Plate decor
Your meal setting is what people see first, so arrange with care and add a personal touch if possible. Layer your plates and cutlery together with a beautiful linen napkin and add a decorative element on top. Guests will see that you’ve put in an effort and they will immediately feel special.
Colour
Use a limited colour palette. “This is the key to creating a cohesive space,” says designer Shannon Fricke, who tends to stick to a palette of three main colours, with tonal variety and pattern adding interest.
Table scene
Set your table from the centre. Have a series of floral arrangements as a centre point, then build the table outwards from there. Use a mix of low vases, votive candles, crystals and ceramics to amp up the glamour quotient.
Lighting
Focus on lighting. Hanging glass lanterns create a simple frame for the scene and make guests feel like they’re held within a space, which lets them relax and feel comfortable. Always use candles – and a lot of them!