Entertaining Essentials: Table Settings Made Simple

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Are you planning a dinner party? It's an exciting thing to look forward to, to break bread with your nearest and dearest. People have been enjoying each other's company over a shared meal since time immemorial. But if you want to take your entertaining to the next level, you need to know all about table settings, hosting etiquette and more. This helpful article will cover the entertaining essentials, and we'll make table settings simple and easy to understand, as well as covering some common hosting mistakes that you should avoid. So, if you're interested in this topic, continue reading to learn more.

Feature Chairs 

Accent or feature chairs elevate your entertaining experience. Feature chairs, also known as statement chairs, are single-seat chairs designed to stand out and add personality, style, or a focal point to your dining room. They serve as both decorative pieces and extra seating and can complement existing furniture or provide a bold contrast in colour, design, or material.

Place Settings

Now we'll discuss place settings, covering casual, semi-formal and formal. 

In a casual setting, you're mostly aiming for simplicity and should only include items that will actually be used to dine and drink. The dinner plate will sit in the centre. To its left goes a fork, and to the right a knife. If a spoon is needed, it goes to the right of the knife. A napkin can rest either to the left of the fork or folded atop the plate. A single drinking glass is placed above the knife, slightly to the right. If you're serving wine with the meal, a wine glass is added to the right.

A semi‑formal setup steps it up a notch. At the centre, you may begin with a charger or placemat underneath, then a dinner plate, sometimes a salad plate and also a bowl on top if salad/soup is part of the menu. To the left, you'll see two forks: the outermost is the salad fork, and the inner fork is the dinner fork. To the right of the plate sits a dinner knife, then maybe a soup spoon. Above you'll find a water glass (directly above the main knife) and a wine glass to its right. Some settings also include a dessert fork or spoon placed horizontally above the plate. The napkin may be tucked under or beside the forks, or placed on the salad plate. The idea here is more layering and more utensil options, but still not as many as a fully formal setting. 

Formal dining is the most elaborate. The foundation is a charger that stays in place through the meal. On top of it might be a soup bowl, then salad or entrée plates as the courses progress. To the left of the charger are three (or more) forks: from left to right, the outermost is for the first course, then the next is for the next course, and the innermost is for the entrée. To the right of the charger, you'll see multiple knives, always with blades facing inward, and spoons to the right of the knives. Above or behind the charger, you'll often find dessert cutlery: typically a dessert spoon and fork placed horizontally above the plate.

Layering Basics 

The next topic we'll cover in this article is dinner table layering. The first element of table layering is your tablecloth or linen. To choose table linen, consider the occasion, material, and size. You might choose casual materials like cotton or linen for everyday use and more durable ones like polyester for outdoor dining, while formal occasions, like your upcoming dinner party, call for elegant materials like pure linen or Egyptian cotton. Measure your table accurately and select a size with a desired drop that complements the event's formality—shorter for casual, longer for formal dinners. Next is the charger, as mentioned above, a decorative plate that isn’t used for dining. Consider some inventive and creative napkin folds to take it to the next level, and if dining with people who aren’t familiar with each other, consider name cards to ease introductions. 

Simple Centrepieces 

Next, we'll share a few simple centrepieces for your dinner party. A vase, either empty or with some fresh flowers, is a great centrepiece, provided that it doesn't block the view of people dining across from each other. If you're celebrating a Halloween event, a carved pumpkin can add some spooky vibes. A candelabra may also work here, but ensure that the candles are in a safe position where no one is at risk of getting burned. 

Seating Tips

When it comes to seating, there are a few things you can do. It is typical for romantic partners to be seated across from each other, rather than next to each other. If your table is rectangular, then it is customary for the hosts to sit at either end of the table, with the person in charge of the cooking being the closest to the kitchen. If you have an important guest, or a guest of honour, like for someone's birthday, it is usual that they will be placed in a central seat rather than sitting next to the host at one end. 

Common Host Mistakes to Avoid

Common dinner party host mistakes include being overly ambitious with cooking and menu planning, and having it all fall apart as a result. Another mistake is neglecting guest interaction while striving for perfectionism, doing all the work alone without help, and making guests feel rushed out after a meal. Other common host errors involve not providing enough food or drinks, especially on an empty stomach, and stressing too much, which can create a tense atmosphere and deprive your guests of relaxation and enjoyment.

A Dinner Party Summary

In this helpful article, we've covered entertaining essentials and provided a guide to dinner table settings, host etiquette, seating arrangements, and common host mistakes to avoid. 

How To Plan The Perfect Home Bar: A Step-By-Step Guide

Imagine it. You walk in after a hard day. Your home bar is waiting for you, inviting you to make yourself a cool drink. If you long for the ability to pull up a chair with a glass of your favorite suds enjoying time with family and friends right in your own home, you should know that it’s easier than you think. With this step-by-step guide, you can build the home bar of your dreams.

