Tips for creating a flawless dinner table setup

Are you getting ready for a formal dinner party and just realizing you don’t know how to set the table? No worries! We’ve got you covered with the top seven necessary steps to a perfect dinner table setup. If you’re ready to wow your guests with your gorgeous dining room, we’re here to let you know exactly what should be included on your table and why. Let’s dig in!

Dinnerware

First things first: You’ll need some plates. If you don’t already have a set of go-to dinnerware for formal dinners, it’s time to start shopping. Before you start browsing the stores or the websites, however, determine what your new set will be used for and how often. If you’re only going to use it once, feel free to go for the bargain bin, but do spend wisely.

• Bone china and porcelain are said to be the strongest and most damage-resistant dinnerware, recommended for frequent use.
• Other, more fragile dinnerware may be selected for rare and uniquely special occasions. These include ironstone, majolica, or cream ware, among others. But you’ll need to handle these with extra care!

Overall, plain white plates are highly recommended for numerous reasons, mostly due to their ease at blending in with other colors and their ability to show off foods.

Which types of plates should be included in a table setting?

Depending upon the size of the dinnerware set you’ve selected, you may end up with different types of plates. According to the Etiquette Scholar, these sets usually include:

• Dinner plates
• Bread-and-butter plates
• Salad plates (or dessert plates)
• Serving plates
• Cups with saucers
• Soup with underliner plates

What serveware should be set out?

For those who opt for a larger dinnerware set (8-12 place settings or larger), some additional pieces of serveware may come with it. These include:

• Vegetable bowl
• Sugar bowl with dover
• Creamer
• Gravy boat
• Covered casserole dish
• Salt and pepper shakers
• Butter dish

Popular plate shapes and designs

While these satisfy the basics, there are varying shapes of plates and three basic designs (romantic, classic, and modern) to consider if you stray from the plain white dinner plate for your dinner table setting. These can be determined based on personal preference, according to your personal or family tastes.

Learn where each dish and fork should go depending on the type of meal you’re having (informal, formal, five-course, buffet, etc.). To set a more formal and fancy table setting with plenty of pics to guide you, consider Martha Stewart’s advice on which plates should go where.

Where can someone buy dinnerware sets?

So, where can you get your hands on some top-tier dinnerware? Mikasa has a very extensive selection of dinnerware with options for four settings, eight settings, 12 settings, and even more. Browse through its 4-setting dinnerware sets, or visit our favorite 36-piece set of white bone china for $180. It has full-service settings for six guests, and each includes a dinner plate, salad plate, appetizer plate, soup bowl, fruit bowl, and mug. And all pieces are dishwasher safe!

Other items for your dinner table setup

Glassware

Glassware covers an assortment of pitchers, beverage glasses, goblets, and more. They should always be kept free of spots and sparkling clean for the best presentation. For a proper table setting, a water goblet and wine glass (sometimes two wine glasses; one for white wine and one for red wine) are placed above the dinner knife on the right of the plate.

Flatware

When planning for an occasion, the flatware is usually set up to go with what’s on the menu. This way, guests will have the cutlery they need for the meal, but not a lot of extra items. While dining, guests should be able to start with the flatware farthest away from the plate and work their way in. This means you’ll need to organize each place setting’s flatware according to the flow of the meal.

Consider a 20-piece set of Lenox Soiree Flatware from Williams-Sonoma. It includes 12 3-piece stainless-steel settings with a dinner fork, dinner knife, and teaspoon for each. Polishing won’t be needed, and these are dishwasher safe.

Or go for a 90-piece set at Neiman-Marcus, which is modeled after the mix-and-match English table settings of the early 1900s. This set provides 12 complete 5-piece settings with extra salad forks, teaspoons, serving spoons, pie servers, a sugar spoon and a butter knife. This set is also dishwasher safe!

All about your linens

Be sure to have quality linens on your tables, no matter how sophisticated the meal is supposed to be. A soft or smooth feel to the linens is essential for putting guests at ease, and don’t be afraid to go for embroidered pieces or tablecloths that match your place mats, etc.

Tablecloths

Choose a high-quality tablecloth that complements your table setting and decor. Here are some tips and things to consider for your tablecloth:

• Ensure the tablecloth is large enough to drape evenly, with a drop of 8-12 inches on all sides for an elegant look.
• Be sure to iron or steam the tablecloth beforehand to remove wrinkles and create a polished appearance.
• For extra sophistication, consider layering a table runner or overlay to add depth and contrast.
• If using a patterned tablecloth, keep the centerpiece and dinnerware simple to maintain balance.
• Use table clips or a non-slip liner underneath to keep the tablecloth in place throughout the meal.

Get a casual Lehner Natural Simple Tablecloth from Wayfair. It’s simple and elegent, and made with pre-shrunk linen fabric and cotton that’s machine washable.

Napkins

For a formal dinner setting, cloth napkins can be arranged in several elegant ways to enhance the table’s presentation:

• A classic fold, such as the rectangle or triangle, works well when placed on top of or beside the dinner plate.
• For a more sophisticated touch, try a pocket fold, which can hold menus or utensils.
• A fan fold or bishop’s hat adds height and drama to the setting, perfect for upscale events.
• Napkin rings can provide a polished look—opt for metallic or fabric rings to complement the table decor.
• For crisp folds, use starched napkins, and always ensure they are freshly pressed for a refined finish.

Grab a set of Keaton Paisley Block Print Napkins and Handcrafted Thin Marble Napkin Rings from Pottery Barn.

Centerpieces and decorative touches

Flowers

Bring your dinner table to life by using seasonal flowers or other natural arrangements whenever possible. Incorporate the flowers in bloom outside with other items that work together, like daffodils with greenery and a few sprigs of baby’s breath, or lilacs drawn together with a velvet ribbon. Let them show off their beauty in clear glass containers as a gorgeous table centerpiece. If you need to keep it pollen-free, use a faux arrangement!

Candles/lighting

Use your preference of real or LED candles to set the mood for a pleasant dining experience. Hang sparkly fairy lights, lanterns, or light taper candles. Turn on a chandelier or a string of ceiling lights to complete the look and ambiance.

Crate & Barrel has a lovely Isla Large Smoke Green Recycled Glass Hurricane Candle Holder. Made of realistic-looking wrought iron, this makes the ideal centerpiece almost any time of year.

Get a pack of floating candles from T-shin for $9 on Amazon and light them afloat in your prettiest glass bowl.

Place holders/menu cards

For a really nice touch, set out place holders directing where your guests are to sit — just make sure you don’t make one for yourself, though. Get out your best calligraphy pens, or hire out for this job to make sure each letter is formed impeccably as you wish.