Basic White Dishes

Never underestimate a set of basic white dishes.  Any table setting can begin with a basic white plate and become something spectacular.   Not long ago I purchased a 12 piece set of white plates, bowl, and mugs from Pier 1.   Now most of the table settings I create revolve around these basic dishes.   

A white plate is like a blank canvas, most other dishes and accessories will coordinate with these basic plates in one way or another.   Below is a slideshow of how simply by changing the napkin and/or napkin ring can create several different looks with the same basic white dishes.

Not only does the napkin and napkin ring affect the look and feel of a place setting but the addition of a charger and placemat  can have a huge impact on the overall esthetic of the table.

It is just a subtle difference, but changing out the white charger to a black charger plate creates a more modern feel when compared to the classic white and blue of the first setting.

And, again simply by changing the charger plate the esthetic of the table has changed.  The galvanized charger plate is perfect for a relaxed lunch gathering while the gold charger plate dresses up the table for a more elegant dinner party.

Finally, here are two examples of how changing the napkins and adding a dinner bowl can change the look and feel of a table setting. The first setting has a simple sage green napkin with wood napkin ring for an understated fall gathering.  The second setting has a little more of a country feel with the plaid napkin and the white bowl.  Both  settings demonstrate how to use the white plates as foundation pieces to coordinate with other colored and patterned dishes.
****Check out Table Settings to see other examples of basic white dishes being used for the foundation to any table setting.