A luxurious lunch table setting

Looking to create an amazing table setting for your next lunch party? We’ve got Ami Kothari of Dining Couture to decode the ultimate luxurious lunch table setting

Don’t limit maximalism to just your living and bedrooms – bring it to the table as well. Wow your friends at your next lunch soiree with a luxurious lunch tablescape with top tips from table styling expert, Ami Kothari of Dining Couture.
1.    Start with choosing a central colour palette or theme for your setting. Concentrate party décor around the main table to create a visual focal point in the room

2.    Layering is key. Work with a combination of materials, textures, complementary colours and accessories to create a rich, beautiful tablescape

3.    Classic white dinnerware can be used as a neutral base for multiple colour palettes and settings. Purchase one good set and work from there. For lunch, bring in muted pastels with elements like centrepieces and table linen along with metallic accents like gold or copper cutlery

4.    Add a pop of colour to a predominantly neutral setting. Try olive green glasses with white crockery and brass cutlery. Charger plates sit under the main dinner plate and frame each setting. Use these to bring in vibrant colour that just peeks out from under each plate

5.    Try natural materials enhanced with metallic details like linen napkins with brass holders, rattan placemats for textured stone plates with gold rims, dried flowers or pine cones placed in glass and brass hurricanes for centrepieces

6.    Play with heights and scales for drama. Mix flat platters with tiered cupcake stands or layered centrepieces. Stacking plates also works wonders for a setting. Start with a dinner plate, followed with a salad plate and topped with a bowl

7.    Always set at least two glasses per setting – one for water and one for the beverage being served. Choose glasses of different heights and even complementary colours. Using stem glasses adds a classy feel to the table

8.    Personalisation plays a key role. Name and food tags can be written in beautiful calligraphy or gold ink for a luxe touch. You can also use a photograph of the guest as a place card

9.    Classic cutlery placement lends a formal feel but you can get a little creative as well. Tie up the knife, fork and spoon with twine or ribbon and place them directly on the dinner plate

10.    Add silks and soft linens to the setting. Table runners add elegance without taking away from a beautiful wooden table surface. Go in for fabric serviettes with embroidery. If you are using a tablecloth, make sure it is ironed perfectly

11.    When placing tall centrepieces, make sure they don’t get in the way of conversations. Dried flower arrangements, twigs, pinecones, coloured stone, river rocks can all be used to create pretty centrepieces. Place them in gold vases, decorative plates or glass hurricanes

12.    Bird/animal figurines or unusual napkin rings can add the right amount of luxurious detail. Herbs like rosemary wrapped in twine or a fresh sprig of bow tied lavender can be arranged on each place setting on the napkin