Tablesetting with Rosanna Bowles

Don’t overlook heirlooms. "It's amazing the unused treasures you can find in your mother’s and grandmother’s cabinets," says Rosanna, who loves layering passed-down patterns as side plates. "How charming to add those inherited pieces to your entertaining repertoire!"

Do shake things up seasonally. "The Victorians had four distinct sets of dishes, linens and all the accoutrements that are connected to the table – one for each season," says Rosanna. "I always try to be up on what’s happening seasonally. Even if it’s miserable outside, a warm, autumnal tabletop can provide an escape.”

Do think "theatrical"! "My mom was really ahead of her time in the '50s," says Rosanna, who credits her mother’s flair for breaking convention as a constant inspiration ("One time we even had a Japanese dinner on the floor"). "Her approach really got you out of the box of the traditional table setting so that it became entertainment, education and a point of conversation."

For more tabletop inspiration, visit rosannainc.blogspot.com. For purchase information, go to rosannainc.com.

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