What is the correct way to set a table?

Dinner plate goes in the center. The dinner fork goes to the left of the plate with any additional forks (like the salad fork) further to the outside left. The knife goes to the right of the dinner plate with the sharp edge towards the plate. The spoon goes to the right of the knife. The water glass goes in the upper right corner, above the knife.

Which side does the napkin go on?

Place the napkin to the left of the fork in a casual setting or on the plate for a more formal look.

What is a casual table setting?

A casual table setting is a less formal dinnerware setup which allows more space on the table. It includes a dinner plate, dinner fork, knife, spoon, water glass and napkin.

How to Set a Table

by Candace Leak · Published July 23, 2019 · Updated May 31, 2024

Setting a beautiful table impresses your guests and enhances the mood of your gathering. Whether you’re planning a formal dinner or a casual party, the way you set up your event table can improve the overall experience. In this guide, we’ll show you how to prepare a table for dinner, give you tips on creative event table setups, and help you adjust the setting to fit your event’s theme.

We’ll guide you through correctly choosing the right tableware and placing each piece. Prepare to turn your regular event into an unforgettable celebration with our expert table-setting tips!

Tableware Materials
Styles & Designs
Guide to Tableware Color Coordination
How To Set a Formal Table
How To Set a Casual Table

Choosing The Right Tableware

Choosing the right tableware is key to making any event feel special. The plates, glasses, and utensils you select can match the event’s theme and make your guests’ experience even better.

Understanding Tableware Materials

Understanding the differences between tableware materials is crucial when planning an event because each type has unique features that can influence the overall style and functionality of your gathering.

Material	Description	Best For
Porcelain	Comes in various styles, durable and versatile.	Casual to formal events.
Glass	Elegant and available in clear, frosted, or colored options.	Formal dinners and casual brunches.
Plastic and Disposable	Convenient for large events, improved aesthetics in modern options.	Events with easy cleanup needs, large gatherings.

Selecting Styles and Designs

The design of your plates, glasses, and utensils acts as an extension of your event’s theme and can convey a lot about the tone you want to set. For instance, classic designs with fine detailing can lend an air of sophistication and formality, while bold, contemporary patterns can create a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. Thoughtfully chosen tableware designs can compliment your decorations, create a better dining experience, and even become a conversation starter among guests!

how-to-select-tableware

Generally, most tableware will fall into three categories: Classic, Modern, or Mixed.

Classic Tableware

Classic tableware has timeless designs that show elegance and tradition. These pieces often have detailed patterns and fine touches, making them great for formal events where a sophisticated look is important. Classic designs are perfect for special occasions like formal dinners, weddings, or fancy gatherings. Their traditional style not only fits well with formal settings but also makes the dining experience more classy and luxurious.

classic-tableware

Modern Tableware

Modern tableware features simple and clean designs. These pieces usually have straight lines, one or two colors, and new shapes that look sleek and stylish. Modern designs work best for events that want a cool, current feel, like cocktail parties, business events, or any gathering that wants to be trendy. The simple style of modern tableware helps make a space feel open and tidy, making it a good choice for events that prefer a straightforward and elegant look.

mordern-tableware

Mixed Tableware

Mixed tableware lets you combine different styles, colors, and textures to create a unique table setting. This approach is great for casual or personal events where you can show off your creativity. Mixed designs can make gatherings fun, lively, and artistic, making them perfect for informal dinners, themed parties, or events where you want to express your own style. By mixing different pieces, you can customize the table to match your personal taste and the theme of the event, adding a special touch to the dining experience.

Color Coordination for Table Settings

Color coordination in table setting is very important because it greatly affects the mood and theme of an event. The colors you pick for your plates, linens, and decorations set the tone for the whole party, giving off different feelings and messages to your guests. For example, soft pastels can create a relaxing and gentle atmosphere, which is great for weddings or baby showers. On the other hand, bright colors can bring excitement and fun, perfect for parties or birthday celebrations. In general, the colors you choose for your table settings will usually fall into three categories: Neutral, Bold, and Pastels.

