Acquiring the skills to set a table properly will instantly elevate any social gathering and take the stress out of the prep process. By setting the table, you also set the tone for the evening – and show your guests that they are important to you. What’s more, setting a dining table beautifully can also enhance the allure of the food you are serving. Once you are confident in the process, your tablescaping can stretch beyond merely setting the table and into decorating a dining table, displaying china, glassware, dining table centerpieces, linen and ceramics, too.
How to set a table: the basics
How to set a table: the basics
Need help knowing where to start with setting a table? We turned to Mannersmith (opens in new tab)’s Jodi RR Smith, etiquette expert and author, to get the lowdown – beginning with some general rules. ‘There are some overarching guidelines when setting a table, whether it is for a casual event or a formal affair,’ says Jodi. What are you serving up? ‘First, the menu dictates what is placed at each setting (if you are not serving salad, there is no need to set a salad fork) and where glassware goes depends on the proceedings (if you are beginning with a toast, a champagne flute will be the glass furthest to the right).’ Cutlery goes outside in ‘Next, utensils are set so that they can be used from the outside in, those furthest from the plate are used first and those closest to the plate are used last.’ Set for symmetry ‘Finally, the most pleasing tablescapes have perfect symmetry from one place setting to the next.’ Another thing to remember is that the bottom of your utensils should be level with the main plate. Below, you can follow Jodi’s expert tips on how to set a table for a chic event or simple enjoyable dinners.
1. How to set a table for everyday dining
1. How to set a table for everyday dining
2. How to set a table for a casual dinner (close friends or a dinner date)
2. How to set a table for a casual dinner (close friends or a dinner date)
How to set a table for celebratory meals (casual weddings, elevated dinner parties)
How to set a table for celebratory meals (casual weddings, elevated dinner parties)
How to set a table for a formal dinner
How to set a table for a formal dinner
How to set a table for a buffet
How to set a table for a buffet
How to use napkins when setting a table
How to use napkins when setting a table
‘Cloth napkins are lovely for both casual and formal events,’ says Jodi. ‘They may be set under forks for casual gatherings and to the left of the forks or in a beautiful fold on the plate for formal events. ‘The napkin should NEVER be placed in the glasses. This is a safety hazard should a guest attempt to remove the napkin with too much flourish.’
Which side is the napkin placed?
Which side is the napkin placed?
The napkin is placed on the left of the place setting, either folded under the fork or in a napkin ring. It can also be placed centrally on the plate.
