My journey to a ribbon at the Orange County Fair started a few years ago when I discovered the "Table-Setting" competition. I had no idea that such a thing existed, but was drawn to the creativity and beauty like so many others. This year I decided to give it a try, but I had no idea what I was in for.
Some may think it is unfair that I entered the table-setting competition because I am a "professional." I create tablescapes as part of my career as an event designer and know a thing or two about etiquette as a wedding coordinator, but I was unaware of that "Modern American Standards" in setting a place for a meal existed. I cannot fathom setting 200 place settings at a wedding with such criteria. Yes, forks go on the left and glasses on the right, but who knew that your flatware should be set 1 inch from the edge of the table and your coffee mug's handle turned at a 45 degree angle? Obviously, the people entering this competition.
The theme I decided on was "Get Away Adventure" and my mind went straight to the bay. The creative part I had no problem with, especially thanks to Pinterest and some very excited employees. Here is the link to Table7 Event's
"Dock of the Bay" Pinterest Board.
"Dock of the Bay" Tablescape by Stephanie Hassan of Table7 Events:
Since the design was a no-brainer, I put all of my energy into learning about the judging criteria. First step, the linen! I had navy blue and white stripes running through my mind and I couldn't find a tablecloth or fabric anywhere. You will never guess what I found walking through the aisles of Target? A shower curtain!!! I believe in serendipitous moments, and when I threw it on the table it fell perfectly on three of the four sides with the stripes falling exactly at the edge. I only had to hem the side with the shower rod holes. Who knew? Now you all do. Another plus, I didn't have to worry about the wrinkle factor much!
Before I could work on the layout, I had to choose a menu. The tableware had to correspond to the courses and set properly. This was a fairly easy task, but the judging criteria was pretty strict on what should and should not be set. For example, if coffee service was listed on the menu, there must be a coffee mug on the table.
Next I worked on the placement of the flatware and tableware. This was my biggest challenge because I had large plates and they took up quite a bit of the 48 inches of length I had. Thankfully, I chose to go with the informal setting which does not allow for chargers and saved about 4 inches total, so I could snuggly fit the centerpiece I decided on. Like I said, placement is key in the judging criteria. The plates had to be directly in the middle and 1 inch from the edge. Then the flatware had to be in a line, also 1 inch from the table's edge and also 1 inch from the plate. It was really like a math problem, but I will let you in on a secret, those stripes really helped!
Finally, the centerpiece! This is where I got a little confused when it came to what was expected on paper vs. at the actual competition. The directions clearly state "decorations should usually be below eye level, and or not obstructive for diners." Also, "centerpieces may be scaled for a larger table, but cannot deter from the overall effect, the guests comfort, or the service of the meal." I think there is a bit more wiggle room when it comes to the judging of this element.
My style is elegant and simplistic. Some fun elements that I used were "driftwood" which I couldn't get my hands on, so I found some grapevine, fisherman's netting, starfish and I love sailor's knots. This one is a figure 8 knot (too bad someone hasn't figured out how to tie a "7"). My husband loved the "menu in a bottle", get it? The votives were a Pinterest DIY, my favorite detail.
A quick "how-to" on the votives: I went to market, bought some clams, boiled them (our doggies had a new treat), and bleached the shells so they wouldn't stink (the clam shells, not the dogs). Then stopped at the craft store to buy some simple candle making supplies which consisted of melting wax, inserting a wick, pouring the wax into the shell and letting it harden. I think they are fantastic!
The judging comments I received were very positive, but when one of the judges commented on the seahorse butter knife, I knew they really were drawn to "themey" aspects of the decor. Not so much my style, but if I enter in the future, I will be more aware of what they look for.
Overall, such a fun experience! My family was so proud of me when they walked into the building and saw my ribbon sitting on the table. I am pretty proud of myself too and one more thing I get to check off the bucket list.