Neutral-Toned Table Settings

Neutral tones in table settings include colors like white, cream, and gray. These colors are soft and subtle, making them easy to match with other colors and themes. They are very flexible because they can blend well with any event theme or color scheme. Whether you’re adding bright flowers for a pop of color or keeping it simple with silver and glass, neutral colors form a perfect backdrop that allows other elements to stand out. They also bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to your table setting because they make everything look clean and well-arranged.

Neutral tones work especially well in settings where you want an elegant and formal look. They are perfect for occasions like weddings, formal dinners, and corporate events.

neutral-tone-table-setting

Bold Colored Table Settings

Bold colors are vibrant and eye-catching shades! Examples of bold colors include red, blue, green, and yellow. These colors are strong and vivid, making them noticeable and impactful. Bold colors have the power to draw attention and create a lot of visual impact. Using these colors in a table setting can highlight specific elements you want to stand out, such as centerpieces or special tableware. They bring a lively feel, which can be perfect for celebrations and parties where you want to uplift the mood and encourage a festive spirit.

Bold colors are best used in informal or celebratory events where a fun and energetic atmosphere is desired. They are ideal for birthday parties, casual get-togethers, and themed events where you want to make a fun impression. To incorporate bold colors without overwhelming your table setting, use them strategically as accents. For example, you could use bold-colored napkins, glasses, or chargers to add pops of color.

bold-color-table-setting

Pastel Table Settings

Pastels are soft, light colors like baby blue, mint green, pale pink, and lavender. These colors are calming and often used for events that want a peaceful and gentle feel. Using pastels in table settings can make an event look more elegant and soft. This is perfect for special occasions that need a little bit of grace, such as baby showers, weddings, or tea party-themed events.

In general, don’t be afraid to mix pastels! Combining different pastel shades can add dimension and visual interest to your table without overwhelming the senses. A great way to use pastels is to balance them with neutrals like white, cream, or light gray. This not only highlights the pastel colors but also adds a modern touch to your event, keeping the setting light and airy. Additionally, you can enhance the look of pastel table settings with fresh flowers that match or complement the color scheme. This natural element can tie the whole table together, adding to the soft and elegant vibe.

pastel-table-setting

How to Set a Formal Table

Setting a formal table might seem daunting, but it’s a great way to add elegance and sophistication to any dinner party. In this section, we’ll guide you through arranging a formal table. You’ll learn where each piece of tableware should go, from placing forks and knives to positioning glasses and napkins.

Follow these simple steps to ensure your table is perfectly prepared for a formal occasion, impressing your guests with your attention to detail.

Cover your table with a linen of your choice.
Place the dinner plate in the center of the setting, and stack the salad plate on top of the dinner plate.
To the left of the dinner plate, position the dinner fork closest to the plate and the salad fork to its left.
On the right side of the dinner plate, place the dinner knife closest to the plate and the dinner spoon to its right.
Above the dinner plate, place the dessert silverware horizontally.
Set the bread plate to the upper left of the dinner plate.
Arrange the wine, champagne, and water glasses to the upper right of the dinner plate.
Fold the napkin neatly or insert it into a napkin ring, and place it on the salad plate.

How to Set a Casual Table

Setting a casual table is all about creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for your guests. In this section, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to arrange a casual table that’s both stylish and functional.

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a friendly gathering, these tips will help you prepare a setting that makes everyone feel at home.

Lay out a placemat at each setting.
Place the dinner plate in the center of the placemat and stack the salad plate on top.
On the left of the dinner plate, arrange the dinner fork closest to the plate. Put the salad fork to its left.
On the right side of the dinner plate, position the dinner knife closest to the plate, with the dinner spoon to its right.
Set the water and wine glasses to the upper right of the dinner plate.
Place the napkin either neatly folded on the salad plate, inserted into a napkin ring to the right of the silverware, or folded under the forks.

Other tips for setting your table:

Salt and pepper shakers should be placed in the middle of the table unless your table is long and rectangular, then they should be placed in the center of each end.
Add some fun to your place setting by mixing and matching your china. If you don’t have an assortment of your own, you can rent some like this vintage floral pattern and this gold rimmed white china.
Use colored glassware to add some interest to your table. You can rent this vintage blue goblet.
Use fancy napkins. You can rent napkins made from cotton, satin, suede, crinkle, velvet, pin tuck and much more. Some of the patterns available are stripe, check, floral, bandana, toile, plaid, and damask.