Perfect Setting

Since childhood, I have been captivated by the art of entertaining and tabletop design. I fondly recall observing my mother meticulously arrange her grand dinner table, starting with her tablecloth and then piece by piece, adding her settings, all perfectly placed according to the etiquette maven, Emily Post. China patterns were chosen and placed carefully on top of chargers along with crisp monogramed napkins, water and wine goblets, flatware, flowers, and candlesticks. During the process, she would ask me to sit in different chairs around the table (I had to sit with my legs curled underneath me in order to be the size of an adult) to ensure no guest’s view would be obstructed from the flowers or tall, tapered candlesticks. Then, we would review the flatware making sure it was properly arranged from the outside in, dessert fork and spoon placed properly above the dinner plate and butter plates set to the left perfectly above the salad and entrée forks.

Back then, dinner parties adhered to formal standards but over time, the tabletop industry has evolved and entertaining spaces have become an important step within the design process. Dining rooms, breakfast nooks, backyard alcoves and outdoor terraces all demand dedicated design attention, marking a significant shift in the overall interior design process.  

For Sara McCann, CEO and Creative of McCann Design Group as well as HIVE Collective, their customers are looking for unique tabletop items that can blend easily with their own collections. “We’re seeing more mixing and matching than ever before,” smiles the powerhouse designer. McCann and her large design team make sure a variety of tabletop styles are displayed prominently throughout the store, giving any entertaining affeciando inspiration. “Layering in pops of color and textures adds interest,” she smiles. “At the store, we try to keep 12 of each of our favorite items so people can stop by anytime and leave with what they need.”

Table setting by Everyday Elegance.

According to Lisa McCarthy, COO of Everyday Elegance along with her partner, world renowned interior designer, Alex Papachristidis, they “encourage their clients to use pieces in an unconventional way to express their personal style. Our clients are looking for something unique and different and they know by coming to us, they will find that special piece. Many of our pieces are exclusive designs that Alex has created and we custom color a dish to match the interiors he has designed for a client,” she explains. “Mostly we want our clients to be fearless. Mix and match old and new, formal and casual things together which we think creates a modern table.”

Penny Murphy and her team at Pioneer Linens agree with this approach. The 100-year-old family business she inherited from her father and now runs with her two daughters, Marissa and Camille and a team of loyal employees, can help any hostess magically create their décor. “Our clients come to Pioneer Linens because they are looking for unique tabletop items like an oversized tablecloth or a special accent like artisan ceramics from Italy or France. “Recently,” she continued, “we have seen more year-round clients who are looking for casual entertaining items like rattan and raffia placemats, wipeable chargers and colorful printed tablecloths and for those with yachts and planes, we have been creating more digitized logos with cocktail napkins and placemats. Anything to make it unique and specific for their space.”

Indoor yacht table by Pioneer Linens.

Interior designer, Katherine Shenaman and owner of Callidus enjoys seeing clients having fun with their own tabletops too. “It’s such pleasure to dine in someone’s home when they have actively participated in their table décor. It’s wonderful to see the tabletop as a place for them to really share their own personality in this small way with their guests. I love these clever touches showing up.” 

Living area designed by Cindy Rinfret.

Cindy Rinfret, owner of Cindy Rinfret Interiors has clients asking her to create entertaining spaces that reflect their dynamic lives and colorful personalities. “Clients are asking for unique spaces with a lot of pizazz. Many of the homes we work on have a bonus room or a space that otherwise wouldn’t get used so we transform those into bars and gathering places for an intimate conversation as a focal point. No matter what project we are working on, we always include some fun glassware, vintage cocktail pics, and embroidered napkins that make any bar or table a memorable one.”

Michele Heary at Asprey concurs with all these trends. “Mixing and matching a table setting and adding color and conversation starters is the trend. “Our clients are looking to add novelty items to their settings. At Asprey, we are offering gin sets, Champagne flutes and martini sets and each glass is a different color. Color clearly enhances the appearance,” she smiles. “Anything to make a table casual, fun, and distinctly their own.” 

Asprey’s Star Champagne Flutes, set of six.