Set The Table With…Entertaining Guru Danielle Rollins

Right now, dinner party dreams are just that: dreams. But Homeworthy is here to make them a reality – at least, without any guests. Homeworthy asks an eclectic mix of notables to set the table they wish they could invite people to and share all the details. Danielle Rollins welcomes us into her beautiful 1970s Georgian home filled with color, pattern and texture.

HOMEWORTHY: What was your inspiration for this tablescape?

DANIELLE ROLLINS: I love the blue and white Brunschwig & Fils fabric that curtains the room so that is usually the basis for setting the tone of the table. I like light, happy and cheerful for a breakfast since it’s the first thing you see!

HOMEWORTHY: What items did you use on your table?

DR: I have so so so many place settings that it’s rarely ever the same. Since I’m spending more time in Florida now I tend to veer more towards a seaside, tropical or nautical feel in color and tones. I love my bamboo handled cutlery that adds a layer of casual playfulness to the most formal or tables, and I always love having a colored water goblet or tumbler.

HOMEWORTHY: Do you follow any rules when setting a table?

DR: Having a very large “party pantry” full of anything I’d ever want to set a table allows me to have a full view of everything at once. I usually just start with whatever seems to strike my fancy and work around it! I like creating tabletop tableaus with lush centerpieces, beautiful place settings, just a dash of sparkle with silverware and candles in mixed heights, using hurricanes or pillars mixed with votives so there is varying layers of light and any other lighting on dimmers. Music is always a must too, but should be soft enough to be an elegant background addition. I love place cards for special occasion dinners or when guests don’t always know one another.

HOMEWORTHY: Where have you had most of your meals while self-isolating?

DR: I have spent most of the pandemic in Florida with my boyfriend. Early on we used our dining table or did dinner trays, set with crisp plate mats and napkins and varied the place settings so things still felt somewhat special and civilized. We have moved into a new house, too, so things have been in flux! I’m in the process of getting things organized and can’t wait to be able to entertain again!

All images are from Danielle’s new book, “A Home for All Seasons: Gracious Living and Stylish Entertaining.” The book includes more than a dozen entertaining occasions and tablescapes, including Easter brunch in the garden, a fried-chicken buffet supper, and a candlelit Christmas Eve dinner in the living room. With tips for a gracious life, from organizing your china pantry to setting a memorable table, this book is a celebration of the power of opening up your front door and inviting people in.