Tabletop styling secrets

By: Margot Austin

This article appeared in November 2008 issue

American interior designer Charlotte Moss dishes on how to set a stunning tabletop.

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S@H How can you change up the look of your place settings if you have just one set?

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CM Changing the colour of your table linens is the equivalent to changing the paint colour in a room. White linen always works – that should be your staple. But why not try aubergine, milk chocolate, pewter or watermelon? Experiment, for heaven's sake! Change your flatware, mix glasses, and think about your containers for flowers on the table – use a collection of baskets. And get out that wedding-present silver sitting in the closet – glam it up or dress it down, but have some fun!

S@H Any centrepiece don'ts for the dining table?
CM The big centrepiece in the middle that prevents you from seeing guests across the table. I prefer a tablescape – a landscape of smaller bouquets.

S@H What's a no-fail flower for arrangements?
CM You can't go wrong if you pick a single flower and make it your story for the evening. Do masses of them in the entry, the powder room, the living room and on the table. Depending on what's in season and on trend, I like the simplicity of daisies, sunflowers, carnations (either all white or all pink), and who doesn't love roses?

S@H Do you ever use anything other than flowers?
CM Sometimes I'll cut herbs from the garden, like basil, rosemary, thyme, mint or tomato leaves (my favourite). Or I'll fill white platters with Granny Smith apples, or a big bowl with lemons and limes. A market basket looks good with bell peppers, small stripped eggplants, or fuzzy kiwis. Make your own cornucopia.

Read more in Food & Entertaining and Tabletop Ideas