The Fall season gives us cue to design a striking and special entertaining area. Most often this means tending to the thoughtful details of your dining space that will be used for gatherings such as Sunday night dinners, autumn birthdays, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and ringing in the New Year. The following tips will have you set to celebrate the next few months and on into 2023.
First things first.
Decide on the mood you desire for your dining space and the amount of time you intend to spend seated around your dining table. Additionally, you will want to plan for the maximum number of people you would like seated around the table. Setting these parameters will help you decide upon the type of furniture you’re looking for and help determine if you will need custom pieces made for the ideal space.
Consider the mood.
The duration of dinner parties is a vital part of designing an elevated dining experience. If you’re an entertainer who likes to lounge around with a highball cocktail in hand, then your time in the dining room may be short-lived and the comfort of the chairs may not be as important. There are many chairs that are beautiful, but just like shoes, you wouldn’t want them to support you for hours. If you’re like me and the dining table is where the action really happens, then comfort is key to keeping your guests happy. For a chair that’s both elegant and comfortable, go for a tapered or rounded back instead of a slab back. These styles provide needed seat support while still being aesthetically interesting.
Add in color in texture.
To execute mood, create a two to three color palette to evoke the feeling you are looking to achieve. Fabric is typically the best way to build a color story. To pull it all together, fabric adds warmth, color and texture via soft furnishings, table linens, rugs and chairs. Then add table decor for visual interest and to break up expansive horizontal surfaces like buffets, sideboards and the dining table.
Purchase, rent or borrow gorgeous dishes.
The biggest mistake in a dining room is not having dishes that fit the masterful ambiance you have created. A beautiful table with dreadful dishes, chipped glassware and tarnished silver can single-handedly break your dining design plan. Share beautiful patterns with your friends and family and don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns that are in your desired two to three color palette.
Make a statement.
Functionality and aesthetics need to be equally considered when designing your space, but how do you make the dining room itself a conversation piece? Include one signature item that’s completely outside your designer comfort zone. Whether it’s a light fixture, a piece of art or a vintage sculpture, the room needs something that catches your guests‘ attention. Give them something to talk about like an asymmetrical chandelier, a larger than expected vase or a more traditional centerpiece juxtaposed in your modern room.
The finishing touch.
The perfect decorative flourish is all about adding flowers and botanicals. These organic elements soften the space and give you an opportunity to add an additional layer of color, height and texture. Whatever the table needs, the florals are interchangeable throughout the seasons. Lastly, personalize the table by setting individual salt and pepper shakers or cellars and handwritten name cards or menus at each placesetting for a memorable experience.
