Getting the table game right

A well-laid table is a visual delight. It is said that "you eat with your eyes first", and a visually appealing dish increases the appetite. Likewise, a well-laid table enhances the dining experience. Setting a fine table requires appropriate tableware. It is an integral part of the dining room.

There are a variety of tableware pieces available in the market. Often, we are spoiled by the choice available and get confused while picking the right piece. Setting the table tastefully while keeping contemporary trends in mind can be a challenge.      

Basics first

Just like you, your home and space has its own personality. While picking tabletops, keeping the space in mind becomes essential. When you're choosing tableware, it is important to consider the shape, finish and style of your table. Tableware not only enhances the appeal of the tabletop but the entire space as well, and serves as a good opportunity to showcase one's creativity.

Janaki Kirloskar, CEO and founder of KIKA Tableware, says, "Create a beautiful table setting using jewel-toned linen to contrast against neutral-coloured tableware. Add metallic sparkle to your table decor for New Year's Eve with black and metallic tableware. Use a mirrored charger, beaded napkin ring and a golden disco ball to contrast against the tableware."

A good centrepiece for the dining table enhances the overall look and provides for a grand dining experience. A spokesperson from Pepperfry advises, "Ensure that your centrepieces are noticeable but not too large or showy that they literally become the centre of attraction. Your dining room is the most important space in your home, especially during festivities. Prioritise a pleasing colour tone to give it a wonderful first impression."

Setting an appealing table is not difficult, nor do you need expensive tableware or silverware. Arrangement and creativity are the key to a good table setting. Smitha Murthy, creative and managing director, ANTS, says, "Combine different materials such as wood with ceramic, glass with metal to create an interesting table setting, and add accessories and table linen to existing tableware to refresh the look. Table runners add a nice highlight to the table setting. Accessorise with scented candles to bring in a nice, cosy feel to your dinner experience." Experiment with different shapes and sizes of tableware rather than the conventional out of the box set. Let the centrepiece be the star of the table.

Susan George, curator and store owner, Xanadu, says, "Add life to your tablescape with a vibrant centre-setting. Make use of one of those jugs or serving dishes you rarely take out and decorate it with flowers or fruits. These quick and easy centrepiece ideas will surely do the job. Make good use of potpourri. Just place a beautiful bowl and fill it with potpourri. Add a special touch to your table with some handmade crafts."

Setting up linen makes the tableware distinct. There is a vast range of table linen and runners in a variety of textures and colours available in the market, which help in setting up the table.  "Place mats create a stylish space for each place setting and woven treated cotton works well too. Square place mats give a contemporary look while round place mats break up an angular table space," says Abhinav Mahajan, retail director, Maspar.

Trending now

Table linen, embellished runners, place mats, napkins, tea cosy, coasters with trims and additions like laces, cords and micro-surface detailing are trending. The latest trend in tableware is co-ordination. Co-ordinating the table decor with the cuisine you are serving is in nowadays. Mix and match various colours and textures to create your own look.

Mrinamayee Kundalia, CEO and founder, TUNI, says, "Our recommended colour for the season is a pop of deep blue. TUNI's latest collection has a range of deep blues, greens and a golden neutral along with a pop of yellow. The balance of colours should be maintained alongside the combination of decor and food. Quite often, the table setup looks lovely but we do not consider the colours the food adds to it. I recommend setting the table in a way that the food balances out the colours rather than causing chaos. For instance, in a breakfast setting, fruits bring out a robust pop of colour. Match the linen to accommodate the yellows or oranges."

If you have to set your table for a formal dinner, creativity and innovation can help create a setting that is pleasing. "One of the most important things to note is the right placement of the dinner set. The right placement of the knife and fork along with the place mats, runner and coaster are what meets the eye at first, and some guests can be particular about it too. It does not hurt to bring out the fancy cutlery. One can light up a scented lemongrass candle if preparing Asian food to get the taste buds ready. The use of an elegant candle stand will enhance the table decor. A fancy dinner always calls for some special glassware. No meal is complete without something to wash it down. So, every fancy drink does require a special glass to grace the occasion," says George.

With so many options to get your table ready, all you need to do now is get cooking. Have fun!