Icon - Arrow LeftAn icon we use to indicate a rightwards action. Icon - Arrow RightAn icon we use to indicate a leftwards action. Icon - External LinkAn icon we use to indicate a button link is external. Icon - MessageThe icon we use to represent an email action. Icon - Down ChevronUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - CloseUsed to indicate a close action. Icon - Dropdown ArrowUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - Location PinUsed to showcase a location on a map. Icon - Zoom OutUsed to indicate a zoom out action on a map. Icon - Zoom InUsed to indicate a zoom in action on a map. Icon - SearchUsed to indicate a search action. Icon - EmailUsed to indicate an emai action. Icon - FacebookFacebooks brand mark for use in social sharing icons. flipboard Icon - InstagramInstagrams brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - PinterestPinterests brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - TwitterTwitters brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - Check MarkA check mark for checkbox buttons.
You are reading

Holiday Tables Fit for an Englishman: Ben Pentreath’s City and Country Picks

Search

Holiday Tables Fit for an Englishman: Ben Pentreath’s City and Country Picks

December 1, 2012

UK designer and architect Ben Pentreath demonstrates his holiday table setting.

Whether he's in residence at his Dorset parsonage or his London flat, Ben Pentreath (a member of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory )likes to entertain in color. Sensitized to the soft gray light of English winter, Pentreath works into its muted tones in the country and turns it up few notches with bright contrasting and intense accents in the city. And of course, breaking out the silver is a fail safe strategy for upping the ante.

Want to see more of Ben Pentreath's ideas for holiday entertaining? Check out his mood board on Pinterest.

700 guest pinner ben pentreath 03 jpeg

Above: Pentreath's inner country mouse brings out all of his favorite things. "Curwen paper, Christmas crackers, William Morris napkins, Josef Frank chair coverings, all designed in the mid-century; keep your eyes peeled and pick them up when you can," he says.

700 guest pinner ben pentreath 04 jpeg

Above: "The kitchen’s Welsh dresser not only holds the daily china but also rather satisfyingly appeals to my aesthetic values tonally in my more reflective moments," Pentreath says.

700 pentreath dining table

Above: The aftermath of a dinner in Pentreath's parsonage kitchen.

guest pinner ben pentreath 01 jpeg

Above: Meanwhile, back in London, Pentreath's city cousin has also been busy. "Edible table decorations are far easier to clear away at the end of a dinner party, and everybody knows the symbol of hospitality is a pineapple," Pentreath says.

guest pinner ben pentreath 15 jpeg

Above: "Brass candlesticks are a mainstay for any occasion along with good simple glassware," Pentreath advises.

700 guest pinner ben pentreath 02 jpeg

Above: "City table settings sometimes need to simply be a little smarter," Pentreath says. "Breaking out the silver solves the solution."

700 guest pinner ben pentreath 13

Above: "Brightly colored glassware is a passion, particularly Victorian. But I’d happily pick up anything that makes me smile"; Blue Etched Tumbler, £6.50; Amber Hobnail Pitcher, £60.

700 guest pinner ben pentreath 06 jpeg

Above: "Technicolor tableware against a monochrome backdrop is the most effective way to make a statement with color," Pentreath says. 700 guest pinner ben pentreath 11

Above: "You needn't even light these to make an impact," Pentreath says: Clementine Dinner Candles, £6.60 for a set of six.

700 guest pinner ben pentreath 07

Above: "Marianna Kennedy designs lighting and mirrors like no other: her abilities with color are unparalleled," Pentreath enthuses.

Looking for more holiday table setting ideas? See A Holiday Table with Soul where New York designer Brad Ford shares his holiday entertaining ideas.

(Visited 345 times, 1 visits today)
You need to login or register to view and manage your bookmarks.

Product summary  

Have a Question or Comment About This Post?

Join the conversation

v5.0