Unique Table Setting Ideas

Planning a party is usually all about the food—planning the menu, making the orders, choosing the silverware and china. Often, the hosts are so busy planning other details that the table itself is left to the last minute. As a result, party table settings are often rather plain and uninspired. But that’s not always the best approach to party planning. Think about it: everyone’s eyes will be on the table, and of course you want it to look presentable. It’s not enough to set the table properly; you have to make it stand out.

It can be hard to find ideas for your table setting, but it doesn’t have to be. All it usually takes is one good idea, which you can build on to create an entire theme. A well-set table can set the tone for the rest of your party and even become the party’s focal point. There are lots of ways to jazz up the usual white tablecloth and plain cutlery—you just have to look in the right places. If you’re not sure how, this guide offers a few cool ideas.

Personalized table linens

Most people are content to lay out the crisp white tablecloth and matching table napkins. But while it’s certainly safe and neutral, it looks just like any other table and lacks visual appeal. Try personalizing your tablecloth with designs that match the occasion. Use iron on transfers to print designs onto the cloth, using images you find online (or your own designs if you’re feeling really creative). You can also do the same with napkins and other table linens.

If prints seem too complicated, don’t worry—there are other ways to give your linens a personal touch. For instance, you can take some lace or colored piping and place it on the edges of your tablecloth. Use beads or buttons to add color to your napkins, or create personalized napkin rings. Or for something really different, ditch your usual tablecloth and use something else—for example, a shawl or wall fabric—to create a really unique backdrop.

Bold color choices

The easiest way to glam up your table is to give it a unique splash of color. Ditch the whites and ivories and go for bright, lively colors such as red, green and blue. A good example of color on the table is the Oprah Winter 2005 table setting. Here, the designer used a mix of bright jewel tones, gold, and navy blue. He also used intricate patterns reminiscent of Russian and Oriental décor. People initially found the design too noisy, but a closer look reveals stunning consistency and an ultimately eye-catching setup.

If you’re not quite ready for such a bold theme, start by adding smaller bits of color to a more neutral backdrop. Trade your white tablecloth for ivory, cream, or pastel blue, and use brighter colors for other table items. Your napkins, for example, can be a different color that complements your centerpiece. If you’re using place mats, choose a unique color or pattern to set off your table designs.

Off-season decor

It’s easy enough to get ideas from the season—silvery white for winter, blazing reds and oranges for fall, a tropical or floral theme for spring or summer. But chances are someone else will have done that this year. To make your table unique, think outside the box and get seasonal décor ideas from other sources. For instance, use colors that contrast the look and feel of the season itself. For Christmas, ditch the red and green and go for an elegant gold, or a festive combination of pink and blue.

You don’t have to get all rebellious, of course. You can still work seasonal touches into your table setting without affecting your theme’s consistency. To use the Christmas example yet again, add some glitter to your colored pieces so that it doesn’t deviate completely. Or if you’re setting a Valentine’s Day table, use the same flower centerpiece in less-common colors such as purple, yellow and blue.

Creative add-ons

Every table needs a few accessories, and this is where you can really experiment. Since they’re all optional, you can use unusual colors, patterns and materials as much as you want. Napkin rings, cutlery holders, centerpieces, table setting chargers—as long as it suits your theme and doesn’t get in the way, go ahead and use it. Table chargers are especially useful because they’re mostly decorative, and they add a nice layer of color to the table. Choose unique materials such as wood, leaf, glass or metal.

You can also experiment with different napkin folds. They don’t have to be elaborate; after all, they’re going to be unfolded later on anyway. Look for simple napkin designs you can do yourself. Decorate them with beads or personalized prints, and they can even double as place cards—definitely a great way to make your guests feel welcome!

Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the occasional friend’s birthday… Americans seem to have a thing for celebrating, especially in the company of friends and family. But if you’ve ever hosted one yourself, you’ll know how hard it can be to plan the party and make sure it’s memorable for everyone. It’s easy to run out of ideas when there’s an event almost every other week—but not if you’re creative enough. Here are some unique ideas you can try for your next party.

An all-out theme. Every party needs a good theme, but most people just take it for granted. Some just set a nice color combination, others just put up seasonal or store-bought décor. For your event, take the theme a bit more seriously. Set up an outdoor tent, make a soundtrack, have people come in costume. There’s no such thing as too much—if it fits in, go ahead and add it to your list.

Indoor-outdoor setups. Can’t decide between an elegant indoor dinner or a casual al fresco meal? Try a combination of the two. If the weather allows, set up your place so that people can sit wherever they want, and go in and out as they please. You can put a buffet table inside and put dining chairs and tables both indoors and outdoors. this works well for family gatherings where everyone feels more at ease.

Creative table settings. Even if it’s a casual event, it can’t hurt to get a little creative with your table settings. Choose colorful plates and cutlery, or bring out your best china and silverware. If you have a theme going, use it to get more ideas for your table as well. Use the same colors and patterns as the rest of the theme. Finish off with an attractive centerpiece that really sets the tone for your décor.

A different venue. Sometimes, even a simple change in environment can make a big difference. Try renting a function hall or restaurant venue—it saves you the trouble of cooking and decorating. If you’re on a budget, simply move it from your dining room to the backyard. Or decorate your basement and turn it into a dance hall.