How to Set a Dining Room Table
Setting a table is a simple task that can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your dining experience. Whether you're hosting a formal dinner party or a casual gathering of friends, taking the time to set a beautiful table will help brighten the room and make your guests feel special.
Follow along to learn the basics of setting a table, from choosing the right tableware to arranging the place settings, to help you create a stylish and inviting tablescape.
Basic Table Setting
A basic table setting is perfect for any occasion — adding warmth and comfort without appearing too formal. Whether you’re sitting down for an everyday dinner with the family or Sunday brunch with your partner, a basic table setting is easy to recreate while providing everything diners need within arm’s reach.
Lay your placemat on the table in front of the seat — it will serve as the canvas for your decorations.
Position the main plate at the placemat’s center.
One inch to the right of the plate will be the knife (blade facing inward). You can place a soup spoon half an inch to the right of the knife if necessary.
Place the fork to the left of the plate — also an inch away from the plate.
We recommend placing a napkin on the dinner plate or to the left of the fork. Both ways avoid any clattering or falling forks.
To finish, position the water glass above the knife.
Accessorizing Tips
For any basic table setting, a simple vase filled with fresh-cut flowers or a wooden bowl of fresh fruits will infuse the room with some color, fragrance, and visual interest.
A placemat with a simple woven design and a pop of color in gray or blue can set the tone for a soothing, relaxing atmosphere.
Casual/Informal Table Setting
Now that you know how to set a basic table setting, it’s easy to build on this foundation for a more memorable meal, such as when you’re hosting an intimate dinner date or a laid-back gathering of friends.
A casual table setting is almost identical to a basic one, except for a few additional cutlery, dinnerware, and glassware. Of course you only need to add what is required for the meal. Forgo a salad plate or a soup bowl and spoon if those dishes are not on the menu.
Lay a placemat on the table.
Place the dinner/main plate in the middle of the placemat.
Put a salad plate on top of the dinner plate if you are serving salad.
Place a soup bowl on the salad plate if you are serving soup with the first course.
To the left of the dinnerware, position the fork.
On the right of the plate, with the blade facing in, place the knife first and then the soup spoon next to it.
Napkins can be folded or rolled, placed either below the salad plate or left of the fork.
Place the water glass above the knife.
Wine glasses are placed slightly above and to the right of the water glass.
Accessorizing Tips
Chargers, also called underplates, may be used in addition or instead of a placemat. Keeping to the casual mood, make sure the charger is in a laid-back style, like raw wood or chrome.
Using napkin rings will add flavor to your decor. If you are mixing and matching with your placemats, tablecloths, or table runners; we recommend using a white-colored napkin to avoid visually clashing with other elements.
Tablecloths are mainly used in a formal table setting but using them in a casual setting is not taboo. When using tablecloths and placemats, it is best to use a plain placemat on patterned tablecloths or vice versa.
For extra texture and a touch of elegance, use a table cover and a runner. We suggest using a solid white table cover and pairing it with a printed runner, or choosing a light table cover and matching it with a table runner of a deeper shade.
Have fun with adding a bit of flair, such as foliage or fruits atop a simple table runner. Pro tip: Ensure that your centerpiece doesn’t obstruct your guests from seeing one another.
Formal Table Setting
A formal table setting is only a small leap from a casual one. Formal occasions can range from a holiday dinner party to a gala event. The next time you host such an event, knowing how to set a formal dinner table will make your guests feel cared for and special.
Place the charger one inch from the table’s edge in front of the seat.
Position the dinner/main plate on top.
Stack a salad plate on top of the dinner plate.
Place the soup bowl on top of the salad plate.
To the left of the dinnerware, position your forks. The dinner fork is closest to the charger, with the salad fork to the left of it. If you are having a fish course, you will place the fish fork between the salad and dinner fork.
On the right of the plate, with the blade facing in, place the knife closest to the charger and then the soup spoon. You may add a fish knife between the dinner knife and soup spoon if fish is being served.
Napkins can be folded and placed in the middle of the plates, on top of the plates, or rolled with a napkin ring to the left of the forks.
Directly above the charger is where the dessert spoon goes, the handle pointed to the right. If a dessert fork is required, place it below the dessert spoon with its handle facing left.
Place the water glass above the dinner knife. The white wine glass goes slightly to the right and three-quarters of an inch below the water glass. The red wine glass would go above the white glass and slightly to the right of the white wine glass.
The bread plate goes above the forks. The butter knife goes diagonally across the upper right of the plate, the blade facing inward and the handle pointing to the right.
Consider using place cards during formal events. They are a nice touch for your guests and practical for larger parties. You can place them above the dessert spoon, between the salt and pepper shakers (if each guest has their own set), or on the plates. Remember there’s no need to place one for yourself.
Accessorizing Tips
Placemats are typically avoided in formal table settings.
Chargers should be decorative and sophisticated to match the theme of the formal event.
Tablecloths are usually used in formal occasions.
When incorporating centerpieces for a formal event, low flower arrangements and staggered candles are easy go-tos for any elegant theme.
You can also add personal touches to your tablescape, such as photos, mementos, or candles in your favorite colors.
Create A Stylish Tablescape with Furniture.com
By following these simple tips, you can easily set a beautiful table that will impress your guests and highlight the meal. However, you want to make sure your dining table and chairs are on par. Whether you need a larger table to fit all your guests for holiday dinners or a simple upgrade to showcase your style and complete your tablescape, find everything you need at furniture.com.
