A well-appointed table—from linens and china to glassware and centerpieces—strengthens a chic setting. But the beautiful accessories are useless if you don’t know how to set a table properly. A Google search might even confuse you further, since arrangements will vary depending on what you’re looking for, whether it’s Thanksgiving table setting ideas or a casual dinner party table to enhance a wine night.
To help clarify, we’ve distilled this dizzying array of flatware, wineglasses, and plates of every size to the essentials for three different occasions: a formal table setting, a casual soirée, and an everyday dinner. Then, you can add a dose of creativity by mixing and matching plates, using colorful glassware, or adorning the tablescape with elaborately folded napkins. “Think about the story you want to tell,” encourages Sara Raak, founder of Totable Tablescapes. “Life happens around the dinner table, and by creating the perfect atmosphere, it can encourage beautiful conversation and community.”
How to set a table for formal events
When hosting formal events, which entail a multi-course meal, elegance is of the utmost importance. Supporting pieces, such as chargers, napkin rings, and place cards play a critical role in ensuring a table will shine. On that note, however, do not be afraid to add touches of personality to a more elevated gathering. “I prefer to use vintage water glasses to add some dimension and whimsy to the table,” says Leah Ashley, of Living with Leah. “My go-to [glasses] are a mismatched set of vintage amber water glasses that I’ve collected over the years,” adds the Austin-based interior stylist and vintage decor expert. Ashley also enjoys using vintage china on her formal tables. “There’s no better way to spruce up a table setting than by adding interesting plates,” she notes.
To further enhance a formal table, add a centerpiece. “Make sure not to block the view of your guests sitting across from each other,” Ashley says. Katie Armour Taylor, the cofounder of Trudie, suggests elevating a centerpiece by arranging seasonal foliage, fruits, or vegetables around it. “Clementines, pomegranates, and large walnuts in shells all make for excellent accents,” she says.
The following steps will guide you as you set a table for any formal event, large or small.
It’s common to see a tablecloth on formal table settings, but it’s not always necessary. Start by considering whether your tablescape could benefit from its inclusion. Crisp white adds pomp, but most solid colors or sophisticated patterns work.
Start with a charger in the center of a place setting. “Chargers instantly set the tone of the table,” Ashley says. “Personally, I like to use two chargers [one just smaller than the other] to create texture and added interest.”
Place the dinner plate in the middle of the charger, followed by the salad plate on top of that. “For space saving reasons, I like to place the bread plate on top of the salad plate as well,” Ashley notes. More traditionally, the bread plate would be placed in the upper left hand corner of the table setting. The butter knife can be placed horizontally on the bread plate. If you’re serving soup, the soup bowl will go on top of the salad plate.
A dinner fork is placed directly to the left of each plate, with the salad fork then added further to the left.
The knife goes directly to the right of the plate, followed by the spoon. The dessert spoon lays horizontally above the plates. Add a place card above the dessert spoon. Add the guest’s name to both sides so they can find their seat, and so the guests on the other side of the table will know who they are talking to. Taylor suggests going the handwritten route when it comes to place cards.
Place the wine glasses and water glass in the upper right hand section, with the water glass placed closest to the table and the wine glasses behind it. Red wine glass on the far right corner, and white wine glass to the left of it, slightly lower. You can choose to add a coffee cup and saucer under the wine glasses, but Ashley generally steers away from this when setting a formal table to reduce the appearance of clutter.
Place the napkin in the middle of the plate stack. “I prefer a napkin with a napkin ring over folded napkins in a formal place setting, because I believe that a chic napkin ring is like jewelry for your table,” Ashley says.
