A BLACK TIE AFFAIR

There is nothing quite as elegant as a Black Tie event. And Classic. This affair, featuring a custom runner along with adding a touch of black, white and silver, creates an inviting table for your select VIP's to celebrate an event or to honor a special someone. Who wouldn’t want to attend an event like this simple, but thoughtful dinner party? And a memory they will be whispering about for ages. Gather some photos and your china and follow this plan and you too can host a Black Tie Affair to remember.

Collect your photos. On a 100” length table I used 90 photos. Scan them and turn them into black and white 4” x 6” prints.

I like to use this white linen runner as the path to place the photos.

Start placing the photos in the center of the table, randomly arranging the photos the entire length of the runner. I turned the photos in multiple angles for interest.

Leave a little open space in the center of the runner to place your flowers.

I used four silver candle holders and white dripless tapers and spaced them down the length of the runner on top of the photos.

It is useful knowledge to know proper placement for setting a table. There are several standard placements for different meals. This is my semi-formal setting I use for dinner. I use plates, cups and saucers, flatware and stemware depending on what is being served. Because I may own way too many types of forks, selection will depend on the event. I prefer a table where guest are not intimated by the elements on a table. To me entertaining at the table is all about keeping guest comfortable. Know your audience. But I am always up for a little creativity or nostalgia to change things up a bit!

Start layering your dishes by placing your charger first.

To prevent scratches to your chargers, place a paper doily on top before your add the dinner plate.

Dinner plate.

Salad, then bread and butter. Cups and saucers, desert plates and desert forks and spoons are on the console waiting.

Bow tie napkin and sliver napkin ring.

To fold the bow tie...

Fold napkin diagonally in half.

Fold tip to meet centerfold.

Fold about 1/3 of napkin to meet fold.

Fold again 1/3 to center fold.

Fold right edge of napkin to the center about 1/3 the length.

Fold the left edge of napkin to the center overlapping the right edge.

Slide the napkin ring over the folded napkin.

Center the napkin ring.

Pull the left "tail" out.

Pull the right "tail" out and adjust bow.

Flatware.

Stemware- water, red and white wine.

Light the candles and you are ready for your guests.

This Black Tie Affair is so beautiful and yet so memorable. Very special. I can already hear the whispering now….