Anatomy of a Place Setting

Earlier this year I started a series here on the blog called Anatomy of…

The goal of these blog post is to share the ins and outs, the details and tips and techniques for decorating different areas of your home.

Just in time for Thanksgiving and because the dinner table it such an important part of the holiday, I thought I’d share the Anatomy of a Place Setting!

Here’s a look at the components that make for the most beautiful dining table settings.

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The centerpiece is the focal point of any table.  The best centerpieces and bold and dynamic while still allowing conversation to easily flow across the table.

When using a floral or greenery element as the centerpiece, mix your floral elements to provide textural interest and position one element as the dominate piece (pumpkins, a single flower variety)

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Pattern mixing is an easy way to add visual interest to your table.  Use plates with different patterns that relate in color for each place setting.

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Whether you’re dining in formal style or casually, layers within your table decor and place settings is what will give your table dimension.  Layers include the tablecloth, placemat and/or charger, serving places and  bowls.

Linen napkins can also be layered between plates to add a soft elements that contrast the china.

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Just like pattern mixing, texture will add depth and dimension to your table.  Look at incorporating textured placemats or plates and create a centerpiece that exudes texture.

An easy way to create a textured centerpiece is by using produce from the grocery store.

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Incorporate the dinner napkins into the decor on your Thanksgiving dinner table.  Use a decorative napkin ring or embellish your napkins with a fall accent to tie it into the overall design of the table setting.

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Everyone will love to have their space at the table highlighted and personal name tags are a fun way to personalized your Thanksgiving table.  Get creative and create a place card the accents the table decor.

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Candles are a must for any dinner party.  Use unscented candles on the table and leave scented candles for the surrounding rooms.

Taper candles look best when grouped in odd numbers and pillar candles will look my dynamic if you use different heights which will add visual interest.

And, when it comes to setting the table like the pros, here a helpful guide to guide you.

We’re having Thanksgiving dinner with special friends but I couldn’t help set my own table which the hubs and I will use for our Thanksgiving Eve meal.  I’ll share my table decor with you next week.

The recipe for the Spiced Pumpkin Punch can be found here!