We love the ease and playful irreverence of fun family gatherings, but we also love bringing luxury into the everyday. That means stepping up our game with more formal settings. When the family comes over this weekend, set a table for an affair to remember with the proper placement of your best china. Here's a little refresher on what goes where.
THE DESIGNS
Spring is all about renewal, so we liked the idea of a sturdy foundation (the Jan Barboglio Charger), with a modern print (the Mahogany Rose salad plate), and of course an exotic bird. The Exotic Bird Collection pulls from the colors you use in the rest of the setting, so you can make this as colorful as you like by adding bright floral centerpieces with oranges, reds, and purples, or add drama with jewel tones on the linens and napkins. It's so easy to tailor this look to your liking, not to mention fun!
THE PLACE SETTING
This is a more simple formal setting that will give you an idea of how to set the table for lunch or dinner. Some things to remember: Adding a bread and butter plate is easy enough, just place it to the left of the dessert spoon and fork; the cup and saucer are shown, but coffee and tea are usually served after the meal so it's not typically on the table. Tell us, do you prefer a formal setting on holidays or do you put your own spin on setting the table?
To further add to inspiration, below are four great blog posts on Spring or Easter entertaining.
From left: A mixed media inspired Easter brunch from Hostess with the Mostess, including free printables. // A simple and sweet Easter picnic, perfect for egg hunts with the kiddos from Style Me Pretty's great new foray into the entertaining world, SMP Living. // Everyone's favorite hostess, Aerin Lauder, shows you how she sets a Spring table for lunch with friends, and as usual, it's amazing. // The ease of DIY with a touch of flair from a new favorite blog, Sugar and Charm, that will have you excited to dye eggs and start baking. // Enjoy!