Adobe Stock / Anjelika Gretskaia
Westchester’s Trim Queen offers up clever and stunning design ideas to dress your table to impress for fall parties and get-togethers.
Are you all about the arrival of fall in Westchester? There are so many fun things to do in the county this season, from picking apples and pumpkins to stocking up on cider donuts. Of course, one of the best ways to get into the seasonal spirit is to bring the fall feels indoors via tasteful decorations, To help, Westchester’s very own Trim Queen, Jana Platina Phipps, shares her favorite ways to spruce up your fall table for any get-together. Try these simple, yet elegant ideas out in your home and prepare to wow your guests.
Add a touch of gold
Wrap a gold ribbon around your cloth napkin and add a vintage brooch or gold tassel as bling. Adding some gold accents to your table is like adding that finishing touch of jewelry to your outfit that pulls everything together. The sparkle will unite all of your dining accoutrements and leave your guests trying to figure out exactly why your table is so gorgeous.
Use gold placemats down a table runner to unite the gold accents from the table.
Tack the ends of a gold frog closure and use as a napkin ring.
Contrast the gold with something natural, like seasonal greenery, berries, or flowers.
Create pattern play
For a contemporary look, buy a few yards of a graphic patterned performance fabric to use as your tablecloth, hem the edges (or not, after a cocktail no one cares). Mix fancy china with more casual ceramics to create a high-low bohemian vibe. Mix many patterns on your table for a global yet relaxed elegance. Make sure there is a color that unites all the pattern, such as orange for autumn. Or use napkins with pattern to bridge the china to the textiles. It will be Instagram-worthy, so share it with the tag #PatternPlay or #Tablescape.
Add a runner that gives the table a center focal point and you won’t need placemats under your dishes.
Use matching water and wine glasses so there isn’t too much visual chaos.
Vary heights for more space
Use cake stands, even stack them, to create varying heights to allow for more room on your table. Copy an effective visual merchandising trick by using varying heights to give your table more surface area for serving dishes and room for a seasonal centerpiece.
Add height to serving bowls and platters by setting them on flipped over saucers and small bowls.
Use tall candlesticks to add a sense of celebration without taking up too much room.
