How to Set the Table in 3 Styles: Modern Formal, Rustic, Fusion
When it comes to entertaining, the plates you use can be almost as important as what you serve on them. Click through the slides above to see how Amy Mellen, creative director for Calvin Klein Home, taught us how to set the mood for a minimalist masterpiece, a chic buffet, and an eclectic evening for two.
1/4From top: “Ayr” porcelain large bowls in graphite, $100 each. “Ellipse” gold flatware, $96 for five-piece setting. “Quay” dinnerware, from $75. “Mercer” dinnerware, price pending. On model: Wool shell and skirt, prices upon request. All items by Calvin Klein Home and Calvin Klein Collection; 212-292-9000 or calvinklein.com. “Wash” platter, jonopandolfi.com for information. “Cosmic” rings, $1,500 each, nathaliesevikian.com.
2/4Modern Formal
The setting perfected for the dinners that Calvin Klein hosts after its fashion shows is spare and precise: all the better to show off the food. A few tips: With a table this minimal, precision is key. Get obsessive and align the distance from the place mat to the table’s edge, to the spacing between utensils. If you’re doing flowers, line up low, tight bouquets of one type of white bloom, like calla lilies, peonies, or tulips. Always iron the linens! Save yourself time by ironing them right after you wash them, while damp. PICTURED: 1. Glasses “Hampshire” stemware, $25 each. 2. Vase “Rise” short vase in storm, $350. 3. Place mat “Aberdeen” place mat in anthracite, $24 each. 4. Silverware “Ellipse” gold flatware, $96 for five-piece setting. 5. Plates “Mercer” dinnerware, price pending. 6. Napkin “Aberdeen” napkin in nickel, $30. All items by Calvin Klein Home; 212-292-9000 or calvinklein.com.
3/4Rustic Buffet
Mellen blends earthy materials for a casual country evening. Create good crowd flow by starting with plates at one end, followed by food, drink, and, finally, flatware. A few tips: Branches are a sculptural way to anchor a buffet table. I go into my yard with pruning shears and see what's around. I serve wine in smaller glasses and I mix patterns so guests know which one is theirs. A stack of plates tells everyone they can help themselves without having to wait for the hostess. PICTURED: 1. Vase “Wash” tall vase, $550; calvinklein.com. 2. Fork “Ellipse” stainless-steel serving fork, $51 for two-piece set; calvinklein.com. 3. Platter “Wash” platter, jonopandolfi.com for information. 4. Plates ”Burl” medium round plate in latte, $45; dbohome.com. 5. Tablecloth Mellen’s own. 6. Servers Wood fork and spoon, $15 (similar to ones shown); fishseddy.com. 7. Bowl Large teak bowl, $60; inmod.com. 8. Serving Board Petrified wood cheese board, $115; restorationhardware.com. 9 Glasses Etched glassware, from $15 each; ABC Carpet & Home, 212-473-3000. 10. Napkins Linen handkerchiefs, $10 each; Muji, 212-382-2300. 11. Bowl “Ayr” porcelain medium bowl in ash, $75; calvinklein.com. 12. Silverware Sushi Queen flatware, $149 for 24-piece set; amazon.com. 13. Pitchers “Iconic” pitchers in gold, $122 and $189; calvinklein.com. 14. Bowl Acacia wood bowl, $119; globaltable.com.
4/4The New Fusion
Travel to Asia not only inspires what Mellen cooks, but how she sets the table. This eclectic tableau of high-low finds is anchored by a stay-hot pot. A few tips: Your cookware can make a design statement. Plus, it’s one less bowl to clean. If the flowers you like aren’t in season, these sea urchins are a nice way to put things on the table—not to mention start conversation. Collecting pottery can get expensive. I love going to Chinatown to find new shapes and finishes under $10. PICTURED: 1. Plate (top) Sumi Kannyu salad plate, $8; New Kam Man, 212-571-0330. 2. Plate (bottom) “Quay” dinner plate, $75; calvinklein.com. 3. Pitcher Porcelain pitcher, $48; sueparaskeva.co.uk for information. 4. Glasses Smoked glassware, from $25 each; ABC Carpet & Home, 212-473-3000. 5. Runner Vintage Japanese Boro textile, from $45; srithreads.com 6. Flatware Almoco flatware in black, $50 for a five-piece setting; dwr.com. 7. Napkin “Aberdeen” napkin in nickel, $30 each; calvinklein.com. 8. Sea Urchins $2 each; sealifegifts.net. 9. Pot Cast-iron casserole, $295; momastore.com.
