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Table Setting Basics 101
Traditional table arrangements
communicate love to anyone
that shares a meal with you in
your home.
A nicely set table is
one little pleasure that can
brighten up the mundane
routines of day to day living.
Surprise your family one
evening with a nicely set table
or be ready for that holiday event you will be hosting by reviewing these standard table setting design guidelines.
Let’s start with choosing that table cloth!
Your choice really depends on your dinnerware. If you have patterned dinnerware, choose a plain tablecloth. If you have plain, single-colored dinnerware, choose a patterned tablecloth.
Be careful when decorating the table that you avoid choosing too much color – bright colored dinnerware should be neutralized with a softer, lighter colored tablecloth. Consider placing a plastic cover under the cloth cover especially if you have youngsters joining you. This not only prevents table stains but cuts down on the clanging from the dishes and cutlery.
Now for that beautiful decorative dinner place setting.
Try adding name cards to your setting…to avoid that “where should I sit” delay and will add some style and personality to your setting. People will appreciate your extra attention to detail. Be sure to allow enough room for sitting – too tight doesn’t sit right for anyone!
You can always add another table nearby. Pull out that old foldable or rent one.
Now, assuming you are not going completley formal, here are some general guidelines for placing that silverware properly at your table setting.
Forks to the left – knives to the right and desert flatware above the plate. Salad and appetizer forks and knives should go on the outside. The cutlery for the main meal is placed closest to the plate.
Glassware goes to the top right of your setting – and how many glasses you set is up to you. Traditionally, the water glass is first, then the wine glass and finish with the desert glass. Tradition aside, all those glasses will create a cluttered look and most guests will not use that many glasses anyway. Ask each guest what their beverage requests are in advance – which is another nice use of the name cards.
Final details!
Don’t forget the salt and pepper shakers and butter trays. It’s a good idea, depending upon the size of the party, to have more than 1 set of each…too much reaching and asking to “pass” becomes distracting.
If you have a room, a floral piece is nice in the center of the table. Tapered candles are also a fine finishing touch. Wickless (flameless) candles have come a long way in regard to their without fire ambient appeal and are increasingly becoming a popular centerpeice choice.
