A Whimsical Journey Through the Epochs of Table Decor
09.12.24
From dawn, breaking bread together has been a sacred ritual. The table—our communal altar—where we gather to share stories, laughter, and food. This age-old feasting tradition has radically transformed in the last 100 spins around the sun. But the heart of it? It's still the same. Stick around; we're about to take a flavorful journey through time!
1920s
In the 1920s, dinner parties were more than just a meal; they were a spectacle. Imagine being a guest at such a soiree, your place at the table delineated by an 18-inch bubble of personal space, known in the day as a "cover." This was your stage, your platform to shine.
The service plate, the show's star, was perched in the limelight of this setting. An entourage of polished silverware surrounded it: forks on the left, playing second fiddle to their counterparts, the knife and soup spoon on the right.
This table setting was designed for a home without a maid. Housewives working without domestic help may have preferred to serve meals that could be prepared in advance such as those prevalent in the 1930s. Illustration from The Little Book About Glassware published in 1925. Detail from CMGL 20608.
And here's a detail that will tickle your fancy - every piece of cutlery was positioned a precise inch from the table's edge. This precision was not just a fad but a testament to the meticulous attention to detail that was the hallmark of that roaring era. So, the next time you lay your table, remember to pay homage to the 1920s and give your cutlery the inch it deserves!
1930s
As the hands of time marched on, our dining tables began to dance to a new beat. That rigid, buttoned-up ambiance? It was shown the door. The "informal dinner gathering," an oxymoron in its own right, started popping up in households like daisies in spring. Despite the Great Depression casting its somber silhouette across the nation, folks rallied. Potlucks, the culinary equivalent of a group hug, became a sensation, offering a spoonful of solace amid the chaos. The focus had done a neat pirouette - from staid formal soirées to relaxed, convivial get-togethers.
Wave au revoir to those stodgy, ostentatious toilés of the past. The 1930s heralded a refreshing change, a new trend of dishware that was not afraid to let loose. Intricate floral patterns were out, creating a riot of bold primary colors and straightforward, gutsy geometrics. Those whimsical French pastoral scenes? They took a back seat, making way for the real stars of the show—blushing strawberries, clear blue skies, and delightful potted plants—all served up with a generous side of Art Deco drama.
1940s and 1950s
Step back to the vibrant '40s and '50s, an era that painted a glossy image of family life. The nuclear family was the show's star, boasting the quintessential American dream. Who could ignore the allure of a life that seemed to be plucked right out of a magazine cover? A loving partner, a duo of energetic children, a picket fence freshly painted in the morning sun, and a dog wagging its tail in pure joy was the golden ticket to societal success.
1.Rebecca Gardner | 2. Old Flame Candle Co.
As the world sighed in relief post-war, women reclaimed their reign in their cozy homes, and dinner was back on the family table. Imagine lace doilies adorning tables, pastel colors brightening rooms, and polished silverware that would make Grandma approve. This period was a tapestry of elegance woven with threads of simplicity and grace.
And, who can forget the Starburst pattern by Franciscan China? This space-age-inspired dishware set was the shining star of the era. Yet, not all designs were rocketing toward the cosmos. Many table settings of the time were grounded, drawing their allure from handmade textiles and soft pastel hues that whispered of warm summer afternoons.
1. Vintage Mid Century 1940s - Universal Cambridge Pottery. | 2. MIKASA Natural Beauty MARMALADE dinnerware.
1960s and 1970s
In the 1970s, design was a wild, kaleidoscopic ride. A melting pot of styles mirrored the time's tie-dye whirl. This era played host to a revival of past architectural and interior design hit-parades—think mid-century modernism, Bauhaus, and French provincial—cooking up spaces that were a smorgasbord of eclectic flavors.
1980s-1990s
The design world was feeling pretty warm and fuzzy for a good couple of decades - all thanks to the cozy vibes of terracotta, beige, and mahogany. Oh, and let's not forget those soft-to-touch, quilted fabric placemats. The '80s saw us playing it safe with smaller patterns, but the '90s? They were all about going big and bold. Think botanical and fruit prints that could wake any kitchen from its slumber. And the best part? The era kicked those stiff, boxy tablescapes to the curb. It was all about loosening up and having fun.
This tablescape from Elissa Cullman's dining room, featured in the September 2006 issue of AD, is set off by antiques. Photo: Durston Saylor.
2000s-2010s
Oh, the 2000s and 2010s, when we all decided to embrace the "less is more" mantra at the dinner table. We ditched the '70s flower power vibes and mid-century whimsy for a sleek, minimalist look. It was all about that modern sophistication, with a touch of Mother Nature. Picture this: meals served on dishes so creamy and smooth they could double as a dessert, drinks sipped from glass cups with a dimple here and there (because who doesn't love a good dimple?), and flatware so streamlined, it could win an Olympic swimming event. And the best part? No unnecessary frills or fuss. Just pure, refined style.
2020s: Exploring Aesthetics
Hidden Taste 003.
Table settings today? They're a glorious mashup of past styles and current fads. Good luck finding a full set of dishes, right? We're all just piecing together our favorite oddball plates and bowls - it's like a dinner party jigsaw puzzle!
Barbet Hidden Taste.
So, you thought egg cups and gravy boats were old news? Think again! These once "outdated" items are making a comeback, stealing the show at dinner parties across 2022. It's like the fashion world, but for your table. With a mix of classic and contemporary vibes, today's table setters are shaking things up and having a blast while they're at it.