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Lighting the table
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| Lighting is a key element when it comes to creating the right kind of setting and atmosphere during a meal; if it is well planned and executed with care, it can show off both the table setting and the dishes being served. In addition to being an essential component in the stagecraft of dining, it can, of course, also foster conviviality and relaxation; suffused, warm lighting puts people at ease and leads to good dinner conversation. |
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Whereas artificial light will be used for dinners, the best solution for lunches is to take advantage of the natural daylight, meaning your table should not be relegated to the shadows, but placed near the light radiating in from the windows. Generally speaking, lighting should be both functional and dramatically effective. We advise supplementing your main source of light with less potent, surrounding sources of light, which can be used very effectively to create a pleasant, cozy atmosphere. First of all, it's always a good idea to arrange a main source of light that will illuminate the table rather than the guests. An adjustable ceiling lamp suspended over the middle of the table at a height of around 70 centimeters avoids creating annoying shadow areas around the plates, while at the same time showing off an attractively set table as well as the colors and beauty of the foods. If you want to show off a classic table setting featuring silver and crystal, it's best to use light bulbs that emit a white light, remembering that halogen bulbs also work very nicely for this purpose.
With a dimmer switch you can adjust the level of lighting at any time. By reducing the intensity you create a softer atmosphere, similar to the mood created by candlelight. Whatever you do, avoid leaving the rest of the room in darkness. In addition to a central lighting fixture, we recommend using a second, more subdued source of light that will illuminate your guests' faces in a soft, flattering manner. In order to create charming shadow effects and contrast in the rest of the room, you can use a third, much more indirect light. As an alternative, you could opt for directional light fixtures located at several strategic points (such as little spotlights or appliques attached to the walls or the ceiling) in order to create volumes, or alluring islands of light, in the room, a strategy that also creates the illusion of a larger, more open space, a solution that is especially appropriate for larger dinners.
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In addition to imbuing any table with a touch of elegance, in combination with an appropriate source of artificial light, candles are also capable of creating a congenial, cozy atmosphere. Their living light fosters a relaxed, sociable atmosphere. You can find every shape and type of candle in the stores. The most elaborate versions have been worked into compositions with dry flowers and artificial fruit, serving as magnificent centerpieces. If you want to create a very sophisticated, aristocratic look for you table, you can even opt for candelabras.
With no other source of light, candlelit dinners become very intimate affairs and for this reason this arrangement is most suitable for occasions in which the dinner guests already know one another quite well. If you want to enjoy the charm of candlelit dining without exposing your guests to a potentially awkward degree of intimacy, you can simple place candles throughout the dining room. This will create a magical, tranquil atmosphere in which everyone will feel perfectly at ease.
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