Photograph By Bob Rozycki
Sitting down to a lovely table makes any meal feel a bit more special.
In honor of this month’s “Going for the Gold” theme, we issued a “challenge” to the savvy stylists at Bloomingdale’s in White Plains, asking them to create a place setting that would show just what gold can bring to the tabletop experience.
We were thrilled with the look they fashioned for WAG.
And Emily Hull-Martin, fashion director for Home at Bloomingdale’s, even took the time to answer a few questions for us about setting a special table – and making each of your guests feel as honored as a medal-winning Olympian.
How important is a tabletop to setting the mood for a gathering?
“The table or buffet should be the focal point for your event – the location where everyone gathers to eat, drink and connect. It should be inviting, functional and reflective (of) your personal style or the theme of the event you’re hosting. Special touches on a table like napkin rings, place-card holders, fresh flowers and candlelight all help set the mood. Mix in a lively soundtrack, cocktails and great conversation and you can’t go wrong.”
What do you think that element of gold adds to a tabletop? Is it always going to be a fancy and glamorous touch or can it adapt to a variety of themes and styles?
“Gold is a huge trend in home furnishings right now and we love it on the table, especially in flatware and dinnerware details. The beauty of this metallic finish is that it’s so flexible. It can help dress up your table for a glamorous soiree, or you can mix gold with wood serving pieces and colorful china or napkins for a more worldly vibe.”
And finally, how do you think a guest would feel if you, as a host or hostess, set a table like this for them?
“Absolutely delighted! Being a fabulous host is all about making your guests feel comfortable and incorporating thoughtful and unique details into your events. From a gorgeous gold table to stocking your friend’s favorite bites, it’s all in the details.” n
In this photograph: Bloomingdale’s in White Plains shows how to set a glimmering table filled with gold accents. The dinnerware is a stylish mix from Bernardaud’s “Ecume Gold,” collection ($255 for charger and $165 for salad plate) and Haviland’s “Brandebourg” line ($98 for dinner plate, $58 for bread-and-butter plate, $90 for tea cup and $58 for saucer). The stemware is from the “Lismore Essence Gold”collection of Waterford, $80 per glass. Flatware is by Sambonet, $140 for a five-piece place setting in “H Art Gold.” The table linens are from Ralph Lauren’s “Wallace” grouping, with the placemat $25 and the napkin $18.75. Rounding out the inviting scene are accessories, including a Michael Aram “Apple” honey pot ($99) and “Golden Pears” salt-and-pepper shakers ($99/pair). The Kim Seybert napkin ring ($25) was used here as an accent on the plate, while the Coral Gold napkin ring ($14) serves its intended purpose. Completing the scene is a stately William Yeoward vase, which sells for $1,350.
