The New Book of Table Settings: Creative Ideas for the Way We Gather Today

I checked this out from the library, looking for inspiration for an upcoming party. I have been disappointing by over-the-top books that purport to tell us how to decorate for a party... IF that party is at our country home in Connecticut, or at our Manhattan loft! Well, I have neither, just a VERY small condo in Seattle. This book has lots of clever ideas for making use of small spaces, mismatched tableware, and other things that "normal" people have in their homes, or can borrow from friends. For example, there are some great ideas for using the wooden "TV trays" that many people have. Also good ideas for using inexpensive color overlays, mini lights, and different levels on tables to liven things up. I didn't find this book a bore at all. I loved it!

I loved this book. It is a fresh approach to decorating a table with plenty of unusual ideas. Admittedly it is not primarily about table settings as in "where-does-which-spoon-go-and-how-many-do-I-need-anyway", so the title of the book might be misleading to some people (I bought it in the store and was able to thumb through it before).Instead it gives you an abundance of suggestions on how to achieve an individual and unique look for any occasion you might have in mind. Yes - there is a page on TV trays in there, but it is rather general, and just another "table" in the eyes of the authors (ok, I admit that even I didn't need THAT).The book is arrranged by topics like dinnerware (the authors encourage you to mix and match freely), table coverings (vintage, quilts, any fabric, bare wood - you name it), how to present the food on the table nicely and appealingly, and last but not least the book shows you different and complete table decorations for all kinds of seasons and occasions. In addition to beautiful and very professional photographs of the varius decorations, the reader is offered alternatives to each of those settings. For example one decorating idea uses flowering witch hazel, but you may also use weeping cherry, or Bradford pear instead.The centerpiece idea for a winter table is awesome and worth the book in itself - they suggest making a luminary of ice filled with twigs and red berries, and to put a candle in it - step-by-step instructions are of course included.One word of caution: If you are looking for suggestions on formal or traditional decorating ideas, this book is not for you. It is geared towards people who would like to achieve highly personal and unusual, yet tasteful table settings (as in decorating). It is about pairing unusual things, e.g. bundling asparagus and displaying the bundle as centerpiece, and most importantly it is about freeing yourself from the notion that only a table setting with matching china and a traditional layout can be stunning and successful. My tip: Try it and see for yourself!