Proper for Free: Table Setting Etiquette Tips Tips provided by Laura Barclay, Founder and President of the Etiquette Centre of MinneapolisJust because you are throwing a party, doesn't mean you have to break the bank or buy new dishes and decorations to accommodate a large group. From the invitations to the table top décor, there are numerous creative, economical choices available that will still help you throw a fabulous bash with an expensive look without dipping deep into your budget.
Use an electronic invitation rather than a formal invitation on stationery for guests with internet access.
Evite offers a wide variety of invitation styles for many types of events. It even automatically sends out a reminder email to guests before the event, which can be particularly helpful when planning an event with significant lead time. As much as we all try to write everything on our calendars right away, there are always those events that slip through the cracks unintentionally.
Eight flatware sets is the most common purchase - but what do you do if you are having dinner for twelve? Borrow additional flatware and needed serving pieces from friends and family. No need to purchase new flatware (unless of course, you find these at a deep discount!). The caveat is that all spoons, all forks, or all knives be of one pattern. Additionally, all salad knives and forks should match for the salad course, and dinner knives and forks should match for the main entrée.
As with flatware, dish sets of eight is common. Create depth of appearance to your table by utilizing a variety of china patterns and shapes. It is perfectly acceptable to mismatch dishes with vintage and antique pieces. Borrow from family and friends. As a guest, it is a lovely feeling to see your items mixed with the host's items.
When choosing a centerpiece, utilize an item or a collection of items you already have in your home to build the theme. For example, a statue, crystal knick-knacks, costume jewelry and multiple votive candles placed on fabric or a patterned scarf can make a beautiful display. At a family gathering, placing several old family pictures in frames as the centerpiece can bring a sense of togetherness and fondness, and inspire conversation. Be creative. Consider using flowers from your garden or even silk flowers. (While fresh flowers are lovely, they can be expensive and unfortunately, are not long-lived).
If serving alcohol, offer wine rather than mixed drinks. This is a good tip for economizing on beverages as you will not need to provide a range of mixers. Or, if you want to serve a mixed drink, create and serve one signature drink for the evening. You can even christen the drink with a new name in honor of the event.
Bargain shop. No matter the economy, most people love to find a good bargain. Thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales, department store closeouts, discount home decorating stores, discount stores, craft stores, and eBay are all good options.
Etiquette is not about rules and snobbery. Rather, it is about relationships and creating comfortable communications.
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." -
Maya Angelou
- Colleen Fox Slack, Home & Culinary, the Affair
