Entertaining with fine linens, china, and silver is really a lost art. I think that's why it's so easy to find this stuff at yard sales and thrift stores. People don't want to iron their napkins and polish their flatware. They want things to be disposable, microwaveable, dishwasher safe and no fuss. Entertaining this way doesn't have to be fussy or high maintenance and it tells the people you're serving that they're worth the extra effort. So, get out your dinnerware sets, place mats, and dust off that dining room table. I'm going to share some of my tips for making a beautiful place setting.
I must admit, it's nice if you have a lot of pretty things to work with. I have a bit of an illness when it comes to buying hospitality related items. It's gotten much better and I'm in recovery, but a relapse can happen at any time. If you have 1970's Pyrex and cheap silverware, you're going to have a tough time setting a pretty table, but don't dismay. Pretty things can be found in unlikely places.
I bought the majority of my dishes and linens at yard sales and thrift stores. Since setting a pretty table is a lost art, people want to unload things that need to be polished and ironed. I have found sterling silver flatware mixed into the grab bins at thrift stores for a dime a piece. I've even bought ironstone plates and monogrammed linens at thrift stores for practically nothing. Just keep a look out for something that catches your eye and don't be afraid to mix and match. Just stick to styles and colors that are going to work well together.
When you're setting a place, start with the place mat, dinner plate and primary flatware.
Add on additional plates and all of the fancy schmancy flatware pieces. Don't panic if you don't put the proper utensil in its rightful place. Gone are the days of being outed from your social circle for such an egregious error. Relax. Just put them where it looks right to you.
Then layer on the napkin, cups, glasses, etc. Now, you must understand that when you set a table like this, your guests are going to freak out when they sit down. "Can I really use this cloth napkin?" "Will I be outed from this social circle if I use my dessert fork for my salad?" Tell your guests what you're doing and remind them to just have fun with it. They can use whatever fork or spoon they want for whatever dish. Invite them to enjoy the luxury of using a new fork for each part of the meal and relish the fact that their plate doesn't have "Dixie" stamped on it.
Setting out a separate cup for coffee lets your guests know it's going to be available and will more than likely accompany dessert. It also lets them know you're in no rush. And don't be shy to use soup bowls for a fruit salad or coffee cups for a side dish. Just be creative.
Play with all of the plates and flatware you own to get an idea of all of the different looks you can create. You can make napkin rings and place card holders out of a variety of household items, so don't feel limited if you don't own those things.
Mix and match and see what looks good to you and fits the occasion or season.
My advice to you as you're collecting dishes and linens is to stick with white primarily and then add punches of color through "accent" plates, cups, napkins, and rings. That way, you're not limited by plum or red dishes. It's also a trick that food looks tastier on white plates.
Next time you have some guests for dinner, try setting a table that would've been the envy of your bridge club if you were a 1950's housewife. Or maybe just surprise your family and treat them to elegant dining at home.
This may be a lost art, but let your home be the exception.
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A correction - the name my silver pattern is actually Kirk Repousse.
Stieff Rose is very similar, but not this pattern.