Top 5 Entertaining & Décor Tips from La Petite Maison Presentation

Recently I was part of a presentation given to the Hingham Newcomers Club at La Petite Maison in downtown Hingham.  La Petite Maison owner and Francophile extraordinaire, Nanette Walsh, invited me to speak with her in her shop.  The evening included not only decorating and entertaining tips, but also French wine and cheeses and a handsome French sommelier.  Ooh la la!  Here’s a peek at our presentation and some of our best tips for entertaining and creating a stylish and personalized home.

1. Make Original Art Part Of Your Home
   As an artist and an interior designer this is always one of my top recommendations to all my clients, particularly young homeowners.  Original art is more affordable than you may think.  Summer is prime season for arts festivals and a great opportunity to support talented local artists.  In fact this weekend is the North River Arts Society Festival in Marshfield, always one of my favorites to attend.

   
   Don’t buy a painting or piece of art based on whether is matches the color of your walls ~ instead purchase art that make your heart sing and bring a smile to your face when you view it.

2. Find An Inspiration Piece & Create Your Table Setting Around It
   Stumped on where to start when planning your table setting for a dinner party? Choose an inspiration piece and build around that. Whether it’s an exquisite tablecloth printed in France, a favorite china pattern, or the wall color in the room you are dining in, nearly anything can be a springboard for setting an inviting table.  Don’t have a tablecloth or looking for new dinnerware?  Nan and her staff at La Petite Maison can help!
3. Don’t Be Afraid To Mix & Match
   Maybe you only have 4 place settings of your china but you’re serving dinner for eight.  Perhaps you have several different patterns of china and dinnerware and can’t decide which to use.  Be bold!  Go ahead and use several patterns when setting your table.  Whether you have different complete place settings or mix and match different sets and patterns, (a solid dinner plate with a floral salad plate ~ yes!) contrast adds interest.
4. Get Creative With Details
   This tip rings true for any area of your home.  Nan and I spoke specifically about elevating your tablescape with creative accessories.  Flowers are of course one of the most popular ways to add color, interest, and beauty to your table.  While a stunning arrangement in the center of the table is a classic, trying changing it up as well.  Try a petite bouquet at each guest’s place or a trio of smaller arrangements positioned on the table.  I love going beyond florals and adding fruits and vegetables to my table.  They are beautiful, colorful, and full of texture.  Bonus:  they can be eaten after the party!  You can also personalize each guest’s place setting with a beautiful napkin ring and placecard.
   
   Frame each guest’s name and you have both a placecard and a memento for them to take home.  Of course I love using artwork as part of a creative tablescape, as a favor, placecard, or décor element.
   
5. Have Fun
   Whether you’re entertaining or decorating, the goal should be to create a home or gathering that makes you, your family, and your guests feel happy and welcomed.  What better way than to remember to not take things too seriously and have fun!

Should you need any guidance implementing any of these tips, I encourage you to contact me, I’d love to help!

Be sure to also stop by La Petite Maison in Hingham Square for their expert advice, unrivaled product selection and knowledge and to see the treasures from Nanette Walsh’s latest trip to France along with several of my paintings for sale.

xo,

Pamela

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