The silversmiths at Alchemy de Luxe have been practising alchemy for years now, playing with different metals and fusing different metals to make a unique item. Alchemy uses various metals/materials like copper, silver, gold, gilding metal, semi precious and precious stones and wood.
The lady behind the enterprise, Poonam Gupta, is a renowned name in interior design. For more than 25 years now, she has lent her unmistakable signature to both national and international luxury lifestyle brands. Combining innate creativity with an astute business sense and a keen understanding of cutting edge design, the lady is widely recognised as a visionary entrepreneur.
Awards and honours have come her way steadily, and among some of the prestigious brands that have received her magic touch are Aman Hotels, Adani and Punj Lloyd ITC.
Apart from tableware, Alchemy de Luxe also enriches personal spaces with hand-carved metal curtains, silver temples, chic door handles and anything which can be reincarnated with silver, silver plated, copper and bronze.
“I intend to give the world a new look with silver, gold and other precious metals and semi-precious stones, using 14th century crafts/techniques in a very contemporary style,” says Poonam Gupta.
Here, she brings to the platter a host of ideas that will make your dining table gleam and glow with unique beauty:
A beautifully set dining table is both an invitation to dine well and a statement of your personality and good taste. The moment guests lay eyes on it, your table should welcome them with elements of beauty: flowers, candles, gleaming silverware, clean and lovely table linen. With every item on the table polished and presented to bring out is unique beauty, you prepare your guests for a special evening ahead.
Table linen on the dinner table is a must as it adds warmth and elegance to the surroundings. Make sure that you frequently change the table linen as clean and crisp linen is refreshing, but one with stains is a put off. For summers you can opt for linen in neutral tones such as beige. For winters, opt for pastels and soft-warm hues like yellow and blue. A centrepiece can be the perfect conversation piece. What is a good table without a great eye-catching centrepiece that draws the eye and prompts guests to say ‘Wow!’ You could opt for a vase with natural flowers or a decorative pot. A beautiful flower arrangement is apt for summers, but those flowers will need to be changed daily. For winters, a candelabra cum flower arrangement is ideal.
Table mats come in an exciting variety of materials, and catch the eye because of their prominence on the table. Matched creatively with the table linen, table mats can provide a beautiful accent indeed. For example, a peach coloured table mat with beige linen would look soothing and elegant.
Napkin Rings: this is a non-essential but very inviting touch to a table, especially one that has a formal setting. Napkin rings come in an exciting variety of styles and materials, and your choice of them should depend on how well they complement the rest of your table decor.
Crockery is a key element. Dining is as much as visual and sensory experience as it is a gastronomic one. Studies have shown that we do 20 per cent of our eating with the eyes. The sight of a beautifully laid table with an elegant serving ensemble is enough to encourage both conversation and appetite. It is best to set the table with vintage and china, both of which are timeless in their beauty and appeal.
The silverware is the final touch. It is very important to place your cutlery in the right place, especially when the evening is a formal one. For example, place silver flatware forks on the left of the plate and the knife and spoon on the right. Use cloth napkins and place them on the left as they add a detail to the table. Glassware should be placed on the top right of the plate, and water glass in front.
Tip: Surprise your guests with place cards and attach little gifts.
Alchemy de Luxe. 457 Patparganj Industrial Area, Delhi 110092.