Whether youre prepping for a basic lunch or a formal bash, heres what you better know.
As kids, our sole dinner responsibility was setting the table while Mama finished the meal.
Where should the water glass go?
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Rachael Burrow
How many forks are appropriate?
What is the point of a charger plate?
Paige Minearis a stylist, blogger, and founder ofThe Pink Clutch.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
Minear also advises to be aware of the timing of your party.
“Only use the flatware, glassware, and table accessories for the appropriate time of day.
For example, you shouldn’t use candles for a breakfast or a lunch.”
Credit:Southern Living / Corinne Mucha
Attention to detail can go a long way, too.
Pair people who have things in common and make a run at separate couples to encourage conversation."
To keep things simple, we’ve broken the table controls into three categories.
Credit: Carmel Brantley; Styling: Page Mullins, Emily Painter
Think of this as your dining primer.
How To Set A Basic Table
A standard table setting is the base of it all.
This is the basic setting for weeknight meals with the family.
Credit:Southern Living / Corinne Mucha
Think of this informal table setting as your foundation for every table you design.
It’s your everyday routine as well as a starting point for other occasions.
In fact, you’ve likely oohed and aahed over many casual table tweaks.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Produced; Page Mullins
Think of addingpopular patternsof salad plates or soup bowls as well as sparkly crystal wine glasses.
Consider the casual yet elevated table your medium ground between a standard and a formal setting.
This throw in of table is ideal for bridal luncheons, intimate dinner parties, and Sunday suppers.
Credit:Southern Living / Corinne Mucha
A simple rattan or woven charger adds texture.
Be sure to choose either a charger or a placemat.
There’s no need for both.
These tables are best for special occasions or meals with three or more courses.
Here, let the menu be your guide.
Just because you inherited your great-grandmother’ssterling silveroyster forks doesn’t mean they get added to the table.
Only incorporate utensils and china that you will be using for the meal.
Not serving a salad?
Do not add a salad fork to your formal table.
Think of it as fewer dishes to do after a long night of hosting.
Its also a reason to pull out those sentimental pieces that remind you of holidays at your grandmothers house.
Arrange Your Napkins
Its okay to place the napkin on top of the dinner plate.
Its also an opportunity to show off napkin-folding skills or use those fancy napkin rings you never pull out.
Iron Table Linens
Dont set out your tablecloth and hope the wrinkles just fall out.
This is one time whenironing is essential.
Use chargers instead of placemats for round or oval tables.
They take up less space while still designating each place setting.
Whatever the shape, choose a tablecloth that hangs at least 12 to 15 inches over the tables sides.
If you choose a runner, ensure the fabric hangs 12 inches at each end.
Use What You Have
Search your house to repurpose what you already have.
Use The Right Size Centerpiece
Consider the size of your centerpiece.
It shouldn’t be so large that it blocks diners' views of one another and makes conversation difficult.
If the plate has been removed, you may leave the napkin in its place.
Coffee is usually served after a meal.
It is placed above and to the right of the knife and spoon.
