Creating a colour theme for your chintz and china table settings.
Mismatching your china and table linen can be really effective particularly when trying to achieve an eclectic vintage feel.
There are times when you want to ring the changes and match your table settings and decorations to work with a particular theme and colour palette.
Perhaps you have a special occasion in mind or you have just bought a new tea set and want to show it off. Maybe the seasonal flowers in the garden are starting to bloom and you want to match the floral decoration with your tablescape.
Whatever the reason start with a mood board which will help you plan the theme and there you can experiment with your colour palette.
Pinterest is a great place for inspiration on colour as you will be able to search for current and future fashion trends and get examples of mood boards. You can follow me on Pinterest www.pinterest.co.uk>styleanorak
I like to start creating a colour theme with fabrics but perhaps that is because of my fashion background. But picking a bouquet can also determine your theme.
If you choose a particular range of colours don’t be afraid to mix pattern and scale. Flowers, stripes, checks, spots and paisleys if they fall within a broad colour spectrum work very well mixed together.
Like me you may already have a fabric stash so get them out and spread them on the floor to see what kind of colours co-ordinate.
Don’t be afraid if they slightly miss match as this always looks more effective if you are making bunting.
If you need to buy fabric, when creating a colour theme, have a look in charity shops first for vintage embroidered tablecloths or curtains that can be turned into tablecloths, runners or napkins.
The left overs can go into bunting. If you have no luck then furnishing fabrics are ideal as they are much wider than dress fabrics. Most shops will cut off half a metre minimum or alternatively have a rummage in their remnant box for buried treasures.
Choose a fabric for the main tablecloth as you will need at least 4 metre depending on the size of the table. You may need to measure the length of table plus the drop on both ends and double this if your table is wide because you will have to cut the fabric length in half from selvedge to selvedge width ways and put a seam in the length. Take care to match the pattern allowing for the pattern repeat.
Make sure you press the seam open so that the cloth lies flat. You may wish to hem the edges of the cloth, mitering the corners or you can add a braid or border in contrasting fabric.
Choose a different print for a second smaller tablecloth that you can layer on top of the first on the diagonal.
Now you have sorted out the linens the fun begins. Add your floral centrepiece and lay the table with your best china.
Contrast table runners can be added as well as napkins and placemats. You can also make chair covers, ties and cushions in mixed fabrics.
Add embroidery motifs or monogrammed initials for a truly customised detailing. Trace off florals from one of your prints and embroider onto plain linen or contrast prints. Experiment with patchwork and cross stitch.
Alternatively you can take your designs to an embroidery bureau where they can be digitised and digitally stitched for you.
Look out for future Blogs by ‘The Table Dresser’ for information on how to make bunting and table runners.
Alternative colour palette blues pinks and reds mixing paisleys with florals stripes and spots.
Vintage chintz mismatching scales.