How to Enhance Table Linens

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By Jennifer Terry
eHow Contributing Writer

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Table linens add charm and class to a dinner party. Even the kitchen table looks better when a tablecloth is draped over it. Enhance your plain table linens by creating a needlework motif, adding table settings and a centerpiece.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Tablecloth
Napkins
Needlework pattern
Embroidery hoop
Embroidery floss
Embroidery needle
Placemats
Napkin rings
Charger plates
Flatware
Dinnerware
Glass punchbowl
Water
Food coloring
Floating candles

Embellish the Tablecloth

Step 1

Select an elaborate needlework pattern to stitch in the center and on the edges of your tablecloth.
Step 2

Transfer the pattern to the tablecloth.
Step 3

Place the table cloth in your embroidery hoop.
Step 4

Stitch the pattern with embroidery floss until the pattern is complete.

Embellish the Napkins

Step 1

Transfer a small motif from the needlework pattern used on the tablecloth.
Step 2

Place the napkin in your embroidery hoop.
Step 3

Stitch the pattern with embroidery floss until the pattern is complete.

Assemble

Step 1

Place the wrinkle-free tablecloth on the table.
Step 2

Put coordinating placemats in front of each chair.
Step 3

Add a charger plate (contrasting in color with the tablecloth) to the center of each placemat.

Add Dinnerware

Step 1

Place the bread plate above the placemat and to the left in the 10 o'clock position. Insert the napkins in the napkin ring holders. Place them on top of the bread plate.
Step 2

Place the dinner plate in the center of the charger. Place the soup or salad bowl in the dinner plate.
Step 3

Place the coffee cup at the top of the placemat at the one o'clock position.
Step 4

Place the wine glass to the right side of the coffee cup.
Step 5

Place a water glassabove the wine glass.

Add the Flatware

Step 1

Choose a flatware style that coordinates with your dinnerware. The flatware should be the same tone (causal or formal) as the dinnerware.
Step 2

Place the dessert fork beside the plate on the left. Place the dinner fork to the left of the dessert fork. Place the salad fork to the left of the dinner fork.
Step 3

Place the bread knife in the bread plate.
Step 4

Place the knife beside the plate on the right. Place the teaspoon to the right of the knife. Place the soup spoon to the right of the teaspoon.

Add a Centerpiece

Step 1

Place a clear glass, patterned punchbowl in the center of the table.
Step 2

Fill it about three-quarters full with water that has been colored with food coloring or fruit juice.
Step 3

Place floating candles on the water. They should float at a level that allows their flame to be over the rim of the bowl.