Posted by
Marla Brown
Saturday, December 8, 2012 8:00 AM EDT
This year, there are a more than a few great table setting trends that are sure to please just about anyone’s taste. The great thing is that you can mix and match your dishes and glasses so you don’t need to try and be so cookie cutter with your look.
Tapas style
One of the big trends this year is using a bunch of smaller vessels and serving tapas-style food. Whether you are planning a sit down dinner, stand up cocktail, lunch or brunch, this is a great way to stylize your look. The great thing is that you can serve just about anything in small containers and display them in a grouping to create instant drama. The vessels you choose can be small plates, small bowls, and even espresso cups or shooter glasses for things like soup shots.
Compartment-heavy platters
Another big trend is dishware with compartments. These are plates that are great for a sit down dinner where you can serve taster bites of four food items as opposed to one large main dish. This is sometimes referred to as deconstructing your meal. These plates can work well for desserts or even for dips and hors d’oeuvres. You can also use regular square plates to create the same look with individual food items. A rectangular plate with three items also looks fabulous.
Bento boxes
Bento boxes are a fun and more casual look that is similar to plates with compartments. You can serve things like French fries, grilled cheese, wings and so on. Bento boxes are great for serving comfort foods for a sit down dinner or for setting out sweets like popcorn, chocolate bark and more.
Oversized dishware
If you want the high end restaurant look, then try using larger oversized white dishes. Your food portions stay the same but the plate or bowl gives a grand presence. An inexpensive way to achieve this is to buy white charger plates and use these as your dinner plates.
Vintage inspiration
The vintage look is still going strong with dishware and glassware. You can take your already white dishes you have at home and add one piece to your table setting that has a vintage pattern to create some great interest to your table. Vintage dishware can be found at many second hand stores. Even adding accessories like vintage salt and pepper shakers and even a few serving pieces can create a look all your own.
Images via www.exclusiveaffair.com