I start by rummaging through my (albeit disappointingly small)  stash of table linens. I – suprise, suprise – pick my favourite one with beige checks on a dirty, dark pink (almost reddish) base. As this one leans either way too Christmas-y or way to spring-y, I decide to look through my small stash a second time. Catching my eye with its soft, muted hues, I choose a small square tablecloth with a buzzy flower pattern. 

Although, perhaps, not an evident choice to pair this one with my first pick, I like how the muted reds and beiges match and compliment each other, whilst the other colours leave room for more colour-matching with the things I’m actually going to put *on* the table.

For the tableware I grab these striking blue and white French fish plates. I like how the colours are in stark contrast with not only each other, but also the muted tones of the cloths underneath. Seeing how these two colours really ‘popped’, I decide to use white and blue as my main colours to tie in everything else. 

The white allows me to use basic wax candles, and a gorgeous white Italian vase as a centre piece. Even the insides of my small and extremely light Japanese teacups match beautifully. It also provides a general sense of calm to the table, whilst letting the other colours stand out.