How to Create the Perfect Table Setting
With the holidays right around the corner, many people wonder how to create the perfect table setting. Whether it’s your turn to host “Friendsgiving,” or you’re throwing the first dinner party in your new abode, you want to create a table setting that shows how much you value your guests!
Table setting is important no matter how you’re serving the meal. Buffet-style, family-style, and individually served meals will all taste amazing with or without a proper table setting, especially with such great company around. However, a properly set table contributes to the ambiance - it offers a certain warmth that a stack of plates and cup of silverware simply can’t.
How to Set a Table
Below, we cover both basic and casual table settings.
Basic Table Setting
Basic table settings are perfect for weekly dinners, or large gatherings that you want to keep as simple as possible. This layout doesn’t account for a wine glass and only includes a single plate. As such, it’s perfect for events with one food course and non-alcoholic beverages.
You will need:
A placemat
A water glass
A napkin (linen or paper)
How to Set a Basic Table
Lay placemat on table and position dinner plate in the center
Fold napkin and place on the left side of the plate
Place form on top of the napkin
Place the knife to the right of the plate, and the spoon to the right of the knife
Place water glass to the right of the plate, in between the plate and the fork. If the plate is a clock, the glass should be at 1 o’clock.
Check that the cutlery and bottom of the plate are all aligned.
If you want to make your basic table setting feel a little fancier, you can place fabric napkins with a ring on top of the plate.
Casual Table Setting
Although this is a casual table setting, it can certainly be used for semi-formal events, like double-date dinner parties, birthday brunch, or an intimate holiday dinner with your parents. Generally, casual table settings require only the tableware you plan to use. For example, you don’t need to set out a bowl if there isn’t any soup!
For a complete casual table setting, you will need everything for a basic table, plus:
How to Set a Casual Table
Follow all instructions for a basic table setting
Place a salad plate on top of the dinner plate (consider of the dinner set)
Place a soup bowl on top of the salad plate
Place a wine glass slightly to the left of the water glass
You can elevate this table setting by placing an elegant charger underneath the dinner plate
Find More Tableware info: @Muabomb