Select a Location

Before you can start designing your home bar, you must choose a location in your home that will accommodate everything you need. Think about what you want to have in the bar. Do you want a small space for mixing drinks in your dining room? Or would you rather have a dedicated entertainment space for the bar, perhaps in the basement or on the patio? Make a list of furniture and appliances you’ll need. Consider using an augmented reality app to help you test out different configurations and confirm that you have enough space for everything you want.

Create a Functional Layout

Once you have the location, you can start to create a floor plan. Although a home bar could be a work of art, it should also be functional. Set a reasonable bar height, 42 inches for most people. If you want seating at the bar, be sure to leave at least 24 inches per seat. Avoid overcrowding the countertop, as you’ll need room to mix drinks (and possibly prepare snacks). Don’t forget about storage. If you’re going to keep your appliances below the counter, consider shelves or upper cabinets for the barware.

Identify Your Style

With a general layout in mind, you can brainstorm the best style for your bar. Think about the aesthetic that you’re hoping for. Do you long for a design that reminds you of a Victorian country home? Aim for lots of wood and gentle curves. Would you prefer to keep it simple? Consider open shelving and clean lines. Dying for a maximalist style? Go wild with wallpaper and intricate tilework. Just make sure that the design works with the rest of the space, using a cohesive color palette or other common design elements.

Choose Equipment and Barware

Now that you have a layout and general style for the bar, you can start to choose equipment and barware. Consider appliances that will keep your bottles and cans at the perfect temperature for serving, such as a beer cooler or wine fridge. Install a sink with a hot water line for easy cleanup. For barware, make sure that you cover bases with bar tools, such as a blender or shaker. Add glasses for your favorite drinks, including wine glasses, beer mugs, and highball glasses.

Stock the Bar

With everything in place, you just need to stock the bar. Depending on your tastes, filling out the bar can be a budget-buster. Measure the space, and plan to make multiple trips to the store. Cover the bases, including the most common spirits, a few bottles of wine, and your favorite beers. Remember to include mixers and garnishes, like cola or cherries. Aim for a smaller selection of your favorites instead of trying to get everything at once. You’ll need to be able to grab the bottles without causing the others to topple. 

Building a home bar can give you a great space to relax or entertain, with everything you want for a wonderful night. By following this guide, you’ll know what you need to make the perfect bar for your home.

Author bio: Trevor Crivello is the founder and President of Iron Mountain Refrigeration and has a decade of experience in commercial refrigeration. Iron Mountain Refrigeration supplies commercial refrigeration equipment to fast-casual restaurants ranging from small operations to large national chains. Crivello leads Iron Mountain Refrigeration with a passion for quality and a devotion to providing the highest level of customer service.

SOURCES

https://www.luxlampshades.com/blogs/lux-blog/designing-your-home-bar-a-step-by-step-guide

https://homegamesroom.co.uk/blogs/home-bar-setup-and-essentials/setting-up-a-home-bar-a-step-by-step-guide

Elevate Your Entertaining: How To Craft the Perfect Deck for Hosting Events

Creating a space where you can entertain guests while simultaneously enjoying the great outdoors is a dream for many homeowners. A well-designed deck not only adds value to your home but also serves as an extension of your living space, merging the comforts of indoors with the beauty and openness of outside. Whether you're planning intimate gatherings or extravagant parties, crafting the perfect deck requires thoughtful planning and design. In this guide, we will explore key elements that contribute to creating a sophisticated and functional hosting venue right in your own backyard.

Design With Purpose

The first step in crafting the ideal entertaining deck is to define its purpose. Consider how you plan to use the space — will it be primarily for family dinners, large social gatherings, or perhaps both? This will guide decisions on size, layout, and features. For example, if you anticipate hosting large parties, you'll need ample seating areas and possibly multiple levels or zones for different activities. Conversely, an intimate dining setting might prioritize cozy nooks with built-in seating or a fireplace feature.

Choose High-Quality Materials

Investing in high-quality materials will ensure longevity and minimal maintenance for your deck over time. Hardwood options like ipe and teak offer durability and a sophisticated aesthetic but come at a higher price point. Composite materials are increasingly popular due to their resilience against weather conditions and ease of care without sacrificing style. Regardless of choice, selecting materials that complement the architectural style of your home will create a cohesive look that enhances overall curb appeal.

Incorporate Functional Features

To truly elevate your entertaining experience, consider incorporating functional features such as built-in bars, grilling stations, or even outdoor kitchens equipped with refrigeration units and prep spaces. These additions allow hosts to prepare meals effortlessly while remaining engaged with guests — a must-have for any serious entertainer. Moreover, integrating technology such as sound systems or ambient lighting can add another layer of sophistication and ensure events transition seamlessly from day to night.

