The New Book of Table Settings: Creative Ideas for the Way We Gather Today

by Chris Bryant, Paige Gilchrist

Here's a guide to decorating a dinner table that's geared to today's lifestyles, when takeout in front of the fireplace counts as having friends over for dinner and a potluck picnic is far more common than a five-course meal. As a nod toward tradition, a basics section reviews the standard tableware components and provides some light-hearted refreshers on traditional put-the-salad-fork-here etiquette. More important, it shows how to assemble an all-purpose collection of tableware that will provide the foundation for almost any setting. Then, in four chapters (and with stunning photography), the book offers dozens of clever, creative, and highly do-able ideas for making tables inviting places to gather. Sometimes they're full-blown settings. Other times they're imaginative suggestions for centerpieces. The book is also loaded with tips and fun sidebars on everything from hosting a wine tasting to the best blooming branches to put in the center of your table in the spring. This book is not geared toward people who have endless space in their kitchen cabinets and unlimited tableware budgets. It's for real people--and for how they entertain today. The approach is uncomplicated; the materials are accessible; the results are striking.

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Darby]

I really liked this book. It wasn't the usual highly formal table decorating that I have seen in other books. This gives fresh ideas that create a very unique look with things that you can get easily or have right in your home.

The book covers the basics: Table setting 101, Dinnerware, glasses and flatware where the author encourages you to mix and match freely and I just love that concept. Table coverings and napkin and then flowers and centerpieces. The book gives charts and quick glance tips

And then the food and how to make the table about the food. Such as if you were going to have a taco buffet -- using terracotta planter saucers for all the toppings.

The next section and biggest part of the book is really is about decorating table for different occasions and seasons. Two of my favorite ideas were turnip candles on a little holder made of nails and raffia that would be wonderful for a fall table giving it that harvest and rustic look. And then ice luminary with cold-weather greens and berries for a winter table.

This book had quick glance tips, lists and step-by-step instructions for some projects. It is a book that I wouldn't mind having on my bookshelf.