Basic Design "At Home With Flowers"

UNIT 3   Dining Tables     class notes, page 1                     Print PDF File
The way you set your table tells your guests and family much about the way you feel about them.  Table settings leave a lasting impression.  When you set a table, establish a plan.  Harmoniously relate plant materials with the color, texture and style of the appointments - china, glassware, flatware and linen.  Neatness and cleanliness are double important when doing a table.  The tone should be uniform in all appointments and appropriate for the occasion.  The decor in the room should be considered.  Keys to the know how of a well-designed table are the Principles of Design and common sense.

A functional table is arranged for the service of food.  It includes dishes, glassware, linens and a decorative unit (plant material) with or without accessories.  The table should show correct placement of proper and appropriate appointments and decorative unit.

Buffet or Reception Service:  Food should be conveniently arranged, placed around the serving portion of the table in logical sequence. It is always informal, but the table setting, appointments and accessories may be semi-formal or informal, depending upon the occasion and background decor. Tables may be Traditional, or classic (fashion of a past period), or Creative. Creative tables have striking contrasts, strong, rich color, dramatic designs of stylized simplicity.

Classifications of Table Service

Formal
  • Symmetrically set
  • Highest degree of formality
  • Decorative unit does not necessarily allow for conversation across the table
  • Degree of formality established by the occasion, appointments and placement.

Semi-Formal
  • Patterned after the formal
  • Even number of place settings symmetrically placed
  • Designed to permit conversation across the table, with decorative unit either above or below eye level
  • Linen: pastel, ecru or off-white, but bright solid colors and patterned cloths are also used.
  • Napkins may match or blend in fabric and color

Informal
  • May be set at any time of day or evening.
  • May use fine quality appointments but incorporates freedom in color, decorative unit and seating placement.
  • More casual and relaxed
  • Buffet and outdoor table are informal no matter what the quality of appointments, placement and color selection.
  • The setting, service and food are the essentials that indicate the degree of formality.

Principles of Design
Balance
Rhythm
Dominance
Contrast
Proportion
Scale

Elements of Design
Line
Color
Light
Texture
Pattern
Form
Size
Space

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