Setting the Table: Etiquette Archives

November 23, 2016November 23, 2016

Metallic Inspired Thanksgiving Tablescape

Looking for Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas on Pinterest boards and home decor magazines can be as overwhelming and time-consuming as planning a wedding! Give your brain a break this Thanksgiving and create a Metallic Inspired Thanksgiving Tablescape with an easy but elegant mixture of metallic and natural elements.

The metallic trend is here to stay but don’t believe this means you can’t also use some of the traditional nature inspired Thanksgiving decor, such as gourds, wheat and Indian Corn, on your Thanksgiving tablescape this year as well.

One of my favorite looks is mixing the two decor trends together. Look for faux gourds in rich metallic tones like bronze, matte gold and copper which naturally complement the gold tones of wheat and the deep reds and browns of dried Indian Corn.

Place textured chargers under your china, then top each Thanksgiving placesetting with a linen napkin tucked into a grapevine napkin ring – then add a placecard if you like. One of my top tips for setting a Thanksgiving tablescape is to keep the decor low and tight, this allows guest to speak to each other over the centerpeice.

For this tablescape I am mixing and matching my glassware… we have “lost” a few to kitchen tragedies and I have more than enough. So why buy more when they all look so festive mixed together.

Entertainers Tip :: when mixing glassware have one common variable. For instance here they are all clear glass with a stem.

Bring all the tones and textures together on your Thanksgiving table by tucking in a few sprigs of my favorite foliage Eucalyptus. The leaf color and shape looks great with metallic seasonal decor and perhaps even a bit of the calming energy to your gathering.

Happy Thanksgiving from my home to yours!

October 29, 2015October 29, 2016

Krayl’s Nature Inspired Tablescape for A Fall Gathering

Fall is a season for falling – falling leaves, falling temperatures and for me, a time to fall back in love with your home. What better way to reconnect than to set the table, light a few candles and invite friends to gather around for a casual late afternoon meal of seasonally inspired comfort food – Pumpkin Soup and Mini Sage Grilled Cheese sandwiches.

The elements for this table, like the menu, are inspired by the beauty of nature happening outdoors. Well, actually more than inspired continue reading on Inspired Home…

As many of you already know, I have been selected by the International Housewares Association to be a contributor for The Inspired Home. While I have been compensated for my time, you know I LOVE tableware so the opinions, recipes, photography, reviews and ideas are my own.

October 14, 2014October 24, 2016

White + Orange Mini Pumpkin Tablescape

I love the vibrant colors of Fall but really, is there anything better than those little white mini pumpkins? They just call out my name to be part of a Fall or Thanksgiving table setting.

Keep it all white or mix them in with the mini orange pumpkins to create the perfect table to welcome your autumn guests to the table.

A neutral blue tablecloth works a blank canvas for your decor elements like, wooden charges, bright green reindeer moss, white birch votives and floral arrangements.

Keep the pallete clean with pretty flowers to complement the white but not fight with it. Purple adds color but won’t draw attention from your mini whites. Use a white birch box covered box as a container to arrange them in, consider using wild flowers as a filler {they look great and keeps the overall cost down, especially if you are making 3 or 4 to line the table}.

After placing your floral arrangements down the center, fill in the table with groupings of mini white pumpkins, white birch votives and Chartreuse green reindeer moss to add textural and visual variety.

For a special Fall table I love to use this equestrian inspired flatware, it is shiny and adds another layer to the story. I have literally had entire conversations based off the chic little buckle!

For the final touch add a single mini white pumpkin on top of white linens on your layered accent plates.

Sure you want it to be perfect but remember in the end, entertaining is all about connecting with your guests, keep that focus and your gathering will be a success.

What are your plans for Thanksgiving or Fall entertaining? What is your #1 concern when it comes to entertaining at home?? Leave a comment below and start the conversation.

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And, if you are looking for even more easy holiday entertaining, check out An Appealing Plan the book.

I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations.To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here.

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March 29, 2013March 19, 2018

Last Minute Easter Entertaining & Tablescape Ideas

Entertaining friends and family for Easter Brunch or Dinner is a wonderful way to kick off the spring entertaining season. incorporating just a few easy tips you will feel confident about your hostess skills and head into a stress free holiday.

