YumSugar

Come Party With Me: Almost Meatless Thanksgiving - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:31 -0800

When done properly, a table runner and tablecloth can both be used to create a harmonious and gorgeous table setting. Think of it like you would clothing: if one is patterned and textured, the other should be simple and plain. Here, a rich brown-velvet runner is placed on top of an elegant white cloth. Golden beaded chargers serve as accents and white serving ware - plates and bowls - let the food be the focal point. Fill glass bottles with the orange wine and fresh water. Candles and flowers are essential to achieve a festive and celebratory mood.

How do you plan on decorating your Thanksgiving table? Share your ideas below!

Thanksgiving Tip: Have Extra Place Settings Ready

partysugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:00:11 -0800

Besides setting the table early - a couple of days before Thanksgiving - I also put aside several extra place settings. I'll stack two to three plates, chargers, napkins, and utensils in a hidden spot in the dining room.

My Thanksgiving is a "the more, the merrier" type of event, so if someone shows up with an unexpected friend or family member, all I have to do is grab the extra place setting that's ready and add another chair to the table.

It's one less thing to worry about, and will ensure that you don't have to go digging into your China cabinet looking for extra plates on the big night. Got a great Thanksgiving tip? Please share it with us below!

Off to Market: Thanksgiving Accessories

partysugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:00:41 -0800

Creating a memorable Thanksgiving is not just about serving a moist turkey and flavorful pureed potatoes. It's also about enjoying a meal with loved ones! Since the time spent around the table is the most important part of the day, I like to pay special attention to the table setting. It can be simple (printed tablecloth and votive candles) or complex (homemade place cards and multiple wine glasses).

Let's get excited for Thanksgiving by searching the Internet for festive and functional table accessories. To share your finds - napkins, plates, floral arrangements, etc. - with us bookmark them in the Off to Market group in the YumSugar Community. Don't forget to tag your bookmarks with the keywords Thanksgiving accessories. I can't wait to browse your discoveries!

Interested in learning more about bookmarking? Check out the complete instructions here. Need some shopping inspiration? See a list of my favorite online stores when you read more.

Bed Bath & Beyond
CB2
Cooking.com
Crate & Barrel
Ikea
Linens and Things
NapaStyle
Pier 1
Plum Party
Pottery Barn
Sur La Table
Target
Restoration Hardware
Williams Sonoma
Wishing Fish
World Market

Come Party With Me: Harvest Party - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:00:24 -0700

The menu for my harvest-themed dinner party is inspired by wine, so the tablescape will reflect this general feeling, too. To keep things casual and slightly rustic, don't cover the table with a tablecloth. Instead, place a linen runner down the middle and arrange bunches of ripe grapes as centerpieces.

White plates allow the food to be the focal point. Serve the meal family style and bring the braised chicken and saffron risotto directly to the table. Since the dinner is a celebration of wine, offer guests the choice of red or white wine and have the proper glasses for each.

During the cocktail hour, serve the Champagne punch in an elegant bowl and arrange the goat cheese mousse and strawberry compote on a wooden cheese board.

Lots of candles create an intimate glowing atmosphere while a single lavish arrangement of flowers is a welcoming hello if placed near the front door - it's the first thing guests will see and they'll immediately get in the mood!

Simple Tip: Satin Ribbon Makes Affordable Place Setting

partysugar — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:15:00 -0800

At a party, Diffa's Dining By Design event, I saw the most uncomplicated yet sophisticated place setting. A plain linen napkin was lined with a single satin ribbon. The color palate was muted and the ribbon had an elegant twist. This budget-friendly technique can easily be re-created at your next dinner party! Here's how:

Head to the local craft store and purchase a spool of satin ribbon.
Carefully fold a cloth napkin and lay across the plate.
Measure the width of the plate with the ribbon and cut to size. Stretch the ribbon across the plate, twisting once.

Voila - instantly chic table setting. Do you have an economical place-setting tip? Please share with us below!

View 3 Photos ›

Napkin Rings With Bud Vases: Love It or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 04:00:35 -0800

I'm normally a huge fan of alternative napkin rings. However, I don't know how I feel about these napkin rings that have a bud vase attached. I'm sure they look lovely resting on a plate and would be wonderfully pretty at a wedding, but once you remove the napkin and start to eat, what are you supposed to do with the napkin ring and flower? Place it on the table? How stable are they? I can see a dinner table dirtied with water stains and crushed flowers. What do you think? Are they fabulous or not functional?

Do You Use Good China For Thanksgiving Dinner?

partysugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:00:04 -0800

Source

Do or Don't: Putting Your Napkin on the Plate?

partysugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Yesterday DearSugar and I got into a debate about what you should do with your napkin when finished eating a meal. She said it was tacky and rude to put your napkin on the plate, but I told her I've done it before. What do you think? Is it bad manners to put your napkin on the plate when finished eating?

Source

Dress Your Table With Cinnamon and Roses

partysugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:15:33 -0700

Walking around the tasting tent at the Food Network NYC Food and Wine Festival, I came across a fabulous decorating idea - it's perfect for Fall or the holidays - that I plan to re-create in a tablescape. You can to, here's how to:

Start by covering the table with a simple cloth. Arrange a thin layer of gauzy fabric over the tablecloth.
Sprinkle the table with rose petals in a color that matches the party's theme. Place the cinnamon sticks around the rose petals.

This is an inspiring idea that can translate into many different table decorations. You could wrap twine around cloth napkins and place a cinnamon stick inside each one. Or make placecard holders by cutting a slit into the side of the cinnamon and sliding a piece of labeled cardstock inside. What do you think? Have you ever used cinnamon sticks as party decor?

Wedding Centerpiece Trends

partysugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:13:38 -0700

One of the many decisions you have to make when planning your wedding is how to style the tables. A spectacular centerpiece on the table is like the icing on the cake. It's an eye catching piece of decor that stimulates conversation and sets the atmosphere for the reception. This year centerpieces have moved beyond the traditional: fruits and vegetables abound, nature adds down-to-earth glamor, and the glowing cast of candles shadow the arrangements. To see some of the most popular centerpiece trends, click the "Start" button.

View Slideshow ›