Gracie Caroll may lead a glamourous life as a style blogger, but the parties she throws at home are decidedly laid back. “In the summer I had a taco and margarita party that was super fun,” she said. “I made everything easy so I could spend time with my friends, rather than being stuck in the kitchen worrying about it all being perfect.”
We invited Gracie to Artemano to share her tips for styling an inviting table with elements that set a fun and relaxed mood. Whether it’s a family dinner or a get-together with cocktails, the heart of any good party is a beautifully set table.
1. Serve out of cook wear
Artemano tables are designed for sharing. Gracie loves to serve her meals family style by bringing dishes to the table in the vessels she used to cook them. “I think this cook wear is beautiful and looks great on the table,” she said. “They’re some of my favourtie pieces to use for hosting.” Cast-iron Dutch ovens, colourful casserole dishes or stainless steel stew pots are easy serving vessels that lend a casual-chic style when artfully arranged on a grainy, Suar table, like the one pictured above. Artemano tables are designed for wear and tear but if the dish is particularly hot, consider a trivet or hotplate.
2. Escape into a book
Share your culinary inspiration by incorporating cookbooks into your party decor. “I often have my cookbooks all around so guests can flip through them while we’re hanging out,” Gracie said. Place your most beautiful books in accessible spots so guests can peruse and chat about the chefs, recipes and cooking styles.
3. Lighting is key
“An easy way to create a beautiful statement for a table is to have an array of candles,” Gracie said. Playing with light and shadows creates an intimate ambiance that invites guests to relax, chat and enjoy. A candle’s warm glow also beautifully showcases the natural grain and textures of wood surfaces. Set the mood throughout your home by arranging candles in clusters on the dining table, side tables, and coffee table.
4. Use organic combinations
A table designed for entertaining means not having to worry about coordinating tableware and linens. For a casual get-together, matching settings can seem too formal and outdated. Instead, Gracie prefers to use a variety of different objects to decorate her tables. “I like things that are cobbled together and different,” she said. “In my personal style, things don’t need to match.” Create a quirky tablescape using favourite knick-knacks, inherited serving bowls and mismatched thrift-store finds. Guests will feel more relaxed and the pieces will spark conversation.
5. Display treasures from your journey
As an avid collector of objects and works of art, Gracie loves to showcase her eclectic finds. “Instead of using a traditional centrepiece, try placing a cool piece from your travels on the table,” she suggested. “I bought this skull while doing a photo shoot in Puerta Vallarta.” Styling your table with favourite objects makes a gathering feel more personal. As an added bonus, they’re great conversation starters: “Set up a table with things from around your house that have a story behind them,” Gracie said. “People are going to ask about them anyways, so you might as well make them part of the party.”
When it comes to setting a stylish table, embrace imperfection, Gracie said. After all, the most important part of entertaining is spending time with family and friends. Focus on that, and your party will be a success.
