Eating Every Meal at Home? Here’s How to Dine in Style.
With most restaurants closed for eat-in service across the country, the majority of Americans are now eating more meals at home than ever before. But that doesn’t mean you need to fall into a rut and have every meal at your kitchen or dining table. Try changing things up to bring a little unpredictability to the day—have breakfast in bed, or surprise a loved one with an outdoor feast in your backyard or on your terrace or patio. Are you tired of cooking? Get takeout from a local restaurant and serve it up on a silver platter. The sky’s the limit.
Here are our suggestions for some foolproof tablesettings, no matter where or what you happen to be eating.
Breakfast
Breakfast, of course, is the most important meal of the day, so why not spoil yourself by relaxing in bed? You can continue to watch your favorite morning show or just indulge in some quiet time.
Start off with a pretty tray, then add layers to create height—that will help a simple bowl of cereal look exceptional.
A colorful patterned plate will make your food look that much better.
It’s all about the mix—I personally like adding pieces from the various dinnerware collections I own.
Don’t forget a touch of glamour. Use something special, like the family silver.
An unexpected pop of color—like chartreuse linens from Kim Seybert—will make your setting zing.
Lunch
Next up, lunch—don’t just snack at your makeshift desk all day long. Try to take the time to have a sit-down meal. Even if it’s takeout—and even if it’s fast food!—you can create an elegant setting by pulling out the good china and linens. There’s no time like the present to use them.
A natural linen place mat is always a good base for any tablesetting.
Coordinate your glassware to your china pattern by accenting from a color within.
Silver-hammered flatware adds not only some texture to the setting but also some shine.
Napkins are the best way to add pattern and color. The more colorful prints in the mix, the better!
You should have high and low in your setting. Presenting your meal on a silver tray brings elegance to the table.
Your accoutrements should not be left out on their own—even if they’re in plastic packets. Try putting them in a small serving bowl, in a ramekin, or on a small bread plate.
Dinner
These days, nothing will brighten your mood more than going outside. If you’re lucky enough to have outdoor space at your home, the coming warmer weather brings ideal conditions for a dinner picnic.
Melamine is becoming more and more popular, even for indoor dining, and the Indian floral patterns on this collection by Aerin lend a global touch. And it’s reusable, so you’re not creating extra trash.
Tablecloths are perfect for any setting but especially when outdoors. Stay in the floral theme with this Indian chintz by India Amory.
Colorful glassware always adds a fun element to the table. Try alternating glass colors for extra flair.
This Provençal flatware by Q Home comes with its own storage caddy. The durability of the set makes it ideal for picnics as well.
A beautiful floral arrangement is the crown jewel of any table, but especially so when the flowers come from your own garden. A vase with a wide mouth is perfect for styling them au naturel.
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