Table Inspirations - Tapa blanda

How much better food tastes when it is thoughtfully presented at a beautifully set table! Table decoration creates an atmosphere of hospitality, conviviality and style, and makes your guests feel truly welcome. Table Inspirations offers an abundance of delightful ideas for adorning the table and, unlike other books on table settings, these decorations do not rely on ornate dinner services or canteens of silver cutlery. Instead it is packed with simple, pretty and imaginative suggestions that will bring a dash of originality and elegance to any occasion, with the minimum of effort and fuss. The first section looks at the elements that make up a successful and stylish table: namecards and napkins, coasters and candles. The second section contains an abundance of entertaining ideas for different occasions, from the simplest weekday suppers with friends to classic celebratory dinners. In the invaluable third section, the components of several international table settings are analysed and explained, ensuring that the reader knows how to position every component correctly.

Emily Chalmers worked at Good Housekeeping magazine before becoming a freelance stylist and writer, working for Homes & Gardens, Woman & Home and Ideal Home. She is the author of Cheap Chic (also Ryland Peters & Small).