Be my guest with Aina Garten.
Here’s your expert-led guide to achieving the dreamy Hamptons-style dining table setting that’s thoughtfully designed to celebrate our unique Australian lifestyle, and offer a warm, inviting atmosphere. .
Choose a neutral palette with color accents.
Neutral colors and natural materials, as embodied in Anna Garten’s Hamptons home, are key to this aesthetic. Credit: Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.
For a coastal twist, Roche suggests starting with a neutral color palette, such as white, cream, or beige, and then adding “fresh floral arrangements, table linens, or decor such as beach-inspired teal blues.” Add pop.”
Embrace natural and local elements.
She also recommends tying a sprig of rosemary or a small stem of flowers around the napkin for a charming, rustic feel. These touches can also help personalize the table, using them as accessories for place cards. “A beautiful handwritten card in gold or silver pen can elevate the table without too much effort,” she says.
Simple touches like chives and sprigs of rosemary are easy ways to bring nature to the table. Source: moment RF / Oleg Breslavtsev/Getty Images
Roche suggests making napkin rings out of twine, ribbon, or even flowers for an elegant and durable centerpiece. You can use natural materials like flowers, fruits or greenery from your garden. Or use found items to make personalized napkin rings or small gift items,” which can double as souvenirs for guests,” she says.
Anna also shares her love of using backyard plants for decoration: “There are always beautiful flowers or bouquets from the garden that look great in vases or as single bud vases. ” She also recommends simple but creative hacks, like repurposing. Add a festive touch to the table using old jam jars as candle holders or hand-painted gumdrops.
Use texture to create depth and visual interest.
“For visual appeal, make sure the heights vary, but also make sure guests can chat without interruption. I love layering in handmade ceramic dinnerware sets, For later in the evening, some candlesticks create a festive mood and light it up.
Use nature and coastal-inspired textures to achieve a Hamptons aesthetic. Source: iStockphoto / puhimec/Getty Images
Roche highlights the importance of using natural and upcycled materials, not only for an aesthetic nail, but also for a more sustainable one. “Linen or cotton tablecloths and napkins, along with DIY decorations made from recycled paper or fabric scraps, are great choices,” she says. “Get creative and make your own decorations, a great way to bring the family together at Christmas. Add vintage or thrifted items to add character and reduce waste.”
Dos and Don’ts for Hampton Style Dining Table Setting
“Avoid overcrowding the table with too many decorations. It can clutter the table and make it look quite messy,” says Roche. “And make sure there’s room for conversation at the table so guests don’t have to walk around in your style.”
Wood also warns against “too much decoration,” as it can leave little space for food and make the table feel cluttered. Be sure to leave room for food.
If you’re entertaining outdoors, you can create a festive atmosphere with “twink lights, hanging decorations and nature sounds.”