What do you get when you invite 15 top designers to create table tops worthy of Palm Beach’s elite? A feast for the senses, served up in a dazzling array of style, design and colors, course!

On February 26th Alexandra Naranjo Designs, Ashley Stark Home, Beach Glass Designs, Caitlin Kah Interiors, Caroline Rafferty Interiors, Design by Tula, Graph Design x Lisa Kaye Design, Home in Harmony Designs, Jennifer Garrigues, Inc., Lewis Miller Design, LoveShackFancy, Mabley Handler Home & Design, Monique Ogilvie Designs, Philip Gorrivan Design, and The Lewis Deign Group created an electric atmosphere with tables that effortlessly blended sophistication, whimsy and delightful details, to benefit Holiday House, a NYC and Hamptons based organization in their mission to raise critical funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

How to Set a Memorable Table

By Barbara Lewis, Lewis Design Group

What is the event? It could be a special celebration, holiday, or a dinner party for friends. Start with a theme. This will help you create your vision. Take an inventory of your treasures to see what you have to help you create your vision. You can also start by using your inventory to help you create the theme. Find something that will be the source of your inspiration be it be a fabric, dish, napkin, or accessory.

It’s all in the mix. Don’t be afraid to mix styles, but do it with consistency. If you do mix, ensure each piece compliments the next. It doesn’t have to match, but it needs to be compatible with your other selections. From there, it’s all about creating a cohesive look that’s as inviting as it is pulled together.

Using your source of inspiration, choose a crisp linen or patterned table cloth, the foundation upon which your culinary masterpiece will unfold. Make sure it’s wrinkle free. If you don’t use a table cloth, use a gorgeous placemat.

Consider the choice of dinnerware as your canvas. Select timeless classics like bone china. Use patterned or color options that work well with your theme, or embrace modern elegance with sleek porcelain sets. From main course plates down to the daintiest of desert bowls, this is an opportunity to add layers of color, style, and panache. Speaking of plates, I always incorporate a charger plate into my scheme.

Napkins are a wonderful way to add a pop of color and texture, and should be used to continue layering the table scape. Have fun with the presentation, whether folding or using a napkin ring, fresh flower (make sure it’s safe to be touched prior to eating), a fresh herb cutting, or an artful tie presentation.

Choose your glassware not only to be functional, but to also add height, sparkle, and dimension to the setting. Don’t be afraid to mix. I love to see fine crystal mixed with colored glassware.

The centerpiece is the main event. I always use several items to create the centerpiece. In addition to starting with a tall floral arrangement, I like to layer in a carefully selected assortment of lower vases, accessories, and candles. I also like to place small votives at each place setting.

Name cards and placeholders are a wonderful opportunity to continue the theme, and are especially welcomed by guests at large gatherings.

Experiment with the placement of utensils, napkins, and glassware to create the perfect balance of practically and panache. Again, don’t be afraid to mix dishes, utensils, and glassware.

Meticulous attention to all details will transcend a simple meal to a memorable experience.