Tips to setting your dining table
Setting a table is one of the best ways to make you dinner party feel fully cohesive to the theme and meal you are serving. A well-arranged table can also help improve the flow of the conversation, creating a sense of order and harmony in the room. While there’s no one right way to arrange a table, there are several ways to style a table that will help enhance the ambiance of your dining room and make it feel more inviting. When setting a table, keep in mind that the arrangement of the dishes, flowers, and other elements on the table will help to set the tone for the rest of the meal.
Here are some things to keep in mind when pulling together your dinner party look:
consider the shape of your table.
Considering the shape of your table, might be the most important detail to start with. Round tables are great for conversation with everyone, while a rectangle allows you to add length to help keep everyone together. If you have a rectangle table, you may want to consider using a collection of smaller florals to fill the center space for the length of the table. If you have a round table, you may want to think about using a larger centerpiece with accessories to complete the look. Use the type of table you have in mind when thinking up your overall design.
Consider the space that your table is in.
Once you have the shape of your table, you'll need to consider what will be in the room where the table will be. Your overall tablescape will want to compliment the rooms existing decor while also setting the tone for the meal you are about to enjoy. For example, a neutral dining room with a rustic wood table might enjoy a pop of color with season florals, along with linen and rattan elements. Whereas a formal dining room with a sleek modern table might enjoy a more sophisticated look with a mix of floral arrangements with candlelight, crystal glassware and rich jewel tones.
Think about the meal you are serving.
The meal you are serving will affect the look of your table in regard to your flatware and glassware. For example, a casual family style meal would be served with possibly only one fork and knife with a water glass. A more formal dinner with three courses, would have a knife and fork for each of the first two courses, a dessert fork along with a water glass and a wine glass. Now depending on your specific menu, you may have a soup spoon for the first course instead of a fork and knife. Or you may have a dessert spoon. Be sure to adjust and tailor as your menu sees fit.
Build off your inspiration.
Carefully choose your inspiration for your centerpiece and table settings that compliment your space and menu. Whether you are choosing a specific color, seasonal floral or food element, maybe even the pattern of your favorite china - whatever the inspiration, build off that only. Coordinate your linens, table settings and florals off that inspiration so that you don't get too overwhelmed in the many possibilities that are out there. Be sure to add in different textures, heights, and patterns.
Don't be afraid to try something different.
Lastly, when it comes to creating your tablescape with unique centerpieces and thoughtful table settings, don't be afraid to try something different. In the summer, mix in fresh lemons and limes for a pop of color. In the winter, maybe stacking antique books with moss florals is the way to go. The possibilities are endless, and you never know what you might find that will inspire you. Just be sure to keep it true to your personal style and cohesive with the theme of the meal.
If you start to get confused on how to set the table specifically for your menu regarding your flatware - head on over to Emily Post for all your table setting etiquette needs. And if this is your first dinner party, be sure to check out our hosting tips at our previous journal entry here!
