Reviews

How to Set a Table: Inspiration, Ideas, and Etiquette for Hosting Friends and Family by Potter Gift

bluejayreads's review

4.0

This is a thin little book with no credited author and is obviously a gift book more than anything else. But it is full of gorgeous photos of tablescapes. And even though I doubt I will ever be hosting (or, honestly, attending) a meal fancy enough to require multiple clearings of the table, I feel slightly more cultured knowing what a charger is and the proper order for wineglasses. There were definitely some good ideas in here - although largely leaning towards the formal and fancy, there's no reason most of it can't be toned down to fit a more casual modern lifestyle. Although perhaps adding a little more fanciness and polish to regular meals can be a good thing, too. And there are some interesting ideas about nontraditional meal settings, like how to set the table for a buffet or pack for a picnic. If nothing else, the photos are gorgeous and it inspired me to update my table linens. I'm going to keep it around and go through it again once I have a house and more space to collect linens and nice dishes. 

alash612's review

3.0

A very simple a small book, lovely for tablescape fanatics. I’m grateful for reading this book; making me realize what I actually enjoy when dining: food

qiaosilin's review

4.0

Really beautiful and well put-together. I just wish there were more photographs, as the more formal table settings got two-page spreads after the descriptions and tips but the more casual ones did not. The photographs were gorgeous, the dinnerware and flatware were beautiful, the linens and napkin-folding were great, and the drawings were cute. It's a quick and easy read, with settings for fancy dinner parties all the way to breakfast in bed. Definitely worth checking out if you want to spice up the way you eat your meals, though it will certainly increase the amount of dishes to wash—but your table will look so pretty so I think it's worth the trade-off!