Since I was a young girl, I have always enjoyed setting the table. My mom gave me the job to help set our holiday table and I was always thrilled to see the fine china and cocktail glasses make their way out of the china closet once a year. It really signified to me that something special was going to take place.
When my mom passed away, I inherited her dinnerware and glassware. I still love the classic white bone china with gold rim and the backstory of how my great Aunt Tess sent them to her when she was a WAC stationed in Germany during World War II. I also use them during the holidays because it makes me feel like my mom is still with us and I like that my daughter can be a part of this family tradition.
Today, many may feel a more formal table setting is too stuffy but I disagree. A pretty tablescape always makes me smile and my hope is that it makes my family and guests smile too. It definitely takes more effort but isn’t that the point? To show your guests that you care about them and that you want to enjoy a nice meal together. With that said, here are my 4 tips for setting the table for any occasion:
1Choose a Theme
The purpose of choosing a theme is simply to invoke a mood or a feel for the event or occasion. For example, during Christmas, you may decide you want classic red and green colors or maybe you prefer tartan plaid. For a summer party, you may want a tropical feel or a New England style. Designing a tablescape is much easier when you have a theme!
I think of the tablecloth as the foundation for the entire table setting. Of course, a white tablecloth suits all occasions and styles; but I also like to use other tablecloths, depending on the season. Truth be told, I am running out of space to store them!
2Choose Your Dinnerware
Sometimes I like to use my china, sometimes my everyday dishes, and other times I love disposable. For the outdoors, you can also find so many great unbreakable options such as this melamine from Sur La Table and from Pier 1.
Another tip is to use a charger plate. A charger plate (also known a service plate) is a large, decorative base on which other dinnerware is placed. Just remember to remove the charger plates before serving dessert.
Charger plates are for decorative use only and are not meant to come in direct contact with food. They come in a variety of colors, materials, shapes, and sizes for you to choose from to match your decor, mood, and style. These chargers from Target are good examples of affordable charger plates. On the end of the spectrum are these gorgeous chargers from Horchow.
3Add your Centerpiece
When selecting a centerpiece for the table, make sure it isn’t too tall (max of 9 – 10 inches is a good rule of thumb) to ensure your guests will be able to see each other across the table.
Some options are:
- group pillar candles together on a plate or serving tray
- use candleholders (just remember to use unscented candles so as to avoid interfering with the food)
- a vase of flowers is always the perfect addition
- arrange greenery and/or artificial stems as a table runner
- use low bowls filled with fresh fruit
4Add the Extras
These are some additional ways you can really enhance your table:
- use cloth napkins and napkin rings
- set out place cards
- serve drinks on cocktail napkins
- buy unique salt and pepper shakers
- offer party favors
I always look forward to setting the table and it is often one of the first things I think about when planning a party! What special tips do you have for setting the table? Please share in the comments!
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