Table setting and the print vs solid conundrum.

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

I spend some time on the Temp-tationistas Anonymous Facebook page, and people post lots of pictures of their tables and dishes (Temp-tations and other wise). Many people use printed table cloths or placemats along with printed dishes, some are all of the same brand and pattern, some mixing patterns and colors.

I am really funny about the mix on a table. I like prints and solids, but in my opinion, most table settings look best if the dishes are one, and the linens are the other. In other words, if you used printed dish and serveware, solid linens (tablecloth, napkins, placemats) makes for a better look. And if you use printed linens, solid dinnerware is better. Too much print (even if it is all matching) gets to be too much for me. Too much solid is boring.

Anyone else have a preference one way or the other with this?

faeriemoon · ‎03-14-2010

I feel the same way as you. However, some prints are non-prints and can coordinate well with other prints. Also, If you have a print tablecloth you love, and patterned dishes that you love, and the color schemes of each blend well together, you can add a solid placemat into the mix to break up the two prints. I have done this in the past, and I much prefer it to a patterned place setting plunked down on a print tablecloth.

~What a terrible era in which idiots govern the blind.~ William Shakespeare

Marsha2003 · ‎03-12-2010

I think printed dishes can look good with printed linens. It's just like mixing prints in other parts of your home decor, you have to get the right mix and balance of colors, shapes and scale.

Susan Louise · ‎03-14-2010

On 11/13/2014 Marsha2003 said:
I think printed dishes can look good with printed linens. It's just like mixing prints in other parts of your home decor, you have to get the right mix and balance of colors, shapes and scale.

I agree...some patterns mix well with each other. I also prefer solid tablecloths so the table settings/centerpiece stand out and not compete with each other or become too matchy-matchy...JMHO Smile

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

I prefer the table setting to be gorgeous .... and easy on the eyes. ${#emotions_dlg.thumbup1}$

If the dishes and table cloth and napkins are all printed, and then there's the food .... and a centerpiece and candles ..... it's just too busy, IMO.

pupwhipped · ‎03-11-2010

I totally agree with you on this subject. Things need to contrast, not compete.

I'm not a member of Facebook. The sight you are referencing, is it one I could view? Or, do you have to be a member of Facebook?

Thanks.

pup

goodstuff · ‎03-09-2010

I generally go with solid table linens and patterned plates. But there's nothing wrong with playing with prints and patterns, if you have them and like them. Pattern-mixing can work with table settings, just as it can with clothing. Just depends on how good an eye you have and how good you are at coordinating patterns with harmonious colors and scale.