Welcome!!

[Dreamgoddess]

I am so excited to welcome you to Zaar's new forum! We would like this forum to be a place for Zaar chefs to get together and share their ideas and inspiration in the art of Table Settings and Decorating.

Imagine the dining table as your own personal blank canvas. When we begin to set a dining table, each of us brings our originality to the endeavor and our personality shines through in that effort. Whether it is whimsical, casual, or elegant, I would like to encourage each of you to celebrate and share your creativity with us.

I’m sure we can all agree that fine china and crystal are beautiful on a well-dressed table…but I have also had the pleasure of seeing some gorgeous table settings that were done with items bought from dollar stores. It isn’t important where you bought the dinnerware or what type you have…it is how you employ your imagination and ingenuity in creating a table setting that is pleasing in your eyes.

We would love to see photos of your decorated dining table and have you share your achievements with us! Have you bought something new for your table? Maybe you bought new salad plates…maybe new flatware. Whatever it is, please feel free to share photos of it with us and tell us how you plan to use it to beautify your dining table. Not only will you be showing off your “pretties”, but you’ll be providing inspiration for other chefs!

[Chef #532663]

Sorry I don't have any pictures, but I do have a camera. It sounds like fun seeing pictures of tables. Might convince my family to sit at it. One of my hobbies is flower arranging and that is the primary focus of what I do but I am open to new ideas always.
I will try to get some pictures and figure out how to put them on here. Do I need to be a premium member? I am thinking about that buthaven't paid yet.

[Dreamgoddess]

Hi Lorie and welcome! No, you do not need to be a premium member to post photos. All you need is a photo hosting site like Photobucket..

I will say though, if you're thinking about becoming a premium member, I highly recommend it. It's great to have.

So, you like flower arranging...that's great to know. I know everyone will be looking forward to seeing some of your arrangements.

[Chef #532663]

Thank you!
I think I need to join soon since I have only visited a couple of times and already my cookbook has t0ns of recipes in it.

I do have a tip on flowers for the table that I would like to share. And that is that the height of the flowers should go no taller than the length from elbow to fist. This is so people eating can see each other. I know I have seen large flower arrangements in pictures in magazines, but they are not aesthetically correct. The tall arrangements should go on other tables such as buffet tables where height is appreciated.

I look forward to sharing some photos and looking at others, especially if anyone has table settings for outdoor weather and around the pool.

[Shirl (J) 831]

Oh this is fantastic !!! I know one thing I like to do at Christmas when I set the table and make name places I wrap small "pretend" gifts and the gift tag has the persons name on it

[Dreamgoddess]

Lorie, that's a great tip on the height of the flowers! What I do is usually have a tall arrangement when the table isn't in use. If I have guests, I'll move it to a buffet as you suggested and put a smaller arrangement on the table.

Shirl, what a good idea! I've got to remember that for Christmas.

[French Tart]

I will be by here LOTS - and I also have lots of different photos of table settings I can share if you are interested?

WELCOME to your NEW forum!!!!!!!!! Great idea!!!!!!!!


FT

[Caroline Cooks]

Terrific idea for a forum! Congrats!!! Love it!

[Bergy]

Great new forum - I think a well laid table is eye candy for the coming meal. As you said It doesn't have to be china & crystal (that's lovely too) but using your imagination setting a theme
I look forward to popping in here and I hope posting some photos later on

[Julie B's Hive]

I so believe in a well-set table and manners to go with it! Unfortunately my hubby will dangle his plate on his lap in front of the tv and I'm left alone at the table. I know this sounds completely off the wall but I'll set for one complete with candles and perhaps a bit of mood music in the background.

If you looking for ideas on tablescapes you've got to watch Sandra Lee, she has wonderful taste. Of course, we don't have her budget so I agree, check out the dollar stores and places like Home Goods, my favorite haunt.

[JoyfulCook]

Sounds great, cant wait for all the pics - I have alot to learn

[Bergy]

Here is a site that you may enjoy perusing
http://www.schonwalder.net/Napkin_folds2/NFolding103.htm

[JoyfulCook]

Thanks Bergy - i had just a peek but will come back tomorrow and have a good look - I am off to bed - being in a different time zone its nearly 11 p.m.

[Dreamgoddess]

Julie, I totally agree with you. My husband sits in front of the tv to eat, but my children and I are always at the table. My youngest daughter loves to have what she calls a "fancy dinner". This simply means we eat by candlelight. I'm not really sure where she came up with the idea that candlelight makes it "fancy".

We don't always eat by candlelight because the children would get tired of it, and it wouldn't be so special to them.

Bergy, thank you for the link! I can't wait to check it out.

French Tart, please share! I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Caroline, I'm looking forward to seeing your ideas too!

Joyful, I'm sure you have things you can teach us also.

I'm so glad that to have all of you joining in!! I think this is going to be so much fun.

[Andi of Longmeadow Farm]

Beautiful forum, Dreamgoddess~



I can hardly wait for the ideas to come forth!

Congtratulations!