Transform Your Table

By Zoë Gowen
December 04, 2012
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Birmingham tabletop guru Patricia Murray shares simple ways to elevate any table setting from expected to extraordinary.
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Stylish Transformation

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

Get inspired by Patricia's easy ideas for giving your table a mini-makeover.

Source Guide
Tablecloth: Taj in Green by Anichini; anichini.com.

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Don't Be Stuffy

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Matching sets of wedding china and crystal are boring and unwelcoming.

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Mix and Match China

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Break up a coordinating set by swapping the salad plates for ones that have a playful pattern. To complete the layered look, add a less formal pottery charger along with a shimmery place mat.

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Add Unexpected Color

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Make clear crystal wineglasses stand out by pairing them with jewel-tone goblets. Patricia says, "Less is more with colored glassware, so it's best to use only one shade on your table."

Source Guide
Purple stemware: Fanny Amethyst Goblet by William Yeoward; williamyeowardcrystal.com.

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Skip the Mixed Bouquet

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Arrange vases, each holding a single kind of bloom or greenery, en masse so they read as one centerpiece. Patricia chose shades of green and purple to accent the paisley tablecloth.

Source Guide
Bark vases: birch tubes; available through table-matters.com.

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Shy Away from Basic Linens

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Choose a pretty patterned tablecloth for an additional element of color and texture. Complement that by selecting solid napkins that are embellished with a bold monogram.

Source Guide
Napkin ring: Black Lip Rectangular Napkin Ring (807187); available through table-matters.com.

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Seat Your Guests in Style

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Small bouquets labeled with guests' initials double as place cards.

Source Guide
Place card: Beth Ellis Designs; available through table-matters.com.

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Meet the Hostess: Patricia Murray

Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Patricia Murray, owner of Birmingham's Table Matters (table-matters.com), shares three ways to entertain in style.

Try a textured place mat. "Let the shape of your table dictate the mat," Patricia says. "Use round mats on round tables and rectangular ones on rectangular tables."

Make a lasting centerpiece. "Choose greenery or berries instead of delicate flowers so your arrangement stays fresh all week."

Use a pretty and practical goblet for water, tea, or wine. Patricia loves Simon Pearce's dishwasher-safe, go-with-anything Cavendish goblet.

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By Zoë Gowen