FROM ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS AND TRIBAL INSPIRATION TO FLORAL MOTIFS AND DESIGNER LABELS

Some people just have it – that natural ability to create a beautiful table, from the flowers to the place settings to the linens they choose. It is truly an art and one we can all become skilled at while having fun at the same time. It doesn’t need to be intimidating and can be extremely enjoyable.

Tabletop trends for fall are truly inspiring – from eco-friendly materials and tribal inspirations to floral motifs and designer labels to get you motivated. A playful trend is tribal influenced patterns. Think leopard prints and bamboo! Even Hermès has a fun line with African motifs featuring elephants and giraffes against a burnt orange background – quite dramatic. Also, check out New York’s Lynn Chase Designs’ Jaguar Jungle, Golden Cheetah and the Amazonian Jaguar lines. They are simply exotic and such fun to plan a themed dinner party around. Each of these settings would be striking with rich black or gold silk napkins, set against bamboo place mats. Small vases of single delicate orchids running down the length of the table would capture the theme. Take the idea one step further and create an African cuisine inspired menu.

Another trend is to incorporate earth friendly materials into your design. Bamboo, hemp and organic linen are beautiful in texture and look great on a simply set table. Pewter and other metals contrast this look flawlessly and many dinnerware companies have lines that feature metal trim, among them are Mikasa, Wedgwood and Jaune de Chrome. Not inexpensive, but truly desirable if your budget is willing, is an Italian line simply named Match. They have a Pewter collection that is so simple and so beautiful at the same time. It would be perfect for everyday use or, for special occasions, you could easily dress it up with heavy linens in deep jewel tones. Add old-fashioned cream roses placed into matching pewter vases to augment the richness of the table setting. Finish the look off with flickering votives spread around the table in bunches of threes.

The third trend is one that is enjoying a welcome revival – simple, clean, white place settings. Modernized from plain square or round plates to many different fabulous shapes, basic white gives you so many serving options, you’ll be plating like a chef in no time. Revol La Porcelaine and Mikasa both have great varieties and Rosenthal’s A la Carte line is both inspirational and stunning. Pairing modern white with rich elegant hues: warm reds, mustard yellows, burnt oranges and deep blues, will soften it beautifully. Fall-coloured gerbera daisies, set off against the clean whites, will stand out brilliantly.

Fashion designers are also putting their design skills onto our tables. Missoni, Vera Wang, Kate Spade and even Versace have all designed dinnerware lines with stunning results. Versace’s Russian Dream line is absolutely gorgeous and, if you’re not likely ever to wear a Versace gown, you can happily settle on drinking your morning coffee in an exquisite cup designed by same!

So, try your hand at the art of table setting and have fun with the new trends and, most importantly, share a great meal with fine friends.