A couple of weeks ago my daughter, MacKenzie, and I enjoyed a girls night out while attending a fabulous spring entertaining demo hosted by Travadavi in Atlanta. Travadavi is a wonderful gift boutique located near the Buckhead community, owned by Ann Davis.
While books and magazines offer much inspiration for your home, live demonstrations really spark my creative mind! The evening proved to be quite informative; even MacKenzie was fascinated by all of the color and drama of a beautiful table, and the cheese platters.
Eddie Ross is one of my favorite sources of inspiration when it comes to entertaining. Using what you have with the addition of color and unique accessories, he can set one beautiful table!
The whole evening was quite informative with so many wonderful ideas that will be easy to incorporate into any home. I thought I’d share some of Eddie’s ideas to inspire you as well.
First, anyone can set a table. It’s not an art, but about having fun. Know the rules for setting a table, but know when to break those rules as well! A good example of this would be in the use of silverware; if you don’t need a spoon, don’t set one out! Set out what you need. Besides who wants to wash extra silverware that wasn’t even used?
Secondly, your table shouldn’t look like a bridal registry. Be fun, be creative. Your table can be “formal” and have a personality!
Secondly, your table shouldn’t look like a bridal registry. Be fun, be creative. Your table can be “formal” and have a personality!
So how can we achieve this with our own table?
**Start with a focal point; something you love. It may be your grandmother’s china or the pink and brown dessert plates that you love. Once you have your inspiration, build from there.
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| Sharing another creative idea … combining modern & vintage with a combo of salt cellars and salt shakers containing white & black pepper and kosher salt. |
**Mix antique dishes with modern wares for a fresh look. A modern dinner plate mixed with grandmother’s salad plate or vice versa could make for a lovely setting.
**Let your salad plate be a focal point that is framed by the dinner plate on a colorful tablecloth.
**Update your china through the use of table linens. Tablecloths, placemats, table runners all make great backgrounds for your dishes. Use color consistently throughout a setting.
**Mix your silverware up. It doesn’t have to be match-matchy. Patterns can be different as can metals; mix vintage with modern for a unique look.
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| A mixture of glassware creates interest and the butterfly placard adds whimsy to this tabletop. |
**Get creative with your place cards. Copy an image from the internet onto card stock and go from there.
**Add little touches of flavor and color through the use of candy in your decorating or use sugar-rimmed glasses for serving cocktails.
{Such simple ideas that make a big impact!}
Eddie mentions using color a lot for creating beautiful tables. I am slowly learning not to be afraid of color, but it’s a slow process as I feel so safe with white.
Eddie’s suggestions for adding color?
**Use colorful tapers and candles on the table. Pick a color from your dishes and use it as an accent for your candles.
**No white napkins! Use colored napkins. Try dyeing some of your white ones if you discover you have too many. Easy and inexpensive fix!
**Keeping in mind that centerpieces should be kept low to allow for easy conversation, go with something colorful and fun to brighten your table. I never call a florist to make arrangements for our table, instead I check out the flowers available at my local grocery. Fresh Market, Publix, and Costco (just to name a few) all have seasonal and gorgeous choices available year around!
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| Eddie purchased all of the flowers for this arrangement at Fresh Market! |
While I am on the subject of setting tables, Eddie threw out a startling fact during his presentation; only 4% of children know how to properly set a table!
Four percent!
MacKenzie looked over at me and said, “I’m one of those!” Definitely a proud mom moment.
I really enjoyed the evening out with my daughter and so surprised at how MacKenzie enjoyed herself. She was taking pictures with her iPod to save for her own albums of inspiration.
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| MacKenzie and me with Eddie & Jaithan |
It was also a great evening for catching up with a few other people I have met through social media over the last couple of years: Miss Rhoda of Southern Hospitality dropped by with her sister, my friend Tammi Reed of Talking with Tami, Kerry Howard ( a fabulous interior designer from Atlanta) fresh off of his premiere on HGTV’s Design Wars, and Arlynn Wilbanks who works with Larson-Juhl framers. It’s fun to meet up with people you have met through social media!
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| Right to Left …. Jen (Me) with Kerry, Tammi and friends |
As spring is well underway I am looking forward to having some of our new friends over for dinner and cards. After this little entertaining demo, I am so excited to let my creative side take control!
Fiddle Dee Dee by Jennifer Jones 
That is a very warm, spicy, terrific looking table! Love those vibrant colors. I could take every lesson you give on tablescapes and still come up short in that department. It doesn't come naturally to me.
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Those are great tips! I love setting a beautiful table, and with children I like the table to not feel too stuffy!
Thanks for the lovely photos!
Deanna
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Oh you lucky girl! I've met Jaithan before and he was SO nice.
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how much fun is this??? i learned quite a bit here today.
thank you.
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