Creative Ideas for Themed Table Settings
Setting the table is a task that nearly everyone is familiar with. Even children can help set the table for dinner, but everyone has their own special way of laying out the dishes, napkins and cutlery. For a formal dinner party, it is quite common to set the table traditionally with white linen napkins, silver utensils and fine china. For themed events, however, it can be fun to embrace the theme and incorporate it into the decor. With a little imagination, you can learn how to set a great looking table for any event. Here are some creative suggestions for formal events, themed dinners and even parties for children.
Appetizers in Spoons
If you are going for a traditional look but you still want to add some innovation to an ordinary dinner, consider setting the table with some extra spoons for every diner. Instead of leaving the spoons empty, fill them with perfectly portioned bites of an appetizer. A small bite of strong cheese, a beautifully seasoned bite of beef with broth or even a miniature dumpling can be a quirky and interesting way to spice up the meal.
Elegance on a Budget
One way to set the table for a formal or upscale dinner event is to buy expensive crystal glasses and lots of thick white linen. If you are on a budget and need to scale back the prices a little, there are still plenty of affordable options to consider. If you have glass vases, they can be filled with various household items for a fun look. At an autumn event, fill them with carrots and even radishes for a rustic harvest theme. At Christmas, simply fill them with pine cones found outdoors. You can also put wildflowers into old wine bottles for something simple and understated. A plate of sliced citrus, when arrange beautifully, can be attractive and smell fresh for a spring or summer event.
Chalkboards
If the food is taking center stage at your next event, there are some subtle ways to make sure your guests appreciate each dish. Instead of a traditional paper place card, use individual chalkboards to write the name of each guest and the menu. They will be able to find their place, delight in the fun decor and discover what each course has in store. As a bonus, you can simply wipe the chalkboards and reuse them, or you might even want to give them to your guests as a party favor.
Candy Wonderland
If you are planning a party for young children, candy will almost certainly play a role in the party favors or the desserts. For something truly special, let the sweet treats do double duty as decor as well. Use glass jars or large clear plastic containers as centerpieces for loose candies in a variety of bright colors. Use floral Styrofoam in buckets or cups to stick lollipops in just like a bouquet of beautifully colored and especially delicious flowers. Allow the guests to take the decor home as a favor, which is something that children will love.
Beach Landscape
Whether you are planning an event along the coast or you just want to bring a little of the beach to your home, this is a fun summer table setting idea. Fill vases with sand and shells, use seashells as place card holders and try to stick with colors like pastel blues, whites and pale greens. Serve seafood dishes for an instant connection between menu and decorations.
If you know the basics of how to set a great looking table, you can add in any creative ideas you have for a range of beautiful table settings for any event.
Cooking Culinary Arts Schools offers a directory of all types of degree programs and courses relating to culinary arts.
About this author:
