Looking Rich On Your Dinner Table
By Anna Stenning
If you are not a millionaire or financially successful, then the thought of spending thousands or even millions of pounds on a new tableware set is something that you will not have come across. However, in recent times those who can afford a solid gold plated cutlery set and real crystal glassware sets are putting up an impressive million pound spread, all in the name of having the best dinner party.
There used to be a time where selecting tableware was simply mixing and matching dinner sets with your placemats and tablecloth, however, manufacturers have introduced new fashionable items that include much more than just simple sets and designs. There is more to consider in terms of putting on a good table setting, which have intricate or custom designs that give way a glimpse of your personality and your own individual taste.
Japanese jeweller Ginza Tanaka has recently begun selling a thirteen piece tableware set for a million dollars – what is it about this tableware set that makes it worth a million dollars? The sets offered include chopsticks, goblets, plates and cutlery which have all been engraved dragons. The sets are aimed at the Chinese market, where (despite economic slowdown) people have shown a an interest in buying sets that are designed to resemble luxury at the dinner table. Tanaka has also designed gold products such as gold bath tubs and gold bathing suits, adding a touch of class in households.
However is it necessary to spend so much money on dinnerware sets? How important is it to make such an impression over a dinner party? There is no universal answer apart from it is up to the individual. Those who can afford it, will be able to put up a million dollar spread, however, most of us normal 9 to 5 workers would much rather put up a spread of no more than fifty to a hundred pounds. In hindsight having luxurious sets are rarely seen in normal party situations and mostly on special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, graduation days etc.
There are ways of looking like you are putting up a million dollar/pound spread without actually spending out a hefty amount. Simple steps such as using plain and neutral coloured tablecloths can be bought for cheap and if you are a dab hand at needlecrafts or designing then why not customise this with your own creative inspiration. Place mats can be bought cheap in pound shops or in any major supermarket, these do not have to anything fancy, as long as it does not clash with the rest of the set and does what it is meant to do – protecting the tablecloth.
Dinner sets and glassware are probably the most expensive of the tableware setting. But even these can be bought without breaking the bank, by keeping it simple again. If you are not going to use a dipped fine china soup ladle then why buy it? Buy the things that you are likely to use again, such as plates, soup bowls, dessert bowls, saucers, cutlery etc. Glassware does not need to be made of the finest crystal material, but large tumbler sets or simple glass sets with little or no designs are much more effective in impressing people with even the most discerning tastes. Simplicity goes a long way; this puts the focus on the food where it should be.
About The Author
Anna Stenning has plenty of experience in picking tableware set pieces having helped many in the past on putting up an impressive spread.