Just for you! My Spring Entertaining Checklist. Download, print out and make your next gathering as enjoyable as a spring breeze.

#1: You Can’t Go Wrong with Flowers.

Pick up a few bunches from your corner grocery. Stick to all one variety for more impact. Place them on your entranceway table, dining table, bathroom and in your bedroom.

#2: Choose a Theme and Run with It.

Love green? Find green spring accessories to add to the table. Use green ribbon as a napkin ring. Place white flowers in a green glass vase. Pour water into your favorite green glassware. Keeping with one theme helps unify a table.

#3: Pretty Doesn’t Have to Feel Formal.

Many people fear that is they set a beautiful table guests will feel uptight. Untrue, guests feel uptight when you feel uptight. Set a lovely table and let your easy-going graciousness set the tone for the gathering. Using casual colors, materials and wildflowers help create a less formal feel.

#4: Have a Plan. And Share It.

This applies to getting ready for as well as during the gathering.

PREP:

* Creating a list of items you need; to set the table; from the grocery store; serving the meal, Then delegate. Sharing these duties takes the pressure off of you to “do it all”.

* Let guests know what time they should arrive AND what time you expect the meal will be served. Everyone’s version of a timetable is different.

DURING:

* Create place cards if you prefer guests sit in a particular seat or to help ease tension when its is time to be seated.

* Menu cards can help let guests know what they will be eating and helps answer any awkward dietary restriction questions in advance.

#5: Enlist Support If You Need It.

Support can come in the form of family members or in an outside service. For some hiring a professional to set the table, cook the meal or even help serve can alleviate much of the stress of entertaining and allow for a more pleasant holiday.

Just for you! My Spring Entertaining Checklist. Download, print out and make your next gathering as enjoyable as a spring breeze.

December 27, 2012February 2, 2014

A Reflective Holiday Table

Looking to create a tablescape for a special gathering and not sure where to start?

Begin with one item to create your INSPIRATION. It can be a color, a texture, a word, your favorite vase, the holiday itself, anything will work. For this tablescape it was the mirror top of the Antique French dinning table recently acquired and delivered in time for the holiday gathering. Using mercu ry glass vases, bowls and votives to line the center of this long table allowed for each piece and flower to reflect creating an amazing display.

Additionally, the blue paint of the walls of the room was mirrored in the blue of the Seeded Eucalyptus and blue in the large oversized Curtain Call chargers by Wedgwood designed by Barbara Barry.

Varying heights of votives & taper candles in clear crystal and mirror finishes mimic the overhead chandler. Christmas Crackers add a fun touch of whimsy and a conversation starter.

White Tulips add a level of texture and dimensions to the Seeded Eucalyptus bowls. The raised bowl shape is reflected in the table creating the effect of a double arrangement. Test the height of the arrangements by sitting in each chair to be sure the guests will be able to clearly see each other above them. Polished flatware continues the Reflective theme on to the white napkins.

By using one item for inspiration your table will look cohesive and polish {pun intended!}.

Cheers & Enjoy

{Wondering which fork goes where? Learn more…Here. }

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December 20, 2012April 12, 2022

Seasonal Decor: Crazy For Crackers

Every year I find there is one item I tend to use over and over in seasonal designs. This year it looks like Christmas crackers are the winner. I didn’t start out to use them but have been finding them EVERYWHERE and they fit into each project in a different way.

If you are not familiar with this tradition brought over from the United Kingdom here are a few of the “stories” behind them:

“They were first made in about 1850 by a London sweet maker called Tom Smith. He had seen the French ‘bon bon’ sweets (almonds wrapped in pretty paper), and one night, while he was sitting in front of his log fire, he became very interested by the sparks and cracks coming from the fire. Suddenly, he thought what a fun idea it would be, if his sweets and toys could be opened with a crack when their fancy wrappers were pulled in half….” {via Why Christmas }

“Eventually Tom perfected his chemical explosion to create a ‘pop’ caused by friction when the wrapping was broken This eventually became the snap and the cracker was born. The trade jumped at Tom Smith’s latest novelty, and he was snowed under with orders. Very quickly he began to refine his product – he dropped the sweet and the ‘bon bon’ name, calling his new crackers Cosaques, but he kept the motto and added a surprise gift….” { via Tom Smith Crackers }

Hosts and guests love the paper hats inside of most crackers which always makes for great conversation AND those festive pictures!

