Make most of the outdoors
Step-by-step guide for a delectable, al fresco spring brunch
Before setting a table for outdoors consider your entire space especially when choosing the elements that are used on the table. Make it as personal as possible. Our garden has red spring flowers and ample green, so we decided to keep the colour palette black and white. This is even in the flowers that are kept in small table bouquets. One can also use tall palm leaves to set the mood but we decided to skip them here given the abundant greens around the setting.
PLATEFUL OF STYLE
Kick it off with table linen as it sets the tone. We’ve used a candy-striped grey and white tablecloth for a bit of fun, while keeping things light. Lay the dinner plates next. Remember, the sort of plates you use will be determined by whether it’s a formal or informal setting. This particular one is casual set-up for a springtime outdoor brunch. We’ve layered our Celadon glazed bowl over white plates. Feel free to mix things up using different sorts of napkins.
FILL THE NEGATIVE SPACES
Once the plates are set, you will begin to notice negative spaces. Use colours from the table mat to enhane the entire look. In this case black platters, white bowls and black and white salt and pepper shakers have been placed on the table. Seasonal fruits add colour and go well with the overall theme.
SERVEWARE COMES LAST
Now place your serveware, filling up (but not overcrowding) the table. Since it is an informal setting, you don’t need a centrepiece, but placing flowers in glass bowls works well. Remember, no table is complete without layering. This is done by placing objects at different heights. So the monochrome salad bowl (which has Japan-inspired motifs) has been placed on a stand, giving it much needed height. Consistency is important so you will find that the salad bowl sports gold cutlery and the spoons for the parfait are gold as well in this setting. Once the table is laid out, sit back, relax and dig into the scrumptious feast.