Creating a stunning yet relaxed dining table

Creating a Stunning Yet Relaxed Dining Table

The success of a dinner party is in part owing to the way you set the table, and I have a few tricks to ensure that the evening is as relaxed and fun as possible.

I love a 48-inch dining table – I find it to be the perfect size for an intimate dinner party of 6–8 people. It's a little bit of a squeeze, but I think this encourages good conversation, fun and frivolity.

Keeping your table settings low with short-stemmed glasses and short centrepieces will enable guests to talk across easily.

My table settings always include:

• Simple cotton tablecloths in batik prints
• Napkins that don't necessarily match but are friends in colour and scale
• Scalloped placemats
• Antique china and crockery from eBay
• Cutlery with bamboo handles
• Short-stemmed wine glasses for a more relaxed feel
• Inexpensive, colourful plastic wine glasses
• Charming salt and pepper holders
• Candle votives
• Fresh flowers