The Perfect Plate Mates
WORDS:: Chyka Keebaugh
PHOTOS:: Lisa Atkinson
Everyone knows of my obsessive love for plates.
And cups. And saucers. And placemats. And napkins…
I have a vast collection that has taken over most cupboards in my home, and as much as I need to do one big stocktake of them all - I know I never will. Although I must say, I use every single collection I have. I love entertaining to a theme so having an assortment of styles, designs and colours at my disposal is a necessity! OK, it’s an extravagance, but I love it!
One of my favourite combinations is that of a mixed pattern. Florals on stripes, polka dots on geometric patterns, flat colours on multicolours. Using clashing designs and creating an unexpected setting is a great way of adding colour and interest to your dining table. Whether it be a simple family dinner or a formal dinner party, giving your table a touch of va-voom via an unusual place setting will always bring a smile to your guests face as well as create a talking point. Recently I have been obsessing over stripes.
Traditional, hand-painted, fine stripe, thick bold stripes…any! I love using a bold striped dinner plate with a dainty floral entrée plate atop, balancing the delicate with the strong and creating some energy on the table. When pulling together combinations like this, it’s important to stick to a colour scheme or use complementary colours.
Deciding on a simple palette of blue and white you can mix your plates, napkins and placemats in these tones. You still get the effect of eclecticism, but it’s a considered look not just a jumble of items thrown together.
Places I love to shop for great dinnerware…
Anthropologie I love their selection of hand painted dessert plates. A great store for buying quirky items that are guaranteed to wow your guests.
William Sonoma They have some beautifully textured dinnerware that works in well if you want to match some flat colours with prints. I especially love their melamine collection, perfect for outdoor dining.
Provincial Home Living No one does finely detailed edge plates better than Provincial Home Living. Just divine, well priced and tough wearing.
Credits: Pottery Barn, Wheel & Barrow, House, Pillowtalk, Country Road and the rest Chyka's own.