7 Essentials to Setting a Table (2024)

Setting a table should be an expression of your personal style. But even the most creative stylists need structure to achieve the best results. After deciding on the time, place and guest list, consider the following steps to setting the perfect table.

1. Set a Theme

It's important to set the theme for your event, no matter how large or small the gathering. Whether you're hosting a co*cktail party, barbecue or intimate luncheon, setting a theme will energize and captivate your guests. Create a consistent look from start to finish.

• Coordinate the look across the invitations, decorations and menu. Here, a citrus theme dominates, with all details following suit.

• Choose a theme that represents your interest. Garden motif, nautical look, tropical themes are always a hit. Still need inspiration? Look at the items in your closet; it will help you come up with a table setting that mirrors your style.

2. Be Organized

Being organized is the key to holding a successful gathering. You're less stressed on the day of the event, which helps to create an inviting, carefree atmosphere.

• Before any dinner party, clean your dinnerware to remove any staining or damage you may have previously overlooked. This is also a great way to inventory your china and see if any cracked or chipped piece needs to be replaced.

• Make a list of tableware and decorative items you'll need to buy, such as serveware, linens, candles and flowers.

3. Select Dinnerware

First off, use what you have—with a bit of digging and creativity, your perfect setting is in there somewhere.

• If none of your patterns seem to fit the bill, select your simplest and build from there. Whiteware is the perfect staple since you can dress it up or down.

• Or if simple doesn't seem special enough--mix things up. Combine a variety of complementary—but not matching—dishes, cups and platters with the same motif, such as florals or stripes, for a fun, stylish table. Decorative charger plates are great for displaying assorted cheeses and sweets. Use your six-inch bread-and-butter dish for small finger foods. Unique, colorful cups can be used to serve a variety of treats, including pudding, soft chocolate desserts and ice cream. Mix together unusual containers in metal and exotic woods to showcase breads and crackers.

4. Select Glassware

Experiment with your drinkware and don't let classification limit the use—many glasses have multiple uses. Also, don't feel you must work with one style or color of glassware.

• Most glassware can do double duty. For example, sherry glasses are perfect for sweet wines, and martini glasses make great serving pieces for small appetizers like shrimp.

• Combine vintage glassware with new pieces for a striking display. Many new pieces have decorative accents like glass lemons or seashells—perfect for a patio party.

• Collect and display champagne glasses in various shapes and colors, choosing those that enhance your seasonal theme.

5. Select Flatware

Sometimes it's easy to overlook flatware. But don't since it adds another stylish element to your summer table. Think of dressing up your flatware with a variety of adornments or buy some unique or vintage pieces to mix in with your set.

• Add flatware with bold designs or vivid colors to your table for a decorative touch

• Dainty ribbons, twine and metal accents can be used to embellish flatware, creating a charming, summery look.

6. Select Linens

Always have fine linens on hand for sit-down dinners since they add a level of sophistication to even the smallest gathering.

• Pay attention to how they feel; they stay with your guests throughout the entire meal. Avoid stiff fabrics and choose materials with a soft or more luxurious nap.

• Choose placemats and napkins that pick up the colors of your glassware and dinnerware.

• Textured elements like embroidery add interest.

7. Finishing Touches

Plates, glasses and flatware are a given, but it's the accents that really make your table setting memorable and express your personal style.

• Floral arrangements in low glass containers, partnered with small fruits like oranges or lemons, add a summery vibe. You can also fill simple glass jars with shells or stones collected on your summer vacations.

• Special items used as favors or place cards (seashells, garden herbs or flowers, seasonal candies like saltwater taffy, etc.) will distinguish your table and delight your guests. Herbs like rosemary can be wrapped in twine and arranged at each place setting. Attach recipe cards with summer salads to encourage your guests to try something new.

• Add glass votives to illuminate a tabletop—it's an inexpensive way to create warmth and ambiance.

For more great tabletop tips and products visit Christina Norsig's site, etabletop.com