Tips For Setting A Table
One of the top worries that seem to hover over our heads is how to set the perfect table for guests. My friend, Anastasia, used to set her holiday table one week before hosting. Let me tell you, adapting her schedule took so much stress out of planning. And, the actual days leading up to holiday hosting. You want to make your space beautiful, and take the stress out of the process. Plus, you want your guests to be able to sit, chat and enjoy their time at your table. Here are some of my best tips for setting a table. Even if you’re hosting just a small group of five like I have done here for my family or a full spread of extended family and friends. These table-setting tips will make sure your table is ready for the holidays without making things complicated.
Use A Charger
A charger is such an easy and affordable way to instantly make your table feel more festive. I think keeping it simple in a metallic is the way to go. For this tablescape, I went with wood since my centrepiece is natural elements and it tied it all together. Or something natural like wicker is always a lovely touch and more casual. The great thing about chargers is that they can be used at all your parties. There’s no need to switch them out for something different once you grab a set. That’s why I recommend investing (although they’re usually fairly inexpensive like this gold set of four under $25. If anything, have a dressier elegant set for holidays like gold or silver, and a summer set in a natural material, like rattan, for dining al fresco with friends.
To Fancy Plate or Not?
You really don’t need to go all out on a fancy dinner plate here. These green ones are festive, but honestly, my plain white ones work just fine. Once you place it on top of a pretty charger and add a more decorative salad plate on top, no one will really notice the standard white plate.
Add Color & Interest With Your Salad Plate
The salad plate is really the piece here that ties this whole look together and truly elevates it all. This look is casual and monochromatic, and it really pulled the whole look together. Since we are just celebrating at home with the boys, I kept it to an elevated casual. Just because it is our little family, doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate with a little extra holiday flair!
Upgrade Your Flatware
Gold flatware is definitely on trend right now and you can thankfully find it at Target at really great prices, like these. I think they elevate any table setting. I picked my set-up a while ago at World Market a few years ago. Clearly, this trend is here to stay as everyone is getting in on the look. You can even do a matte black set like these.
Glassware
You don’t have to change out ALL your glassware here, but adding either a nicer wine glass or water glass is a nice update. I kept our drinking glasses very simple, because….boys. I am not putting wine glasses out. Keeping the wine glasses simple is perfectly fine for any tablescape.
Add a Fun Napkin
To tie this entire look together, I added a hunter-green, festive napkin for the table. They tied in the greenery from the centerpiece. For me, I think the napkin is the most fun part of setting and coordinating a tablescape. Just keep in mind your color scheme and vibe. This was an elevated and casual table with lots of earth tones, so this napkin played perfectly into that.
Centerpieces
Centerpieces don’t have to be overdecorated at all. The only real tip here when it comes to adding a centerpiece is to be mindful of the height. You won’t want to block anyone’s view while they sit across from one another. Make sure it is below eye level. You can add various heights and interests, but make sure the majority of it is below eye level for great conversation.
Since my table is only set for 5, greenery and candles were enough to finish the look. Often times one arrangement is enough, and then you can create visual interest by mixing in different items like candles, votives, plants, and greenery. They are great ways to take the buffet pieces into the centerpiece so that it all works together.
Name Tags (Optional)
While I think name tags are a nice personal touch, I don’t think every plate should have one. I have heard a dinner party tip is to put name tags down to separate couples and besties. It forces you to mingle with new people and keeps conversations going. To me, this is such a personal preference. What I also suggest is if you’re doing a small gathering though, you can simply place cheerful words instead of name tags.
What To Include In A Table Setting
Depending on what you’re serving, your dinner table setting may slightly. You may want to add a butter knife and plate, or multiple wine glasses depending on if you’re serving white and red with dinner. But a general rule of thumb for a basic table setting for the holidays is to include the following.
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- Dinner Fork
- Dinner Knife
- Dinner Spoon
- Dinner Plate
- Salad Plate
- Charger
- Napkin
- Water Glass
- Wine Glass
- Place Card
If you’re serving dessert at the table, you may want to add dessert forks or spoons, along with some fun plates. Personally, I always serve desserts more casually and keep a pile of dessert plates and forks near the dessert spread. Then I just easily pull it all over once dinner is over.
