I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to have a few small celebratory events in my home for friends and family. It’s been a very long 18 months and I want to enjoy time with those I’m closest to. I also want to dress up, put out the good china, and make each moment special. Here’s how I take things up a notch when I’m planning a tablescape for a sophisticated soiree!

Pick Your Palette

To make a table look chic and cohesive, select a color palette to tie it all together. The color of the chairs in the dining room above made pink an easy first choice, but I added in cream, white, and even black to tone down the sweetness. You could choose an all-white table, or navy and gold. Look at your china for color inspiration, too!

Layer Your Tableware

Just like the most gorgeous interiors, the perfect table has layers of plates, bowls, stemware, and serveware. I used eye-catching chargers and placed deep black plates on top to add drama. I also put gold bowls on black dessert plates, and pulled out all the silver for a “fancy party” look. Notice that I also found a pale pink bowl that looks like a shell to serve up nibbles, And I placed wine bottles directly on the table because they have coordinating pink labels. Each of those layers adds interest and personality to the table.

Select Smart Florals

Of course you want your floral arrangements to coordinate with the color palette, but you also want to think about how people at your table will interact. You don’t want them to constantly have to move around a massive arrangement to see someone across the table. The perfect florals for conversation are either small short arrangements (use several for a luxe look!) or a tall arrangement that allows people to see each other. The one on the table above is lush and dramatic, but tall enough that seated guests will have no problem talking with someone on the other side of the table.

Add Luxe Details

Details always make the difference in a table setting. They not only set a sophisticated tone, but they also help fill the tabletop so it look layered and inviting. There’s nothing worse than sitting down to a table that has vast open spaces of white tablecloth. So use placecards, chic knife rests, individual salt and pepper shakers, and lots of stemware for water and wine. You can also add a surprise, like the sets of vintage glass grapes on each plate. These can be just for show, or you could really make your guests feel special by gifting them. As for your linens, be sure they’re soft to the touch and have their own bit of glamour. As you can see below, I added band of long fringe to the bottom of the tablecloth to make a bold statement.

Use these ideas to create special events in your home. Remember to make every moment really count. And use the good china any time!

All the best,

Kara