Southern Lady Southern Settings 2016

So many of life’s precious moments happen around the table. Whether it’s a lively dinner with friends or a quiet evening fortwo, isn’t it lovely how the noise of the world fades away for a bit? I always look forward to the laughter and conversation that flourishes from the first clink of glasses to the last bite of dessert. With that in mind, we’ve put together our favorite table settings to help inspire you in hosting an array of occasions, from fancy dinner parties to everyday gatherings. You’ll find ideas for color palettes, creative centerpieces, and mixing and matching dinnerware, as well as details that provide the perfect finishing touch. Pull up a seat at the table, won’t you?…

SETTING THE SCENEbasics Back to Basics The pairing of black and white creates instant style and glamour. To achieve a truly chic effect, crisscross champagne-hued runners atop a white cloth, and top ebony dinner plates with patterned black-and-white salad plates (right). The feminine look of Gien’s Tulipes Noires (above, left) works well with a variety of supporting colors, while neutral shades layer well to create a look that will remain relevant and regal for years to come. GO FOR THE GOLD WITH A FALL SETTING THAT FEATURES BEAUTIFUL ROYAL LIMOGES OLIVIER GOLD DINNERWARE. ENHANCE THE LOOK WITH GOLD-PLATED FLATWARE AND MOSS-GREEN LINEN NAPKINS TIED WITH METALLIC THREAD. SETTING THE SCENE metallic All That Glitters Metallic elements add a radiant patina to any setting. Gold-patterned dinnerware is an excellent choice for the holidays, when special celebrations abound.…

SETTING THE SCENEpurple Purple Reign From shades soft as lilac blossoms to hues deep as damson plums, purple makes quite a statement at any table. Try layering various gradations in a setting, or let one bright tone provide the pop to a neutral background. Experiment with color combinations—lavender and taupe is especially pretty—and you might find that purple will become your new go-to favorite. Draw Color Inspiration Form The Bounty Of The Season SETTING THE SCENE brown Amber Waves Though brown tones are often associated with autumn, the color actually works beautifully in any season and in a variety of tablescapes. A handsome transferware tureen and coordinating dinnerware bring a vintage feel to the table, while chocolate ruffled plates topped with those splashed with a stylized design display a bit of a modern flair. Create textural…

SETTING THE SCENE red Seeing Red The enduring appeal of red is apparent in these varied compositions, where it lends its bold pigment to settings in all seasons. Rich or russet patterns—like that of Ginkgo by Philippe Deshoulieres (above left)—bring instant glamour to formal settings, while casual pieces—like Thomas Paul’s Portland melamine plates (below right)—capture the vibrancy of Southern summers. THE EXQUISITE TOBACCO LEAF PATTERN BY MOTTAHEDEH LENDS ITS PRISMATIC BEAUTY TO A SETTING ANCHORED WITH A TABLECLOTH IN DEEP CARNATION. SETTING THE SCENE pink In the Pink A punchy floral print pops against aqua and fuchsia accents. Play up the palette with a variety of fresh blossoms in various hues. Sweet and elegant, the white background and blushing accents of this cream and sugar from Herend (below left) makes the table practically sing of spring.…

SOFT APRICOT AND SWEET PEACH, BRIGHT CORAL AND DEEP PUMPKIN, BRILLIANT SAFFRON AND SHINY GOLD—TAKE YOUR CUES FROM THESE CHEERFUL HUES TO BRING INSTANT SUNSHINE TO THE TABLE. SETTING THE SCENE orange Bright Palette Pumpkins and mums signal orange’s time to shine, but its appeal goes far beyond the autumn season. Sunset shades shine in rustic settings, with chartreuse and chocolate adding to the look. The floral-and-medallion pattern of Royal Worcester's Chamberlain Orange (above, left) pairs perfectly with the broad bands of Haviland's Laque de Chine Orange for an eye-catching combination. With a formal flair, this Mottahedeh tureen (below, left) takes the table to new heights. SETTING THE SCENE yellow Sunshine Shades Bounce a few beams into a setting with accents in yellow. Try pairing toile napkins and mustard mats with aqua and white dinnerware, or…

SETTING THE SCENE blue Gett ing the Blues With a history dating to ninthcentury China, the time-honored mix of cobalt blue and pristine white has been a reliable go-to when setting a table. The addition of yellow accents—as with the Gien Monogram setting (above right)—only adds to the bliss, while experimenting within the spectrum by combining aqua, turquoise, and periwinkle shades brings about even more appeal. No matter how it’s used, brilliant blue will forever be a timeless hue. SETTING THE SCENE green Lime Time For a fun and feminine setting perfect for spring, feature pretty polka-dot salad plates atop plain white china. Echo the plate with round green mats. Or try a totally different look with bamboo-design salad plates, jade dinner plates, and a woven charger. To lend a touch of understated elegance with a…