Holidays, Shabbat dinners and happy occasions are a great reason to hold a festive meal with family and friends. Although setting the table requires effort and advance thought, it upgrades any event and adds to the atmosphere and the festive feeling. So if you are hosting soon, or just want some design ideas, you are welcome to use our list of tips and advice for setting a festive table.
Style and colors
When designing a table, choosing the style is the first step – you can choose a classic, rustic, clean style and more. It is also important to match the colors to the style and character of the event – a holiday or birthday, breakfast or dinner, and so on. For example, natural colors such as green and brown suit a rustic look. White always works and conveys festivity, and it fits wonderfully with Passover and Shavuot meals; for a classic look it can be combined with silver or gold. Dark colors give a dramatic look. In any case, make sure that no more than 2-3 colors dominate the table.
Eating outdoors
A meal on the balcony or in the garden can be a pleasure under the right conditions. The plants or the view can be a rich source of inspiration in colors and style for the table setting, as well as a pleasant backdrop for the meal itself. You can hang a large piece of fabric or strips above the table to create a canopy look. If the meal is in the evening, you can add candles or hang small light fixtures for a magical atmosphere.
A serving table
A serving table can save a lot of running back and forth between the kitchen and the dining table, and it gives the event a relaxed atmosphere. The food should be arranged accessibly, so that it is convenient to eat around the table, standing or sitting on the sofa. It is also a good idea to prepare more dishes and cutlery than the number of guests, since people tend to leave plates in one place and return to the serving table for another helping.
A table for the children
If children are taking part in the meal, you can prepare a table especially for them. It is best to place the children’s table at one end of the adults’ table, in a spacious spot where the children have room to move and that is accessible for serving food. Choose a stable table that will support the weight of the dishes and food, as well as child-friendly cutlery. If the event lasts a long time, it is also worth adding a creative activity for the children, such as markers in a colorful cup and paper they can doodle on.
Chairs
Chances are that not all the chairs around the dining table will be identical, but with the right arrangement the mix can work. For example, place the largest chairs at the ends of the table and the smaller ones after them. One simple way to deal with different chairs is to arrange them in a repeating order around the table, preferably symmetrically, which makes a strong impression.
Lighting and music
It is best to keep the lighting bright but not too strong, at an intensity sufficient for activity around the table. Candlelight gives faces a warm, healthy glow, while fluorescent lighting creates a cold atmosphere. If you choose to play music, it should not be too loud, so that people can hold a conversation. All of these are meant to support the design and create a pleasant atmosphere for a festive event.
What goes on the dining table?
• A tablecloth, runner or placemats – the tablecloth is one of the main elements that set the tone for the table design, so it should match the chosen design style. A neutral tablecloth such as white will fit a variety of styles. A dark or colorful tablecloth will go well with plain, light dishes. Combining it with colorful dishes will give a bold look but may also be busy. It is also best for the tablecloth to cover at least half the height of the table legs. Combining it with a runner or individual placemats for each guest will enrich the look. You can even replace the tablecloth with them entirely.
• Dishes – today there is a wide range of designed disposable dishes on the market that will save you the cleanup after the meal. However, real glassware and china always have a place of honor. In any case, no matter what type of dishes you use, they don’t all have to be part of the same set. You can mix and match sets to create an original, interesting look that combines colors, prints and styles.
• Cutlery – every type of food has its own fork, knife or spoon. The more specialized cutlery next to the plate, the more formal the meal becomes. Usually the basic pieces are enough. When not all the cutlery matches, you can wrap it in a napkin and keep a uniform look.
• Napkins – folded or rolled napkins add interest to the table design. You can enrich the look with napkin rings or by tying fabric ribbons around them.
• The centerpiece – the center is the ideal place to create a focal point. You can use flowers, candles or any other design element that is interesting and suits the style and atmosphere of the holiday. It is best not to place a decoration that is higher than the guests’ eye level.
• A personal touch – place cards with the guests’ names let you control the seating arrangement and give guests a special feeling. Similarly, you can also write personal greetings for each guest.