I love beautiful things! Especially beautiful dinnerware and accessories and realizing I have spent 30 years designing those items…that is a very good thing!
Often, when meeting with Brides to discuss their tableware choices I ask them to tell me about their cooking and entertaining thoughts for their future “life to come”. Among my many observations are two particular categories…1) The Bride who dreams of pretty/beautiful table settings and fancy dinners that will make her friends jealous..she and her new hubby are going to “play house” with all their pretty new things..2) A very practical Bride and Groom ,who are conservative and afraid to dream “too big” for this most special time in their lives…There is always a common ground where these two categories can meet….Yes, you can have it all!
Start with the basics. Think about flexibility and function. Think about leaving the door open for future additions as your tasted changes….Think about the foods you enjoy and the changing of seasons..And think about QUALITY! Basics…A good solid colored dinner plate dinner plate or salad plate..maybe not just a French Cream..think about adding another color like an Apple green or Whisper Blue…or maybe a Rich Red..You might consider at 2 or 3 solid colors as a base.
Color and design …pick something with a design that makes “your heart sing”….and don’t stop with one….Consider what adding a hand painted design would add to certain table settings..Use something festive and bright for the spring or Mexican food, desserts, birthdays…I would suggest my patterns such as Tango, Chinatown or Endless for accent and punctuation to your table settings…AND…Don’t forget about Christmas…Add Salad or dinner plates in a Christmas pattern that you can add to as the years go by…I have designed two for that purpose, Noel and Christmas Brights….
Flexibility of design and color are essential, and flexibility of function is too. I try to design serving pieces and accessories that can preform more than one purpose…A utensil holder that can function as a vase, wine cooler, or candle holder, a spoon rest that can serve as a dipping dish or baking oysters…rectangle platters that can serve not only for serving grilled meats or layered dip but when used with a stand can serve as an organizing element or Sushi platter! I could go on and on…but they have only given me a limited space..which by the way is WHY you should think about flexibility!
The QUALITY of the pieces you choose should be exceptional…Our dinnerware is restaurant grade…highly chip resistant…perfect for everyday use. Thirty years ago that was not the case for my product and for most others . I have traveled a VERY long journey to bring the Gail Pittman product to a level of strength and quality few have today! Pick quality for everyday..to use and enjoy when entertaining the most important people in you life…your family!
Consider the possibility of a “growing ” collection of dinnerware and decorative accessories as your life together begins to grow. You both may become Master Chiefs, or hold wine tastings, or have triplets!…Who knows what the future may have for you..but keeping an open collection that can be added to will add to the excitement !
Basics, Flexibility, Additions, and Quality……a perfect recipe for a beautiful table and home…..and when you think about it…a great recipe for a marriage….Many blessings to you both for a Beautiful Life.
Gail Pittman – Gail Pittman Designs –www.gailpittman.com
As seen in Premier Bride of Mississippi.