Apr 23 - JHB South East

Your cheat sheet for laying
a classic, beautiful table
The Easter weekend is time to bring family and friends
together to share a meal. Which is always so much more
enjoyable when you have a beautifully set table. Lots of fuss?
Not at all ... simply follow this step-by-step guide by Betsie van
der Westhuizen, general manager at Maxwell & Williams.
Colour scheme: Start by deciding on your colour
scheme. An all-white table setting says elegance and
sophistication. A monochrome tablescape can be trendy
or create a very colourful, playful table top.
Table cloth or place mats? Consider the atmosphere
that you would like to create when choosing between a
table cloth or place mat. Place mats are gaining popularity
but remember that place mats are much more casual and
preferred for breakfast or lunch or an informal dinner. When
using a place mat, all cutlery should be displayed on its
surface. A white table cloth is the most formal option and
usually used for dinner, whereas a colourful table cloth is
perfect for a special holiday supper or casual evening meal.
Start with a plain cloth and add colourful plates and serve
ware. If you decide on a really bold table cloth, complete the
look with your favourite white basic items.
Cutlery shortcut: Only set the table for courses that you are
going to serve – no need to add more cutlery just to look
fancy. Always place your fork on the left of your plate and
knives on the right. Your dessert spoon is placed at the top of
the plate with the stem of the spoon facing the right. A soup
spoon is placed to the right of the knife. Make sure all your
cutlery items are lined up and spaced equally. The goal of the
table setting is to look like a mirror.
Napkins Placing: A napkin in a glass or cup is a big no-no.
Add interest to your table by playing around with various
napkin folds. Tie your napkin with a ribbon or place a napkin
ring in the centre of your napkin, then place it in the centre
of the plate. When using a soup bowl, place your napkin to
the left of the place setting – never inside the soup bowl (it
will slouch into the bowl). Alternatively fold your napkin and
place it under the place setting.
A handwritten touch: The main goal of a beautiful table
setting is to make your guests feel special, so don’t forget to
add a personal touch. A handwritten menu and beautifully
crafted nametags at each guests’ place make guests feel
welcome. It also shows that you gave the seating plan
thought so that guests are seated next to those who will
make them feel at home.
The centre of attention: The centrepiece for your table is
where you can really add a unique touch and make the
table stand out – whether you use freshly cut flowers, a
formal floral arrangement, potted herbs or plants. And don’t
forget those candles.
Add glassware: Do not be afraid to use glassware in a non-
traditional way. Using your favourite tumblers as wine glasses
or serving beautiful cocktails in wine or gin glasses will
create an eclectic feel and a talking point. Keep it classy by
decanting your red wine into a chic decanter. Always have a
jug of water on the table for your guests.
Small arrangements in different
size and height vases (like these
Clive options) make for an easy
centrepiece. From R599 from
Country Road at Woolworths.
Whether you’re serving a posh
wine that you want to breathe, or
a boxed wine (not to be sniffed at ...
so many great ones from excellent
estates - but a bit bulky to keep on the
table), pour it into this Diamante
Connoisseur Carafe, R330 from
maxwellandwilliams.co.za
Don’t have time to do a centrepiece? One of our
favourite cheats is to buy potted herbs from Woolies,
pop them into terracotta pots and place them
along the centre of the
table. Smells gorgeous,
looks fresh and
fabulous
and you can
use them
afterwards.
Compiled by: KYM ARGO
April 2023 Get It Joburg South • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein
23
GIS0407_022_921882439.indd 23 2023/03/16 10:20:11