Whether you are throwing a party or having a casual dinner get-together with friends and family, your table should stand, as it reflects your personality style. No matter if you have the finest serving wares, if you don't know how to set up a table, it's not worth it.
Once you know how to set up a perfect table, an even cheaper dinnerware set would look amazing on the table's top. Plus, you can be creative and mix and match the serving wares to add flair.
There are different table settings for every occasion, but with a slight difference. So, if you learn the basic rules of setting up a table, you can set up any table creatively and effectively. Here's how to set up the perfect table for your next dinner party and much more.
How to Setup an Everyday Table?
One essential table setting you must learn is how to set your simple table where you get to have your meal at least 2 to 3 times a day. In addition, learning how to give your everyday table an organized look is essential.
Here's how to set up your simple table:
Step 1: Firstly, placemats should be laid down for each setting ( if you use them). It's a perfect idea to use the placement for your table settings to make it stand out.
Step 2: Next, place the dinner plate in the center of the placement. The Dinner plate would be used to serve the main course. So, be sure to use the regular size plate.
Step 3: Thirdly comes the flatware's turn. Place the forks on the left side of the plate and align them with the plate. It's a rule the forks always go on the left side of the settings, so note it down and always place the forks on the left side of the plate.
Step 4: The knife and the spoon go on the right side of the plate. Ensure the silverware items on both sides are aligned with the plate to give your setting an organized and clean look.
Step 5: The water glasses should be placed on the top of the knife, on the right side of the setting. In the end, put the napkins on the top of the dinner plate or under the forks.
How to Set up a Casual Table?
Casual parties and get-togethers are one of the most relaxed events. You don't have to do much about the preparations and planning. However, when it comes to the table setting, you may want to make some little changes to make it relaxing for the guests.
Here's how to set up a casual table:
Step 1: Lay the Placemats for each setting, or you can also use the chargers plates. But, chargers are mainly used for formal settings, so it's up to you how you want your table to look.
Step 2: Place the dinner plates in the center of the settings, and if serving a salad on the menu, the salad plates go on top of the dinner plate.
Step 3: As always, the fork goes on the left side of the dinner plate, and if serving a salad, then place the salad forks on the left side of the fork.
Step 4: The spoon and knife will go on the right side of the settings. And place the water glass on top of it. You can match the flatware with the dinner plates or chargers. The Gold with Pink Handle Moderno Plastic Dinner Forks will look stunning if you have dinner plates with a golden rim.
Look at some of the fantastic elegant disposable flatware from "The Kaya Collection." You'll definitely find your fancy plastic flatware for the next party.
Step 5: If serving any drinks, they should be placed on the right of the water glass. The napkins can be placed underneath the forks or on the top of the dinner plates.
How to Set up a Perfect Formal Table?
Formal table settings are used for upscale parties, weddings, and any special occasion where you are expecting VIP guests. Traditional table settings seem pretty challenging for most, but if you have learned the previous 2 locations mentioned above, this is just a piece of cake for you.
Here's how to set up a perfect formal table to treat your guests with a VIP treatment:
Step 1: Spread crips and fancy table cloth on the table's top. Place the charge plates in the center of each setting. The charger plates are mostly preferred for formal settings, so they'll add a flair to your table settings.
Step 2: Place the salad plate on top of the dinner plate, and then the bread plate goes on the left side of the salad plate. The butter knife goes on the bread plate.
Step 3: The dinner forks should be placed on the left side, and the salad forks.
Step 4: The knife and the spoon go on the right side of the dinner plates. The dessert spoon can be placed either above the dinner plate or on the left side of the dinner plate. Use the best flatware in stock or get fancy disposable plastic flatware.
Step 5: All the drinkware goes on the upper right side of the settings. Ensure the water is closest to the table's edge, so the guests can easily access it. And, glasses for the drinks should be placed behind the water glass.
Step 6: Fold the napkins into an appropriate shape like a ring and rose to make the visual representation of the napkins stand out on the table.
If you aren't aware of folding techniques, there are plenty of folding techniques available on the internet. It won't take more than 10 minutes to learn and implement a new napkin folding technique and implement it.
Step 7: Lay the place card below the salad plate, and ensure the guest's name is written on it. So the guests can easily recognize their own seats. And, if serving coffee or tea, the cup and a saucer should be placed below the glasses.