Simple chic table settings

As promised, but very late, herewith an example of simple chic table settings. For this styling I’ve applied some of my rules for the decoration of small diners. Those are:
1. The dinner is about food and conversations, so the feature role of decoration is to facilitate the dinner.
2. Your guests should have easy access to their glasses, the bottles of water, wine and other stuff that is on the table.
3. Do not bother your table mates with candlesticks and voluptuous flower arrangements that will obstruct their view.
4. A dinner is an arrangement of the 4 senses (fragrance, taste, view and touch). Make sure you make the best out of them, so a simple and crisp table setting will help you with this goal.

One of my tricks is to apply subtle smelling flower arrangements in small vases. For this setting I’ve used eucalyptus, which fragrance comes close to that of a Christmas tree. Other examples to use are fresh sage, mint, parsley, or Thai basil.

For this table setting I’ve bought linen napkins in a sea grass tone that combine well with the silk creamy table cloth (from the local market) and the milk white porcelain (Maxwell Williams). The grey green tone of the eucalyptus neutralizes the other tones in green from the wine bottle, the waxine lights and the green soup. All these elements contribute to a basis from where you can serve the finest courses.

Another tip is to prepare a table setting that is symmetrical and escorts the view of your guests. Do remember that as a guest you are expected to eat properly and at the same time to participate in the conversation and to act attentively on your left, right and opposite side. This is a tough job, so see the table as a map and be helpful with a clear routing.

The use of old silver spoons & trays mixed with the Indian silver lights and the plain French cutlery tops this simple but elegant x-mas decoration.

PS:

The glasses are from Luminarc, basic line (wineglass 21 cl | tumbler, 35 cl |  tumbler, 23 cl).

The porcelain from Maxwell Williams, white basics line.

The knives are from Production de la Laguiole (be aware there is a difference between the brand Laguiole and production de Laguiole).

The glass waxine lights and small vases are from Serax.