Eating is as much a visual experience as taste – in fact it’s a feast for the senses! Discover how to create the perfect table setting and celebrate the joy of beautiful dining with food stylist, author and blogger Celine Rousseau
SETTING THE TABLE INDOORS
Deck your table with: 1. Linen tablecloths: I like that linen is forgiving – slight wrinkles can lend a rustic yet romantic appeal. Personally, I prefer oversize tablecloths that reach or even gently drape onto the floor, as this lends an air of romanticism to the setting.
2. Seasonal accents: Incorporate items that reflect the season, such as flowers or fruits. You don’t need an abundance of blooms; just a few, carefully placed in individual vases or even Champagne flutes, can work wonders. Likewise, fruits thoughtfully arranged in a footed fruit bowl or casually scattered around the table can make an attractive centrepiece or decoration. 3. Candles and candlesticks: I source my candlesticks and candelabra in numerous places, from modern design shops to vintage or antique stores. The variety of materials, from glass to silver and brass to ceramic conveys a unique mood. Ceramic brings a sense of warmth, ideal for colder months, while glass lends a cool touch to summery table settings. Consider long, elegant candles for that extra special touch (you can also coordinate their colour with the table setting for a harmonious look).
SETTING THE TABLE OUTDOORS
In outdoor dining, simplicity is key. 1. Start by selecting an ideal spot. If you have a breathtaking view, you need little else. 2. Pack a simple feast, such as galettes and focaccia, which are both travel-friendly, perhaps accompanied by a bottle of wine.
3. Add a rustic tablecloth to your table or even spread it directly on the grass or sand for a picnic.
4. Keep things relaxed. Full cutlery sets are unnecessary when dining is made to be enjoyed with the hands. 5. Consider wooden tableware such as boards and plates – for both their natural aesthetic and their practicality – so you can feast without worrying about breakage. 6. Sea-salted air will enhance your meal’s flavours, and the golden hue of the setting sun will add warmth to your food. It’s all about embracing and appreciating the beauty of the natural setting.
PERFECT RECIPE FOR A SEASIDE TREAT
Madeleines with a Chocolate Shell
These teatime classics and symbols of nostalgia were described by Marcel Proust as little cakes moulded to look like the scalloped edges of a pilgrim’s shell. Here,
