Tablescape Details: blue napkins c/o || table runner c/o || rattan placemat c/o || basket tray c/o || white plates || silverware || glasses {old from Mexico} || blue and white ginger jars {from Home Goods but similar here}
Whenever I’m doing a big shoot, I always call my favorite stylist – Cindy Nelson. AKA my mom! Cindy is naturally gifted with an incredible eye for detail and all things pretty! She used to work at Pottery Barn and handled all their in-store displays. So it’s really fun for both of us to work together on Cedar & Rush’s more elaborate settings.
When styling an outdoor brunch with Serena and Lily, we couldn’t decide between two different table settings. Both are BEAUTIFUL and I had never considered how “setting the table” can make a huge effect on your overall tablescape.
Here are two ways to set the table and the benefits of both!
How To Set The Table Two Ways and When To Do It
FIRST OPTION: Napkin On Top: Depending on your tablecloth and decor, the benefit of placing napkins on plates are they add A LOT of color and texture to your table. Which is the key to making tables pop and your guests say “wow!”! Given our tablecloth, flowers and plates were are all white, we loved how the blue napkins stood out from far away. Also, we felt tying them in a knot added even more texture and gave off a more “casual vibe”. Which is exactly what we wanted for brunch!
SECOND OPTION: Napkin Sandwiched Between Two Plates: If it wasn’t for Cindy, I would never have thought to place the silverware like this! I feel like it’s one of those special touches outside of the norm that make your parties memorable and stand out. It gets me so excited! I think this way is ideal if you’re going for a more formal setting OR if your plates, tablecloth and flowers have lots of color and texture. I initially liked this way better, but when we stood back and looked at the table as a whole {a best practice by the way!}, the table felt too white. So we went with the napkins on top!
Next time you have people over for lunch or dinner, try setting the table one of these ways and let me know what you think! It’s pretty crazy what a difference it makes.
P.S. To see the full table and get my favorite unexpected party tips for hosting crowds, you’ll love this! Plus the easiest, yummiest, two ingredient fall cocktail you’ll ever have.
Also, what are you guys up to this weekend? We have Sean’s family coming over tonight and we are getting a head start on the nursery. I’m talking ripping out carpet, re-doing the hardwood floors, replacing the old crown molding, priming, painting and more! My head may explode {I’m very hormonal these days} but will be SO happy once it’s done. Eeeeeek!
