7 x DIY the best table setting

A while ago, I had the most amazing dinner at Jet’s place in her garden. Her best friends were there, the food had your mouth watering before it even got to the table and there were loads of bottles of Veuve champagne. There was excitement in the air, because Jet had already shared these restrictions with all her guests, so the bar was set pretty high. But we survived it all and not only Jet, but all her guests were extremely happy with the way everything went. The table setting was just as fabulous. Jet had laid it out in the garden, with long white covered tables, lanterns etc. So beautiful, all of it. Perhaps you have a dinner planned for this weekend, in the garden or inside, so here are some cool ideas.

1. White is always good

There is enough table linen around, and colours can be cheerful, only experience shows that food mostly looks fabulous on white linen with white plates. And we’re talking white without grease stains or tomato soup patches. White as a base looks chic, clean and organised.

2. Flowers

Flowers on the table make any room cosy. Large bouquets are not that handy, I mean no one wants to be staring at a vase all night. Buy small vases, from the Oxfam stores for examples, they don’t all need to be the same. Or even better, collect empty jam pots, cola bottles and other glassware for your flowers. Go for field-flowers, as if you’ve picked them in the most gorgeous garden, or for roses. That’ll give a more classic feel, but it depends on what kind of vibe you want with dinner.

3. candles

Candles create atmosphere immediately, inside or outside. Little tea lights dotted around the table look pretty, but it’s also an idea to use candles around the space. Then you won’t have to worry about them being knocked over on the table or something catching alight. If you don’t have enough candle holders, you could use empty wine bottles with tall candles. Perfect solution that looks amazing.

4. keep it simple

The first rule in styling: less is more. Such a pity to stick everything on the table in one go. Keep some items back, and surprise your guests. If you have five courses on the menu, you don’t have to put five plates on the table. No stacking. It’s unhandy anyway. Just one plate, and then swap them out. Guests will feel more relaxed at the table.

5. Colour in the details

Use colour for the little things on the table. For example, a little coloured bow around a fork, or a label on a wineglass (saves you from having to wash new glasses all the time), or a little paper placemat under the table with one small corner painted a colour. Yeah, you need to save time and effort for the details. You can buy all these little items in stores like HEMA, doesn’t need to be difficult.

6. Personal tags

You never get to speak to everyone at a dinner, if it’s a large group that is. Personal tags are the solution. Could be little handwritten name-tags, with your very best pen and in your very best handwriting, or as a little note next to the plate. Write something sweet, something personal, make it good so it leaves an impression. Not something just printed though, that’s very impersonal.

7. use the environment

Don’t forget to decorate the environment. A garland here and there, some pom-poms (I’ll explain) or lanterns. It’s the total impression that counts. Sounds so cliche but it’s true. The lanterns are for hanging outside and can be bought at Xenos or HEMA. Pom-poms are the birthday-garlands of now. You have to have some, and they can be used all year round as decorations in home. They’re actually little balls made from crepe paper, available in any colour and from places like buitendelijntjesshop.com. Hang them on pieces of string, throughout the house for an immediate cosy effect.

So, I’m super curious about your dinner party this weekend. More importantly, how you dressed the table. Let me know. I can’t wait.