Eventually, just about every single one of us will end up hosting a dinner party--because we want to or because we have to.  Either way, a well dressed table is an essential part of the presentation, because let's face it, it isn't just about how well you cook your meal anymore.

There are three main points you want to keep in mind when creating your tablescape:  color, texture and light.  You also want to be thinking about your centerpiece in particular, but more on that later.

A well dressed table is essential whether you have 2 place settings or 12 place settings.  Adding layers, textured fabrics and light reflecting surfaces makes for a cozy and elegant setting.

Color:  Keep your number of colors to a minimum, I'd say 3 to 4 max, especially if you are mixing and matching your china patterns or doing an eclectic miss-match of vintage dinnerware.  Having a neutral color in the mix, such as white or brown, can keep it all grounded when using several colors.

Layers  and texture add depth and dimension to your table setting.  Here I've paired a rust colored cotton twill placemat with an aqua beaded placemat.  On top of that is a metallic copper glass charger plate, my turquoise dinner and salad plates and two napkins--an organza teal one and a rust cotton twill one held together with a beaded spray napkin ring.  My heavy, large goblets in deep turquoise help to anchor each place setting while my stainless steel flatware adds a bit of light colored flair.

Texture:  Think different types of fabrics, or even just layering similar fabrics of different colors.  Texture adds dimension and interest to your table even if you use a totally neutral palette.  Some ideas for texture include: natural fibers, such as jute, burlap or rattan; detail like beading, stitching or embossed fabrics; sheer fabrics like organza mixed with heavier fabrics such as twill cotton.

Sheer fabrics and beading reflect ambient light while the twill napkin and even the beaded spray add texture.

Light:  You can bring light to your table in a couple of ways.  The obvious option is to add candles to your centerpiece or even a small votive at each place setting.  If you are worried about flames, make sure to use flameless battery operated candles.  Another option is to use fabrics or metallic surfaces that will reflect your overhead light source.  Some examples are organza, beaded placemats or fabric with beaded detailing or even a floral centerpiece in a mercury glass vase or a plain vase sitting on top of a small mirror.

You can add to your table with beading or metallic elements like this beaded placemat and metallic copper charger.

On the subject of centerpieces, be sure that your centerpiece does not block your guests' view of one another.  There is nothing I find more annoying than having to lean left or right around a large statement making centerpiece of brobdingnagian proportions just to look at the person I am speaking to.  You don't want to annoy your guests, especially if one of your guests is your boss!  You can make a statement with your centerpiece without inflating it to the size of Alaska.  Here are some ideas on statement making centerpieces of well proportioned sizes:

Use a vibrant colored tablecloth, napkins and dinnerware then juxtapose your centerpiece with a full cluster of white roses in a low profile vase.  This one bright spot in the center of your table is sure to draw attention!

Or do the opposite by using neutral colored linens and dinnerware with a bright and colorful mix of flowers in a simple mercury glass vase for the centerpiece.

Follow the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) rule by using luxe fabrics with added detail like decorative stitching or beading and heavily laying each place setting.  Then keep your centerpiece simple with one candlestick or candle pillar or a small statuette, like a glass gourd.

A simple glass gourd of a neutral color can make a great centerpiece during the autumn season when you have little room to work with on your table or you just like to follow the less is more rule.

Use candlesticks of varying heights, or hang baubles from your chandelier.  Be creative and think outside the box.  Use your table decor as a way to express your personality but remember that good conversation should always be the centerpiece of any dinner party!

Like my dinner table and place setting?  Below is a list of where you can buy these items.  (This is not an endorsement of any particular store or business, just a handy way to share where you can buy these products if you like them!)

Table and Chairs:
Marchella Round Dining Table in Rubbed Black from Pier One
Marchella Dining Chair in Rubbed Black from Pier One
Hourglass Dining Chair in Royal Sunset from Pier One

Table Linens:
Twill Placemat in Rust from Pier One
Round Beaded Placemat in Aqua from Pier One
Infinity Mirror Charger in Copper from Pier One
Sheer Napkin in Teal from Pier One
Twill Napkin in Rust from Pier One
Beaded Spray Napkin Ring in Teal and Purple from Pier One

Dinnerware:
Bamboo 20 Piece Flatware Set by Hampton Forge from Target
Artland Iris Goblet Set in Slate Blue from Kohls


I bought my dinner plates years ago at Target  and they no longer sell them so here are some other great options to achieve my look above.

Nearly Exact Match:
Caldo-Freddo Vagary Collection Dinnerware Set from Overstock

Closest Match:
Gibson Elite Shangri-La Court Round Double Bowl Dinnerware Set in Turquoise/Black from Target
Baum Jade Copper Dinnerware Set from Target
Dusk Dinnerware in Sky from Pier One

Other Good Options:  
Zoey Dinnerware in Jade from Pier One
Threshold Round Melamine Dinnerware Set in Teal from Target
Threshold Kennet Azure Dinnerware Set in Blue from Target
Baum Adron Teal Dinnerware Set from Target
Room Essentials Angled Rim Dinnerware Set in Turquoise from Target