it- whether it is a formal sit-down affair, or an informal buffet get-together.

	However, in the excitement of the party preparation, we rarely have time to think about setting out beautiful table setting. The most we manage is perhaps a center - piece of flowers, hastily picked up from the florist at the eleventh hour. This is a pity, because with a little planning and imagination, an attractive table setting can transform a simple affair into something really special.

	Centerpieces - These need not be limited to flowers alone. A fruit basket, a bowl of pretty seashells or candies, or a basket of bread and rolls can all be very attractive. Try to keep these small and simple though, especially for a sit-down meal. Grand displays not only look awkward on a dinning table; they also get in the way. You do not want the guest sitting across the table to be hidden from view by your exotic flower arrangement.

	By using our imagination to mix and match our existing crockery sets, we can achieve a fresh, coordinated look.

	But, however, if you are shopping for new china, do remember that plain or very simple designs are a better buy than colourful, complicated patterns. Food looks elegant on simple plates. It is also much easier to create different moods by varying the table linen and accessories with neutral china rather than complete with bold designs.

	But, however, if you are shopping for new china, do remember that plain or very simple designs are a better buy than colourful, complicated patterns. Food looks elegant on simple plates. It is also much easier to create different moods by varying the table linen and accessories with neutral china rather than complete with bold designs.

	Tablecloths and napkins - Different effects can be obtained by merely changing tablecloths. Plain Tablecloths are more elegant for formal occasions, while bright, cheerful patterns complement an informal table setting.

	Tips

	1. Keep flower arrangements low and stick to one or two shades.

	2. Fresh fruit looks attractive and can be offered to guests as dessert.

	3. For unusual centerpiece choose a breadbasket.

	Formal sit-down meal - For a meal with several courses, lay the forks on the left hand side and knives and spoons on the right. (The rounded side of the knife blade is always laid inwards.) Cutlery should be placed from the outside working inwards, as they are required during the meal. The dessertspoon and fork may be placed horizontally above the plate. Side plates are placed on the left and the bread knife may be placed on it, at an angle, or straight or on a folded napkin. Drinking glasses are placed on the top right hand side.

	Buffet layout - Lay a buffet table when you have to accommodate more people than you can sit round your dining table. To create a smooth flow and prevent collisions, arrange items in the order that they will be collected. Pushing it against a wall may set a simple buffet table. Arrange your centerpiece at the back of the table and plates, napkins and cutlery at one end. Food should be placed so that guests may help themselves easily.

	For entertaining even large numbers, the buffet table can also be arranged in the middle of the room, away from the wall. The room needs to be larger for this type of arrangement. The setting will also be more complicated because it must look good from every angle and may require two arrangements of plates, cutlery and food on opposite sides of the table.

	The one ingredient we need never be short of, in creating all sorts of lovely table settings, is imagination.