I have used them as a fun Placecard Holder for a formal dinner table. { also see the Pinecone Placecard Holder idea?}.

Or as an accent to a buffet side table.

And as decoration down the center of a dining table.

Pick them up at your local store or on-line and let us know where you use them this year!

{Stuck on how to decorate your holiday table? Consider Tablscape design by An Appealing Plan! Contact us today to be ready for your gathering….more}

December 3, 2012November 19, 2013

Placesettings Explained

Although we live in a less formal world where pretty much anything goes when it comes to setting your table, it is always best to start with a knowledge of the proper way to do anything. Once you understand the proper etiquette of how to set each place setting you can manipulate it to achieve your preferred style.

This image is a fantastic straight forward approach to learning the Formal and Informal versions.

This biggest change most people make to the Formal setting is reducing the number of glasses. Most do not have enough glasses or table space to allow for three per guest. In most situations one wine glass and a water glass will work just fine.

Next change would be the bread and butter plate & knife, and for similar reasons as the glassware, quantity and lack of space.

A tradition that is often skipped which will actually save you time and space in the long run is the dessert fork and coffee spoon placed above the plate. By placing these two pieces right from the start you have saved a step in between courses. After dinner simply clear all flatware on the sides of the plate, slide the dessert course flatware down to each side and you are ready to serve your pie!

As mentioned, our society is becoming less and less formal on a daily basis however, during the holidays I find it is nice to take a tip from the past and set the table with a slightly more formal touch.

My advice? Learn the rules first then bend them, do it well with purpose & beauty and your guests will not question you. {or at least you will have the knowledge to respond correctly if they do!}

Most important, Enjoy~ krayl

November 7, 2012February 2, 2014

In the News: A Naturally Thankful Season {article published in Impart Magazine}

A NATURALLY THANKFUL SEASON

No matter what part of the country you live in, for most Americans, Fall is a time filled with images of harvest, abundance, cool weather, and gathering with family and close ones. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the 2012 Fall Season officially begins on September 22^nd and ends on the Winter Solstice December 21^st but no one day most embodies the season more than Thanksgiving Day, or weekend if you are luck, filled with family, friends, laughter, sharing memories, and of course plentiful food. Preparing your home for that one day, however, can be overwhelming if you attempt to menu plan, shop, decorate, set the table and cook all in a matter of the three days prior to the big feast… Read the Full Article Here {written by Krayl Funch}

Topics covered in the full article include:

“Start At The beginning” : Creating a Seasonal Entranceway

“Bring it Inside”: Bring the outside in to celebrate nature

“Before the Big Feast”: Reduce stress by preparing in advance

Read the Full Article Here

Or view recent posts on related topics:

Make a Grand Entrance This Season / Fall Entertaining & Tablescapes

{Please contact us if you are interested in working with someone to help plan & coordinate your holiday gathering. In-person & Virtual Services available Info@AnAppealingPlan.com}

October 13, 2012February 2, 2014

Fall Entertaining and Tablescape Ideas

Entertaining over the next few weeks? Or looking to getting a jump on your Thanksgiving table?

Here are a few tips to get you started.

A FALL HARVEST DINNER: TABLESCAPE & ENTERTAINING TIPS

* Start At the Beginning*

{image by HGTV}

Set the tone of your gathering as your guests step onto your front porch with containers filled with seasonal plants such as mums mixed with decorative grasses.

* Simple Sophistication *

An everyday collection of white plates easily serve as the back drop to leaf shaped accent plates in Autumnal colors. Place a folded linen napkin peeking out from under for added texture.

* Nature At Its’ Best *

A variety of natural elements are abundant in the fall and deserve to be showcased. Decorate the center of your table with Heirloom variety pumpkins, scattered acorns and turning leaves from around your home.

HOSTESS TIP:

To reduce hostess anxiety. Set the table the day before your are entertaining. It will help reduce your stress over time and also help you realize if you need to run out and pick up anything you might be missing. {You should tweet that one!}
Oh and by the way, ENJOY! ~ Krayl

{looking for assistance in designing or executing your gathering? Please contact me for a consultation.}