The art of entertaining

Calm and elegant options
• white or pastel tablecloth
• a piece of old lace in an ecru colour
• runners in a formal damask or organza
• fine china
• crystal stemware
• silver or crystal candlesticks
• fresh flowers
• bud vase with a single flower at each place setting
• soft mood music

Energy and colourful options
• table runners in bold colour or unusual pattern and fabric
• brightly coloured napkins – perhaps a different colour at each place
setting
• square bright linen napkins laid in a diamond shape down the centre of the table
• mix and match china; introduce different china designs and shapes
• coloured glassware
• unusual tablecentre:
(a) spray-paint small branches
(b) showcase wild grasses
(c) have a collection of pillar candles of different heights and colours
(d) lay seashells interspersed with small pillar candles