How to Set a Fancy Table

Consider what colors you want to portray at the dinner party., Choose floral arrangements or flowers to complement the color scheme., Select napkins (serviettes) in the same color scheme., Select table mats that match or complement the color theme...

22 Steps 2 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Consider what colors you want to portray at the dinner party.

    If it's for a festive or seasonal event, you'll probably want to match the color scheme to the occasion.

    Otherwise, color schemes can be matched to your favorite dinnerware, to your décor or really, to whatever you feel like trying out. , If you don't like flowers, consider using something else for a centerpiece, like colored sticks, an ornament or a bowl of fruit with similar colors to the theme., These are small items that end up making a big difference.

    If you know how, fold in a beautiful way., These could also be neutral, such as cork, reed or plain wooden mats., It should sit
    2.5 cm (1 inch) up from the table edge. , Also add any condiments you will be using for the meal. , Place it to the left of the first fork. ,,, Place them about
    2.5 cm (1 in.) from the table edge. ,, from the edge of the table. , Place it to the right of the knife.

    Make sure the handle lines up with the knife,
    2.5 cm (1 in.) from the edge of the table. ,, For example, add fresh flowers or a bowl of seasonal fruit.

    Keep it low so that dinner guests can see each other across the table. , Napkins––folded in half––go to the left of, or beneath, the forks.

    Or, place them on the plate or inside a large glass.

    Or, better yet, do a fancy fan fold (see related LifeGuide Hubs).
  2. Step 2: Choose floral arrangements or flowers to complement the color scheme.

  3. Step 3: Select napkins (serviettes) in the same color scheme.

  4. Step 4: Select table mats that match or complement the color theme.

  5. Step 5: Place the fork to the left of the plate.

  6. Step 6: Add the salt and pepper shakers to the table.

  7. Step 7: Using a salad fork?

  8. Step 8: If you are serving bread and butter

  9. Step 9: add a small side plate to the left of the forks.

  10. Step 10: If using a tablecloth

  11. Step 11: lay it on the table so it hangs evenly around all edges.

  12. Step 12: Place dinner plates in front of reach chair.

  13. Step 13: If there is a pattern on the plate

  14. Step 14: such as a rooster

  15. Step 15: make sure it stands upright (facing the diner)

  16. Step 16: not on its head or side.

  17. Step 17: Put the knife to the right of the plate with the blade facing inward

  18. Step 18: (about 2.5 cm (1 in.)

  19. Step 19: Using a soup spoon?

  20. Step 20: Place glass above the knife.

  21. Step 21: Add a centerpiece.

  22. Step 22: Add the napkins (serviettes).

Detailed Guide

If it's for a festive or seasonal event, you'll probably want to match the color scheme to the occasion.

Otherwise, color schemes can be matched to your favorite dinnerware, to your décor or really, to whatever you feel like trying out. , If you don't like flowers, consider using something else for a centerpiece, like colored sticks, an ornament or a bowl of fruit with similar colors to the theme., These are small items that end up making a big difference.

If you know how, fold in a beautiful way., These could also be neutral, such as cork, reed or plain wooden mats., It should sit
2.5 cm (1 inch) up from the table edge. , Also add any condiments you will be using for the meal. , Place it to the left of the first fork. ,,, Place them about
2.5 cm (1 in.) from the table edge. ,, from the edge of the table. , Place it to the right of the knife.

Make sure the handle lines up with the knife,
2.5 cm (1 in.) from the edge of the table. ,, For example, add fresh flowers or a bowl of seasonal fruit.

Keep it low so that dinner guests can see each other across the table. , Napkins––folded in half––go to the left of, or beneath, the forks.

Or, place them on the plate or inside a large glass.

Or, better yet, do a fancy fan fold (see related LifeGuide Hubs).

About the Author

B

Betty Castillo

Creates helpful guides on cooking to inspire and educate readers.

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