Sophistication on the table

ENTERTAINING at home is taking that special effort to cook a meal for your family and friends. It could be a lavish dinner party for ten or an intimate afternoon tea for two. Setting the table right with stylish tableware, flatware and stemware is indeed part of the preparation.

There are no hard and fast rules about how to go about this but having the right plates, cutlery and drinking vessels to go with the food you will be serving is essential. Dressing up your table with chic accessories will certainly please the eye, too.

Here’s a checklist for the ideal table setting.

No 1 Tableware

Whether it’s elegant fine bone china or a dining set that you’ve inherited from grandma, using the right type of plates, bowls and serving platters is critical. Of course, it also depends on the type of cuisine you’re serving. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to mix and match tableware. So, it’s quite alright to have your Wedgwood pieces sit alongside the ones you recently picked up from Ikea, for instance.

No 2 Flatware

Stainless steel is so much more practical these days. The ranges available are endless. Choose those that look well finished and are heavy to the touch for that high-end dining feel.

If you are lucky enough to have a set of silver-plated or sterling silver cutlery, do use them for that special birthday party or wedding reception. Just remember to polish them and store them in special anti-tarnish sleeves before packing them away.

No 3 Stemware

Make your selection to match the type of dinner party you’re hosting. Elegant full lead crystal glasses are perfect for a formal evening whereas chunky glasses and tumblers made from recycled glass are just right for that casual Sunday brunch. Just make sure you have the appropriate glasses for champagne, wine, juice or water.

No 4 Placemats

It’s always nice to have placemats for each and every one seated at the table. Here’s where you have the creative licence to add texture and colour to the table. The choice of placemats are varied. Some are made from natural fibres such as cotton or linen that wash easily while others are easy to wipe clean after each meal.

No 5 Table cloth

A table cloth can help set the mood at the table. A classic pale all-white piece with scalloped and embroidered edges looks right for an elegant candle lit dinner while a bright and colourful batik creation sets the tone for a lively tropical poolside barbeque.

Notably, many modern homes in Asia have dispensed with the use of table cloths and prefer to use a runner along the centre of the table.

No 6 Flowers & more

One easy way to add freshness and style to a table is having fresh flowers. Single flower clusters lend a modern touch while a mixed bag of four or more flower varieties arranged in a low vase speaks country sophistication.

Sometimes, just a fresh leafy branch or nicely-shaped twigs arranged in a tall clear vase is all you need. A big bowl of lemons or colorful tropical fruits will also do the trick.

Use your imagination to create table settings that reflect your personality. Now, all you have to do is send out the invitations!

Raymond Lee is an interior designer and founder of Xceptional Interiors. He can be contacted at Email: [email protected] or check out www.xceptional-interiors.com.

This story first appeared in TheEdgeProperty.com pullout on April 29, 2016, which comes with The Edge Financial Daily every Friday. Download TheEdgeProperty.com here for free.