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Getting The Best From Your Kitchen Tableware.
Getting right tableware for your needs and aspirations is an essential element in hosting memorable dinner parties and for everyday dining. By selecting the correct tableware it is possible to have the perfect dinner set for both formal and informal situations - and a must if you want to impress your friends or your family with the style and efficiency of your kitchen. It is always important to remember that serving and presentation will enhance all your preparation and cooking effort. The term tableware covers a multitude of different items and implements - which are never all to be found in one department in a store or online web site. This has to function for; everyday use, dinner parties, as well as seasons, occasions and events, so it is wise to constantly update your battle plan and weaponry! I find that by looking at the three functions of the dining experience, it is useful to then devise your approach to buying your tableware either in sets or just updating it. 1] For the Look and Style -The Backdrop: Tablecloths, placemats, napkins, table runners, napkin rings, table runners, coasters, candlestick holders and vases. 2] For serving, ‘Serveware’: Serving plates, serving dishes, serving bowls, wine decanters, serving cutlery, trivets, trays, sauce boats, cheese boards, butter dishes, salt & pepper dispensers. 3] For Eating and Drinking: Cutlery, plates, bowls, glassware, cups & saucers. Your choice of tablewear will depend on style and fashion as much as practicality, however it is as always best to get the best quality you can afford, from your dinner service plates to your cheeseboard. When buying pieces of dinnerware, always check for tiny cracks, bubbles in the glaze, and the makers mark on the back. Also check for microwave and dishwasher usability. It is wise to have your main sets of plates, cups and cutlery sets in classic style and plain colour, and ask yourself whether it is to be used every day or for special occasions and budget accordingly, white plates are easy to replace! This range can be built upon. Tips For Success; -Think about colour, theme and style, if your main table wear sets are classic you can have seasonal sets - fresh colours for spring and summer with bamboo servers, and wooden slat runners. Deeper colours for autumn and winter, when you bring out the candles. - Attention to detail; now all tablewear is an art form - even trivets! - Serving food style can be infinitely varied, a rustic meal can look better presented in stonewear straight from the oven, and formal meals served on specially selected serverys. - Have fun and be varied with your presentation - top italian brands use funky materials and confident colour combined with quality. Paper serviettes come in a range of colourful designs which can bring a touch of art to dining and can be equally as effective as cloth napkins and stylish napkin rings. - Consider how best to enhance the style of your dining table- wooden ones can look more stylish largely uncovered whereas some look best with a stylish tablecloth predominant. - Salads look best served in large bowls - wooden ones make the colours come to life. - Have an overall cohesive theme - it sometimes looks best to have the meal served entirely on oval platters - than an eclectic mix of square and round bowls in steel, ceramic and various materials. -Be cool about your presentation, don’t clutter the table with style statements, remove that vase and flowers after the starter has been served to make space for the main act. Also allow plenty of time for your guests to appreciate your efforts. So remember, with the array of options available in tablewear, the only limit to your success is in the planning and coordination - your sense of style and cooking! Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Mike Furniss has worked in Media, Design, and Communications for major clients and agencies in London for the past 25 years. He has worked on Branding, Corporate Identity and Retail Interior projects and is a developer of design and communication strategy. He has also written many articles and is a keen chef and practicing Designer and artist. To find out more about enhancing the kitchen and dining experience visit; www.kitchendesires.com/ |
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