Getting Organised For Entertaining
Now that the spring weather is here for entertaining, and setting a beautiful tablescape, I have some tips on how I keep my collections organised, from tablecloths to napkins and vases.
1. Start with your tablecloths
I like to keep my tablecloths ironed and ready to use, hanging on white timber coat hangers in my linen cupboard. It means when I’m planning a table, I can simply select the tablecloth or table runner I want to use rather than having another job to do before I begin.
2. Keep everything together
I keep my serving ware and dinnerware together in my French dresser, at the end of my dining table. Having everything close at hand makes setting the table so much easier, and I can see what I have when I’m planning the look and style for my table setting.
3. Napkins, Accessories & Vases
Napkins are much like table cloths and table runners. I don’t have a big collection, but I also like to keep them in one section of the French cabinet, in the dining room. My napkins are always washed, ironed and ready for the next celebration. My collection of napkins are a mix of new and some vintage white napkins, I love collecting the vintage white sets. They are all stored in their colours for easy selection, in a wicker tray.
I have just recently re-located my vases from the pantry and and kitchen cupboards to the laundry. They now have their own space in my overhead cupboards. This way I have them stored in one very easy accessible place all together.
4. Make a little time to prepare
I find entertaining is much more enjoyable when I’m not rushing at the last minute. Having the basics organised means I can spend more time on the fun part, creating the tablescape, and enjoying the process.
5. Keep it accessible
I’m a great believer that beautiful things should be used. Keeping my table linens, dinnerware, serving pieces, glassware and vases organised and accessible means I’m much more likely to use them and create a beautiful table, even for a simple gathering.
For me, creating a beautiful tablescape starts well before the table is set.
It’s a simple system, but it makes entertaining so much easier. Everything is close at hand, I know what I have, and I can concentrate on the fun part, which is choosing the colours, flowers and details that bring the table together.
A little preparation goes a long way, especially when the entertaining season begins.
