null Style file: 5 simple ways to style your dining room table - Canningvale
Style file: 5 simple ways to style your dining room table

Style file: 5 simple ways to style your dining room table

Posted by The Canningvale Team on 21st Mar 2022

Searching for the perfect backdrop that will help set the stage for all your culinary art?

Us too! 🙋

That’s why we’ve collated a style file that will ensure your dining room table is always dressed in its best. After all, it is the opening act for every one of your kitchen masterpieces 🧑‍🍳

1. Fold your napkins into fancy patterns

Even if it’s just a casual get together, folding your napkins can elevate the dining experience.

The Cone:

  • Lay the napkin on a flat surface so that it forms a square (top side down).
  • Fold the bottom half of the napkin up so that it forms a rectangle (with the open edge away from you).
  • Fold the napkin in half (bring the left-hand side across to the right-hand side) so that it forms a square. Turn the napkin so that it is in a diamond shape (with the open end facing away from you).
  • Fold the top layer down and press so it is flat.
  • Turn the napkin over.
  • Fold the left-hand side of the napkin ¾ of the way across.
  • Fold the right-hand side of the napkin at a downward angle all the way across.
  • Flip the napkin over and pop the cutlery into the pocket fold!

Simple Pocket:

  • Lay the napkin on a flat surface so that it forms a square.
  • Fold the bottom half of the napkin up so that it forms a rectangle (with the open edge away from you).
  • Fold the napkin in half (bring the right-side across to the left-hand side) so that it forms a square. Press down on the edges to fold.
  • Fold the top left-hand corner (top layer only) down to the right-hand corner.
  • Turn the napkin over.
  • Fold the right-hand side in to the middle and press down the edges to fold.
  • Wrap the left-hand side of the napkin around the right-hand side. Press to fold.
  • Turn the napkin over and insert the cutlery in the top layer!

2. Mix and match your napery

Mixing and matching patterns can create a casual chic vibe that perfectly compliments your style. But since this process can go more wrong than baking a souffle for the first time, here are some tips and tricks to avoid a scene so chaotic that all you serve up to your guests is a bad headache.

    • Use one or two main colours - anymore can create chaos.
    • Make sure your napkins all match or you have even numbers of different colours (i.e. 2 x blue, 2 x yellow, 2 x white) to create balance.
    • Stripes go well with gingham and florals in complementary tones.
    • Make sure you use different sizes in clashing patterns, as too many patterns in a large scale can be overwhelming. Using different sizes creates more symmetry and cohesion.
    • If you’ve fallen in love with a complex pattern, pair it with a more simple, pared-back pattern.
    • Mix light and dark shades for contrast.

To start you off, we have tablecloths in round and rectangle shapes (rectangle is available in 6-seater and 10-seater sizes).


3. Centerpieces

Centerpieces tie together your dining decor and is the first thing your guests see. Remember:

  • Don’t be afraid to go big and bold or go for a pop of colour, but make sure you’re using the same tones as your napery.
  • Get as creative as you like! Use candles, lanterns, or even sticks to create your perfect theme.
  • Use seasonal flowers, fruit or decor to really have your centerpiece pack a punch.
  • For a rustic Italian feel to match our Cucina Collection, choose a wooden vase and style with flowers in hues of peach, pink and peppermint green.

4. How to set your cutlery  

Cutlery is set in the order of use. This means:

  • Start from the outside and work inwards. First course should have the relevant cutlery on the very end, and the last course, typically desert, should be set closest to the plate.
  • Forks should be set on the left of the place setting
  • Knives should be placed to the right of the place setting (make sure you have the blades facing inwards).
  • Place soup spoons to the right of the knives.
  • Water glasses should be set in the top right corner, just above the main course knife.
  • Wine glasses should set be on a slight right angle to the water glass.

5. Improvise!

Don’t forget to have fun! If all else fails, simply tie your napkins into knots and open the wine early 😉

Be sure to share all your artistic endeavors in the kitchen with us @Canningvalelove


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