How to Set a Table: The Complete Guide
A properly set table will help make the dining experience special and memorable. Whether you're preparing for a formal dinner party, a special occasion such as an anniversary or a holiday meal, understanding the proper table-setting etiquette is essential. For those that have a formal table setting for every meal, you know the routine like the back of your hand. For the majority of Americans, it is done for special occasions and it is easy to forget the setup.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps of how to set a table, from the tablecloth to water and wine glasses, china and napkins, ensuring everything is perfectly arranged.
1. Choose the Right Tablecloth, Shape and Size
The foundation of any table setting is the surface beneath your dinnerware. A tablecloth adds a touch of sophistication and provides a uniform backdrop for the other elements. When selecting a tablecloth, consider the formality of the event and the type of meal. A formal dinner often calls for a nice quality, crisp, table cloth, ideally in a neutral color or subtle pattern to complement your china and silverware. If you are setting up for the holidays, each holiday has traditional colors which make a great base for your tablescape.
Be sure to use the correct shape tablecloth. Even though this is obvious, I bring it up because many home dining room tables are oval and many consumers are still using ill fitting rectangular tablecloths on oval tables instead of an oval tablecloth.The reason being that until recently there were no oval tablecloths in the market. This changed over 10 years ago and any size oval tablecloth is now available for oval tables.
Ensure the tablecloth drapes evenly on all sides, leaving about 6 to 12 inches hanging over the edges of the table. This gives the setting a clean, balanced look without the cloth looking too short or overwhelming the space. For details on how to determine what the perfect oval tablecloth size is for your table, go to this short blog, how to determine the perfect oval tablecloth size.
2. Place the Dinner Plates and Charger Plates
The dinner plate is the centerpiece of any table setting. Center the plate on each seat and ensure there is enough space for all the additional items, such as utensils and glasses, without crowding the plate. Consider using a charger plate underneath the dinner plates. The larger charger plate not only adds even more elegance to the affair, but it also protects your tablecloth from spills, food fragments and from heat of hot dinner plates. The charger plate, or the dinner plate if not using in combination with a charger plate, should be 1” from the edge of the table.
3. Positioning the Silverware
Silverware placement follows a general rule based on the order in which the courses are served. The idea is to work your way outward from the plate, using the utensils in the order of the courses.
Forks: Place the forks to the left of the dinner plate. The salad fork (if you’re serving salad first) goes outside the dinner fork, while the main-course fork sits closest to the plate.
Knives: Place knives to the right of the plate, with the blade facing the plate. If you’re serving soup, a soup spoon should be placed to the right of the knives.
Spoons: For any soup course or dessert that requires a spoon, position the soup spoon to the right of the knives and the dessert spoon horizontally above the plate (if serving dessert last).
4. Arranging the Glassware
The water glass is placed directly above the knife, while wine glasses are positioned to the right, slightly below the water glass.
Water Glass: The water glass should be the largest and placed at the top-right corner of the plate, next to the knives.
Wine Glasses: The wine glasses should be positioned slightly to the right of the water glass. A typical setup includes:
Red Wine Glass: Larger, with a broader bowl, and placed to the right of the water glass.
White Wine Glass: Smaller, with a more delicate bowl, and positioned to the right of the red wine glass.
If you're serving sparkling wine or champagne, a flute can be placed to the far-right of the other glasses, keeping in line with the hierarchy of glassware.
5. Setting the Dinner Napkins
There are a many ways to fold the napkin and place it, depending on your personal style, occasion and the formality of occasion. Traditionally, the dinner napkin is placed to the left of the china. However, there are many easy napkin folds and a napkin with a special fold can just as appropriately go on top of the dinner plate, between the dinner plate and the charger or even in a glass. Here is a video from our friends at 5-Minute Crafts that show 15 easy, beautiful napkin folds. Another great idea is napkin rings.
At Premier Table Linens we have elegant, stainless steel gold or silver color napkin rings for $3.55.
6. The Bread Plate and Butter Knife
For a formal table setting, a bread plate is placed to the left of the dinner plate, above the forks. This plate holds the bread rolls and is accompanied by a butter knife, which should be placed horizontally across the plate or to the side of the bread plate.
The butter knife is positioned with the blade facing the center of the bread plate. If you’re serving a more casual meal, this may be skipped entirely.
7. The Final Touches: Flowers and Centerpieces
For a final touch, a simple centerpiece or a small vase of fresh flowers can elevate the overall aesthetic. It’s important that the centerpiece is low enough to allow guests to see unobstructed across the table. Tall centerpieces can obstruct sightlines and make the setting feel cramped. Keep the centerpiece simple and elegant, and avoid using overly fragrant flowers that could interfere with the dining experience.
8. General Tips for Setting a Table
Symmetry is key: Always aim for balance in your table setting. Items should be evenly spaced and aligned, ensuring a harmonious visual flow.
Stay practical: While aesthetics are important, the table should remain functional. There should be enough space for guests to comfortably eat and move their utensils around.
Conclusion
Setting a proper table is an art form that enhances the dining experience, whether you’re hosting a small dinner party or a grand gathering. By carefully arranging the tablecloth, dinnerware, silverware, glassware, and napkins, you set the stage for a memorable and elegant occasion and meal. While it may seem like a lot of work, the end result—a beautifully set tablescape—will impress your guests and create a welcoming, enjoyable atmosphere. These simple tips will help you master the art of table setting and turn any meal into an unforgettable occasion. Feel free to print this how to set a table guide so that you can have it with you while setting up your table.
Cheers,
Tony Cueto
Premier Table Linens