The Perfect Table Setting

There are a lot of little details that go in to planning the perfect dinner party besides just the food. What flowers will you put on the table? What flatware will you use? Do you have enough seats for guests? And of course, how should your dining room look? Summer is the perfect time to host intimate dinner parties with friends, and we teamed up with Twenty Two Home to bring you some fun tips and tricks for your dining entertainment design.

1. Mix and Match different styles of plates but stay within the same collection.

We love the way these Astier de Villatte dishes go together so effortlessly. These Parisian ceramic plates are lightweight and food and dishwasher-safe and are designed to be mixed and matched with different styles within the collection. You can also go for some unique plates and cutlery, such as Kintsugi plates, which are broken plates joined with adhesives, and the cracks are highlighted with paint or a metal coating. If interested, you can even create your own Kintsugi plates by breaking an old set of dishes, joining them with glue similar to the one available on Sugru.com, and using golden paint over the cracks. In this way, you can give your table decor a traditional touch.

2. Let the season determine your linens.

Linens are a great way to add a pop of color to your table as well as show off the season. For summer, stick with lighter linens and summer-inspired colors, like the light blue napkin we chose here by the Belgian company Libeco. For the cooler months, plaid and heavier fabrics work great. If you don’t have napkin rings, work with napkin placement to add a unique flair.

3. Natural elements and metal work great together.

Wood and antlers are very popular in rustic decor. Many artists and designers are now mixing copper, silver and gold with wood and antler to produce gorgeous artistic flatware and serving utensils. Some of our favorite designs are handmade by Simon Pierce, a Vermont based company.

4. Always bring an aspect of nature to your table.

22 Home believes in bringing nature to the table and bringing the outdoors in. It’s refreshing to have flowers, succulents, wood and natural fibers on your dining table.

5. Invest in some unique pieces.

There are always a few pieces that you see at a friend’s house that you exclaim you just have to have. Pick up a few accent pieces that work with your dining set that are unique to your personality. A few of our favorites included a William Yeoward wine bottle, a handmade platter by airedelsur, and illustrated plates by New York illustrator John Derain. Check out the unique pieces at Twenty Two Home and find some fun pieces for your next dining party.