Nearly all brides and grooms experience the difficulty committing to just one pattern or style of china. The main concern is that if they select fine china, it will get tragically little use. Alternatively, if a casual style is chosen, couples worry that it may seem too starched for laid-back affairs. The following are some suggestions to help you get the most out of your china.
Casual China Goes Uptown
Classic china, in shades of white or cream, is an ideal basic set - especially considering how effortlessly you can glam it up or down. Here are some tips on adding some flash for a dressier occasion.
Bright chargers. Placing plates on bold-colored chargers instantly dresses up casual settings.
Smart linens. Tablecloths, placemats, and napkins in rich colors and fabrics add instant style. Embroidered napkins are another stylish option, or use napkin rings on plain napkins for a touch of sophistication.
Candles. Soft candlelight adds ambience to any table, and candleholders come in a variety of pretty styles. Think silver or crystal candlesticks for the dressiest dinners, or cluster glass holders of different heights to make a glowing centerpiece.
Flowers. Splurge on an extravagant arrangement, or arrange lush garden roses in a beautiful vase or bowl.
Glassware. Now's the time to set out those crystal stems, or add a splash of color with jewel-colored wine glasses. Etched glasses are beautifully delicate and also come in a variety of hues, and even water glasses come in interesting shapes to add character to your table.
A Casual Affair
Fine china doesn't have to be doomed to gathering dust in your hutch. Mixing dressy dinnerware with less formal accessories allows you to take your tabletop poolside or al fresco in a flash.
Use your china as a charger. Place a casual piece of dinnerware on top of a fine china dinner plate, and voila - the popular "shabby chic" effect is yours.
Casual place mats. A straw or bamboo place mat is a quick, wonderful way to dress down your dinnerware. Cotton mats with laid-back patterns will loosen things up too.
Familiar flatware. Instead of setting the table with heirloom silver or your wedding stainless steel, set out some bamboo-patterned flatware or colorful cutlery designs for a less formal look.
Simple flowers. Consider a wooden bowl filled with freshly picked daisies, or a bunch of wildflowers in a ceramic milk pitcher.
Linens. Choose a tablecloth and napkins in the same color scheme, but in mismatched patterns (i.e., stripes, checks and solids), and mix and match for a casual, colorful table. Just make sure they complement the shade of your china and other accessories.
Rustic candles. Put the candleholders away, and place chunky, unscented (and dripless!) candles on a bare pine table for a carelessly pretty look. Rustic stone holders, or whimsical glass tea lights look cheerfully casual too.
Vintage Touches
Whether you are dressing your china up or down, don't hesitate to mix vintage and modern pieces. Antique stemware, silverware, and accessories such as tiny salt and pepper shakers, make lovely, unique accents. Dressing your table, like dressing yourself, is all a matter of personal style, so don't hesitate to experiment.