How to set a table for a casual meal
Casual tables are ideal for parties of eight or less, explains Tracey Rezak, creative director of Cleveland-based Pomp Parties. “Just because it’s small doesn’t mean you can’t go all out on design, details, and style,” she adds. “The great thing about a casual table is its emphasis on intimacy and enjoying the people you’re with.” Best of all, a smaller group allows ample opportunity to create intricate place settings. “Because it’s an intimate affair you can spoil your guests with detail,” Rezak adds. For example, she says, place cutlery in a decorative glass or consider crafting custom menus and placing them atop each place setting. Don’t be afraid to introduce some whimsy, either. “Things don't have to be too perfect,” Taylor says. “I love small seasonal candies strewn about the table for a playful touch."
Here are the key steps to ensure that your casual place settings are arranged properly.
“Skip the formal tablecloth and choose a runner,” Rezak suggests. “A bolt of cheesecloth, velvet or an interesting cotton print helps tie the table together giving it a cohesive look,” she adds, noting that place mats should be simple enough to not overpower the table runner.
Set the dinner plate in the center of the table setting. If you’re serving salad, set the salad plate atop the dinner plate. “The placement is place mat, dinner plate, salad plate, then soup bowl,” Rezak notes.
Place the fork to the left of the dinner plate. If you’re serving salad, set the salad fork to the left of the dinner fork. “The fun of a causal table is you can experiment with design,” Rezak says. She suggests thinking outside the box when it comes to displaying cutlery and napkins. “Flatware can be crossed and tied with a satin ribbon; napkins can be gently draped, tied, or placed under the salad plate to create texture and interest,” Rezak advises.
Place the knife to the right of the dinner plate and then set the spoon to the right of the knife.
Set the water glass in the top right corner, above the knife. Place the wine glass (either a red or a white wine glass, depending on what you’re serving) to the right of the water glass. Rezak suggests adding color and charm to the tabletop by using pressed glass water goblets, which are available in a number of styles and sizes.
The napkin can be placed on the plates or underneath the fork.
How to set a table for an everyday dinner
When it comes to everyday dining, setting a table is a relatively simple process. Below, Staci Inspektor and Nikki Reed of Los Angeles–based table linen company Atelier Saucier share their tried-and-true advice to ensure that even weeknight dinners at home feel special. Of course, feel free to add your own finishing touches, whether in the form of patterned linens or a dose of plant life. “A single stem in a bud vase can make any meal special without feeling over-the-top or costly,” Inspektor says. “Step outside and cut a local leaf, branch, or flower for an adorable floral moment.”
The following steps will set you up for an everyday dinner that is far from ordinary.
Lay out a place mat, if you’re using one. Inspektor likes to use a table runner too.
Place the dinner plate in the center of the table setting.
The fork is placed to the left of the plate. Place the knife to the right of the dinner plate and then set the spoon to the right of the knife.
Set the water glass in the top right corner, above the knife.
The napkin can be placed on top of the dinner plate or beneath the fork. “Mix and match for an extra pop of color, depth, and a personalized touch,” Reed says of table linens. “Don’t be intimidated to use what is available in your linen drawer, even if you don’t have full sets.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have a few lingering concerns when it comes to setting tables? Consider the following frequently asked questions.
Where do napkins go once a table is set?
Napkin placement varies depending on whether you’re setting a formal table versus one designed for casual or everyday use. When setting a formal table, place your napkin in the middle of your plate stack. In the case of a casual or everyday table, your napkin can go either in this same location or beneath the fork.
What do you need to set a table?
To properly set a table, you will need a table cloth or table runner, a place mat, dinner plates, napkins, silverware (forks, knives, and spoons), water glasses, and wine glasses. In the case of a formal dinner table, you may also wish to include a place card. Then, finish off the look with a decorative centerpiece.
How do you incorporate centerpieces on a table?
A centerpiece should go in the middle of the table, so long as it does not block guests’ view of one another. You can get creative with your centerpieces and embellish them with foliage, fruits, or vegetables for some added decorative flair.
How many forks should you use to set a table?
The amount of forks used depends on whether you’re setting a formal dinner table or one that is more casual or for everyday use. Formal tables should feature dinner forks as well as salad forks. Salad forks are optional in the case of casual and everyday tables.
