Mix & Match

Your plates service is not complete ..... The knives are missing your household cutlery.... And the tablecloth is not luxurious enough for the occasion, or just too damaged.
Well, here's a great chance to use our imagination and practice the art of "mix & match" as our English neighbors call it.

Porcelain and earthenware:
If your porcelain or earthenware service is plain or white, use the entry or dessert colorful plates or decorated in various themes, such as fruits, flowers, birds. Thus humor and charm are the driver of these different approaches, but be aware that the secret is in the clarity and clear understanding of the underlying unity of the table.
It's a classic, but do not neglect however, the orphan tureen inherited from Aunt Jane, it is always a beautiful centerpiece. Filled of flowers for example with white plates of different shapes.

Silverware:
Missing knives among your old cutlery, this is the opportunity to set a table with nice handles color knives, matching the colors of the plates or the tablecloth. At the contrary, if you have the knives, pair them with your cutlery handles colorful or transparent, which will bring a contemporary nod to a traditional staging.

Tablecloths:
If you do not have big enough tablecloth for your reception table, try to cover it with a white or cream topping (silk by the meter, for example). Then it will be possible to add a table runner grosgrain, printed or embroidered, ancient or contemporary, color-keyed or showcasing your plates. The combinations are endless!
If the tablecloth you dream of using it again is too damaged, take the advantage of placing at the right places cut flowers flush and just thrown on the table. Well chosen, they will resist until the end of lunch, but take time to sew a thread point on the tablecloth, to discourage curious guests...
Similarly, mismatched cocktail napkins looks great with white plates, all identical, on a white or ecru tablecloth.