Table settings can make your kitchen table look beautiful, turning a dinner, buffet or breakfast into something really special. Here’s how to get it right, whatever the occasion…
1. Bend the table-setting rules
There are lots of traditions around table settings, but you don’t have to stick to them. The aim is to create a beautiful table where your guests can relax and enjoy themselves, as well as presenting your meal in a way that does justice to your hard work in the kitchen. If a formal setting works for you – great. If not, or if space is limited – improvise!
2. Think about what you want to include
Table settings include china, glassware, cutlery and napkins. You may also want to include condiment sets, candles and napkin rings. Before you start, think about the colour theme and the ambience you want to create. Do you want a really formal dinner with a pure white table cloth, silver candelabra and crystal glasses? Or are you looking for something more relaxed? Choose your accessories and china to suit your theme.
3. Start with the basics
Most table settings start with a table cloth – although if you’re creating a table for a kids’ party, you might want to go for something more durable, such as a wipe-clean cloth. Add a table runner and place mats.
Check out our napkins and table cloths
4. Choose your centrepiece
A lovely centerpiece is the heart of your table setting. Candelabras are a popular choice – just take a look at our beautiful Stockholm candelabra Alternatively, why not try a bowl with floating candles, a lantern, or an arrangement of seasonal flowers?
Tip: Make sure your centerpiece isn’t too high for your guests to see over.
5. Arrange the cutlery
For cutlery, put the knives on the right, the forks on the left. The rule is to work from the outside in, so the cutlery that’s going to be used first goes on the outside. Knife blades should face the plate. Dessert spoons and forks go at the top. The napkin goes on the left, or in the centre of the plate.
Tip: Got a left-handed guest? Be polite by putting their cutlery on the right sides for them. To give them extra elbow room and avoid upsetting the balance of your table setting, seat them at the end of the table where possible.
6. Put your glasses in order
Glasses go above the knives, in the order they’re going to be used. For formal dinners, the water glass goes first, followed by the white wine glass and red wine glass. For informal meals, it’s water glass, glass for wine or juice, and if there’s room, coffee or tea cup and saucer.
See our exciting range of glassware
7. Get your china in position
Again, don’t be bound by strict etiquette – adapt the rules to suit you. Traditionally, the side plate goes on the left of the forks with the knife laid across it. A base plate or service plate goes on the mat in the middle of the setting, with the soup bowl on top of it if you are serving soup.
Now take a look at your kitchen table: does it look great? Then you’re ready to go.
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