Monochromatic table settings are easy on the eyes and let the food you've worked so hard to prepare take center stage. The key is to layer on the textures, incorporate different tones of the same hue, or mix patterns and sheens from the same color family. Here is some inspiration for creating tonal tables that are anything but one note.
- This gorgeous table setting by Monique L'huillier is a great example of how to make a monochromatic scheme work. Huge bunches of simple white flowers tucked in birch logs look rich and sophisticated when mixed with reflective surfaces, glass candlesticks, and a whimsical white peacock.
- Julie Mulligan's copper-toned table manages to combine several patterns without looking fussy. Using multiple smaller floral accents as opposed to one large centerpiece is easy to rearrange and won't obstruct anyone's view.
- This flirty tabletop by Elizabeth Anne Designs was inspired by the deep, sultry hues of the Moulin Rouge.
- Christine Lemieux's simple, monochromatic design for Dwell Studio groups white vases and vessels from around the around the house with spray-painted gourds.
- Originally designed for displaying New Year's resolutions, I love the idea of asking guests to contribute to the decor. Nestling the gilded branch among white gravel rocks and votive candles helps ground the scene.
- This rustic table arrangement inspired by the color of wheat includes a variety of dried grasses, so it can be made ahead of time and used again. A luxurious satin bow elevates the humble grain to centerpiece status.
Images: 1. Julie Toy, 2. Julie Mulligan, 3. Jonilyn Photography, 4. Dwell Studio, 5. epicurious, 6. Martha Stewart
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Comments (14)
The first one is just a bit much for me. I feel like I would only be seeing/talking to someone's head who was seated in front of me.
I agree with Courtachino -- first one makes me feel claustrophobic, but the others are lovely
omg that bird! where do you even get something like that???
Where are those dishes from in the first picture? I've been looking for gray dishes everywhere!
i think mono tables are great, but inre: that first photo...i do love the coloring, but who in the world would want that much STUFF on their table? i'd feel claustrophobic, trapped! and where does the food even go (oh, maybe there is a butler to serve it from the kitchen?) 'cause there is NO extra room on the table! and, how would you see anything or anyone but the giant clouds of flowers?
the other settings are fine, even beautiful, but in that first example...why, why?
The first one is my favourite--perhaps because that is the colour scheme I am loving the most right now...
I agree that the flowers are a bit high, and probably I would use less *stuff* overall, but I love the mood it sets. These photos are here for inspiration, you needn't feel compelled to replicate it exactly.
The first one is a little too pre-revolution Versailles, but I like the monochramatic approach.
where can you find a wonderful table like the one in the first picture? a lacquered table!! how wonderful
they're all lovely, but the first and last seem like they'd block your view to the other guests...
Ack! The albino peacock scares the crap out of me.
I so want an albino peacock!
Mt table would look awesome too if I could get a peacock to sit on it :)
That first one is just. too. much.
oh jesus, now i know what i want for christmas - a white taxidermied peacock. would sit great together with my crow, my (selfmade!!) jackdoll and snow grouse. weirdly, i'm going to sell my taxidermied fox, because i think it's creepy, hahaha.
why not do a post on taxidermy?