A Beautiful Blue & White Table Setting

As much as I love white as a base, I have something to admit...

I can’t have too much of it! I need colour, and vibrancy and pattern in my life, in my home and my wardrobe. Colours make me happy and I always feel that when I am wearing a bright colour, I can bring a smile to others face just that little bit easier. I am a firm believer that within your home your walls should be white but don’t fall into the trap of all white, or all cream or all anything for that matter. To me all white feels sterile, lacking a little soul and personality and dull. You know I love a little eclecticism so a white background here and there is all I need, and surrounding it; I want to see colour and pattern.

Setting a table for dinner is no different. I love layering, bright napery and an assortment of colour crockery and glassware. We so often go out and eat on stark white dining tables, and of course, there is a time and place for that but dining at home with friends or family - bring on the colour! A gorgeous set of blue and white Asian inspired crockery needn’t be paired back with white, let’s funk it - mix and match with some brights and take it out of its comfort zone.

The warm wooden table sets the tone for this cosy, intimate table setting. Navy and white can often be a little conservative so emphasising the navy rather than the white gives this table the little pop I am after.

Need a push in the right direction?

Look at what's in your cupboard and bring it out. Mix up a Chinese style plate with a blue and white wedgewood. I love the madness and eclecticism it brings.

Stick to just blue and white for everything. China, napkins, glassware and flowers. You always get a great reaction when people see it. Use one type of white flowers or a variety in different vessels for height and layering.

If you feel the need to jazz up what you have it doesnt need to cost a fortune. Go to Ikea, KMart, Target and see what they have to tie it all back. Bric a brac stores and Sunday markets are great places to start your hunt.

If you can't find the serviettes you want - use tea towels, make your own by buying a few metres of fabric and overlocking the edges. Don't have enough of one pattern? Mix and match - there are no rules!