Aug 14 2009
Making your dining decor pop for less
(ARA) – As the economy took a downturn, dining out has been replaced with invitations to friends and family to dine in. While we’re looking for ways to cut spending and save money, we still want to keep our decor — in the kitchen and on the dinner table — fresh, modern and fun for every day and the occasional soiree.
There are several ways to wow party goers and stay within your budget. You can repurpose the plates you have or purchase a couple of inexpensive but key pieces like linens and silk flowers to create an entirely different look. Before you do anything, however, take stock. This season’s dining decorating trend may already be in your cupboards.
Urban elegance
This year, lemongrass is making the statement. Incidentally, Michelle Obama chose to wear the color on her husband’s inaugural day.
In an urban-inspired decor, this chartreuse-like shade is the color that gets attention and leaves a lasting impression. “It says ‘optimism, vibrancy and cheerfulness,’” says Ed Wonder, director of design for Fiesta Dinnerware, an iconic American brand. “Throughout history, when our country is in turmoil, we’ve often looked to bright colors to lift our spirits.”
Consider adding a few pieces in this contemporary color to each place setting, either a solid napkin or bud vase holding a single fresh orchid. If you already have chocolate- or ivory-colored china, mix in lemongrass-colored serving platters and bowls; the three-way color combo sets the stage for a metropolitan meal.
To make guests gasp, go bold with the colors of lemongrass, black, white and several shades of purple.
Patriotic plating
What better way to show your patriotism than with dinnerware in the colors of the flag? Chances are, you already have a set of white or ivory everyday dishes (the top colors on bridal registries), so you can easily add splashes of scarlet and cobalt without spending lots of your hard-earned cash.
A simple table runner, flatware and a few large vases in all three colors, and you are all set to celebrate the blessings in life and support your country any day of the year.
A unisex tabletop
For a serious, sophisticated dinner setting that appeals to both ‘him’ and ‘her,’ turn to colors that mimic menswear. Choose dinnerware in the following color combinations: black, evergreen, marigold and white, or black, chocolate, cobalt blue and ivory.
Consider covering the table with a herringbone, houndstooth or plaid tablecloth. This doesn’t have to be a designer label; buy the fabric by the yard at a local arts and crafts store.
Place stacked settings — charger, dinner plate, salad or fruit bowl — on top of leather placemats. Use solid napkins, but in a bright accent color to soften the look for female guests. Tangerine works well with chocolates, as does a sunflower shade.
Bohemian but chic
The bohemian lifestyle is all about collecting pieces over time, mixing and matching similar with dissimilar items, and creating a feeling of overall freedom. Almost anything goes. So, don’t rely on a standard ‘set’ of dishes to enhance the dining experience. The key is to mix different shapes — like round dinner plates with square bowls — as well as sizes, colors and patterns.
Fiesta recently introduced square dishes to its nearly 75-year-old signature circular design. The layering effect achieved when the two shapes are combined not only adds dimension, but a bit of playfulness to the setting.
Most importantly, be unconventional with your color and pattern choices. Mix brights with earth tones, like Fiesta’s peacock and tangerine with chocolate and evergreen dinnerware. And, incorporate decorated glassware, cups and saucers and dessert plates — in any pattern, even paisley — with solid pieces.
The good news is you can achieve ‘bohemia’ without breaking the bank. Purchase one or two new, but inexpensive, pieces that you can add to your everyday dishes, like a set of square bowls to layer with round designs. Or add chargers in a shade that acts as an accent to the current color scheme.
Your best bet is to raid your grandma’s boxed up dishes in the basement or scout out bargains at local antique stores and garage sales.
Whatever your design preference is for the season, be it urban, bohemian, patriotic, or more masculine, you can be a trendsetter and achieve these looks on a budget. Just combine a few new pieces, dishes you already have, and a little creativity.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
No related posts.
Give us your rating of this article below!
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...