8 Tips for Setting a Table or a Formal Dinner

Hosting a formal dinner can be intimidating especially if it’s your first time! There are certainly many elements that need proper planning and thought. Therefore, we’re here to curate some tips to ease your planning and to make the process seamless for you.

Start with matching table linens

A white linen tablecloth may not be essential for a formal dinner and you can’t go wrong without one. The elegance of a placemat and matching napkins sets the stage for your meal. The simplest of foods will look elegant and create a lasting look when you have matching linens.

Place the dinner plates

The first item to place on top of your placemat is the dinner plate. Position it right in the middle of each placemat and stack along the other plates, e.g. appetizer plate and soup bowl to create an elegant look.

Top it with napkins

Fold the napkins elegantly and use napkin rings if you like. Place them in the middle of the plate setting. You can also top it with a menu or also a name card.

Use coasters

We always place an importance to coasters especially to your solid wood tables! Coasters help keep the condensation from drinks from leaving water marks or even wine stains behind.

Place utensils in order

Forks go on the left and the knives and spoons go on the right. Always position the knife with the cutting blade pointing toward the plate. If you plan to serve desserts, place your dessert spoon or fork above the plate.

Finish with glasses

You may choose to put the wine glasses on the table in advance or wait until you are ready to serve the wine. You should first also place your water glass to the right of the plate toward the center of the table. Wine glasses should be placed next to the water glass.

Create the centerpiece

A formal dinner calls for an elegant centerpiece. You may use candles, fresh cut leaves or flowers, or any other decoration that enhance the table without distracting the meal. The top of a centerpiece for any dinner party should always be eye level so guests can see everyone else at the table.

Add party favors

Party favors can look nice on top of a plate or in between the tables. You can cluster the favors in a decorative arrangement in place of a centerpiece.