Create Ambiance With Lighting and Decor

When it comes to outdoor entertaining, lighting and decor play a crucial role in setting the mood and ambiance of your space. Consider incorporating various lighting elements such as string lights, lanterns, or even subtle LED fixtures strategically placed throughout the area. These lighting choices not only provide functional illumination but also add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your outdoor gatherings. Additionally, carefully selecting decor items such as stylish furniture, cozy cushions, and vibrant outdoor rugs can elevate the overall aesthetic appeal while ensuring utmost comfort for your guests.

Plan for Weather and Privacy Considerations

When designing your deck, it's essential to take into account weather conditions and privacy considerations to ensure a comfortable and intimate outdoor experience. Incorporating elements like pergolas or retractable awnings can provide shade during hot days or shelter from light rain. Utilizing outdoor curtains or decorative screens can add an extra layer of privacy, creating a cozy and secluded ambiance. Additionally, integrating features like outdoor heaters or fire pits can extend the usability of your deck during cooler evenings or seasons.

Designing a remarkable deck that seamlessly blends style, functionality, and purpose is an art form worth investing in. By envisioning how you intend to use the space and carefully considering the needs of your gatherings, you can tailor your deck to accommodate everything from intimate dinners to extravagant celebrations. A company like Timberbuilt Rooms can provide more information on building a custom deck. With each element meticulously selected and harmoniously integrated, your deck will not only enhance the value of your home but also become a remarkable extension of your living space — an enticing outdoor oasis for hosting memorable moments and embracing the beauty of the great outdoors.

From Intimate Dinners to Grand Galas, Find the Perfect Table for Every Occasion

We partnered with a home design company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

Are you in charge of planning a corporate event, or is it a friendly get-together party you’re hosting? In any case, you will need suitable table pieces that perfectly match the theme of the occasion. Nowadays, you can manage this task easily, thanks to the online services that rental furniture companies offer. There are various choices available, so you will surely find the one that you’re looking for. From intimate dinners to grand galas, there are tables for rent in different styles and sizes. Depending on the space, whether the event takes place outdoors or indoors and what the occasion is, you can make the final decision. 

A Wide Variety of Choices to Fit Every Occasion

As we have already stated, rental furniture companies offer a wide array of tables that cater to every occasion. From the sleek, sophisticated cocktail glass tables to the vintage trestle tables, anything you need is out there. Are you looking for elegant Hoxton tables, or is it the beer tables that you need? You can find these pieces online, and the special crew will get it to you in no time. Coffee tables, side tables, cafe tables, dining tables - you just name it. Whatever your event, whether it's a lavish gala or an intimate dinner gathering, you and the group of professionals will make it work.

How to Choose the Suitable Table for the Event

When selecting the table for your event, you need to carefully consider various aspects to ensure it is ideal for the occasion. Factors such as the venue size and layout, the type and theme of the event, the number of guests expected, and the desired atmosphere all play a crucial role. Still, this is not all. Practical aspects like the functionality of the table, its durability, and ease of setup should be weighed. By assessing these elements thoughtfully, you can choose a table that meets your aesthetic preferences.

Taking Space into Account

Before you select tables for the event, it is crucial to assess the spatial dynamics of the venue. Whether the space is expansive or intimate, wide or narrow, indoors or outdoors, enclosed or open-air, each aspect profoundly influences the choice of table. For instance, in a compact indoor setting, opting for sleek, space-saving designs like cocktail or cafe tables can maximise space and encourage guests to mingle. On the other hand, in vast outdoor locales, more durable and weather-resistant options such as picnic or trestle tables may be preferable to accommodate larger gatherings. By considering these variables, you can choose the model that harmonises with the event's setting.

Considering the Theme of the Event

Selecting the style of table for an event depends greatly on aligning it with the theme of the occasion. You don’t want to mess up with furniture that is totally out of it. Thus, to create a harmonious, tasteful atmosphere, you need to think twice. For instance, if you’re hosting a formal affair, such as a black-tie gala, elegant and refined options like round or banquet tables draped in luxurious linens can exude sophistication and grandeur. Conversely, for a rustic outdoor wedding, charming farmhouse or picnic tables can evoke a relaxed vibe. By meticulously matching the style of the table to the theme of the event, you can create an elegant look and leave a lasting impression on attendees.

Final Thoughts

whether you're organising a corporate event or hosting a casual gathering, finding the perfect table is pivotal to setting the stage for a memorable experience. Thanks to the convenience of online rental furniture services, today, a diverse array of options is available to suit every occasion and theme. By carefully considering factors such as the space of the venue and event theme, along with practical considerations, you can select the ideal table that perfectly goes with your vision. We hope our recommendations will help you find the perfect furniture for your event and wish you luck with your plans.