Hello again and welcome! Today I am going to be sharing some tips on how to set a table two ways: formal and casual. Now you are probably thinking, "really? I know how to set a table!" And I'm sure you do, however, there are some basic rules and etiquette that you may not know, and that you may find interesting. For those times where you want to go all out and impress your guests with a formal dinner, some of these tips may become useful.
It is inevitable that at every dinner party you must set the table. Unless, of course, you like your dinners in front of the TV. I know I do! :)
Setting a table is not a difficult task. There is only one basic rule to remember though; utensils are always placed in the order you are to be using them, from outside in, and forks to the left, knives and spoons to the right. This goes for both casual and formal table settings.
So now let's get to the nitty gritty of table settings.
FORMAL:
This type of table setting is usually reserved for special occasions and holidays. Here is where you get to dress it up with your finest linens, flatware, glassware and dinnerware, to make it extra special.
A formal setting usually requires three sets of dishes: a bread plate, a salad plate, and a dinner plate. A bread knife should be placed directly on the bread plate with the blade facing to the left.
It is said by etiquette experts, that no more than three utensils be set at the table at a time. So what does that mean exactly? If you are serving four courses including fish, for example, you would have a fish fork, salad fork and dinner fork. Your dessert fork would be served with the dessert on the dessert plate. By no means is this written in stone anymore, but I thought it was a fun fact to share. It may just be easier to have all your utensils you are using out on the table, so as not to forget any or to not have to scramble to find them when you need them.
Glassware for a formal setting consists of a water goblet being placed directly above the knife and any other stemware, such as wine glasses, are to the right of that.
Your napkin should be placed on top of a charger, if you are using one, or in the space for the plate. It can also go to the left of the forks or under them if you are lacking table space.
CASUAL:
This is a much more simpler setting than the formal setting. It sets the tone for a more relaxed get-together with friends or family.
Here is where you get to have a bit more fun too. You can add colourful napkins with napkin rings, use placemats instead of tablecloths, or even use colourful or more textural plates.
In this photo below, I used a tea towel as a napkin and added a vintage brass napkin ring to add a bit of rustic charm to my table setting.
1. Fold your napkin to form a square then angle it to have points/corners facing up.
2. Take your top and bottom points and fold them inwards and overlap them.
3. Then turn the napkin so one of the points is facing up; take your bottom point and fold it inwards and up. You can also, if you prefer, tuck the envelope point inside the pocket.
And there you have a simple napkin folding technique to use at your next casual dinner party. You can also find so many other designs on line, some more difficult than others, but all really fun to try.
Think of adding little extras to make your table settings more personal and special for your guests, and elevate your party.
MENU AND PLACE CARDS:
- menu cards can either be added on each place setting or in the center of the table on an easel so guests can easily read it.
- Place cards are set on each guests plate and show your guests where they are sitting; they are also useful if you are having 6 or more guests. It avoids the confusion of where guests are to be seated.
CENTREPIECES:
- floral arrangements in the center of your table add a special touch to your table setting, whether formal or casual
- you can also do individual small arrangements at each person's place setting
FAVORS:
- a small token for each guest to say thank you, is always welcome. It need not be expensive, just something small such as a box of chocolates. And if using individual floral arrangements, as mentioned above, those can be sent home at the end of the night with each guest as a party favor as well.
CHARGERS:
- these are oversized plates that are added under your plates to give an added touch to your setting. They come in all types of colours, patterns and designs, and I love using them for my dinner parties, no matter the occasion. You can see them in the pic below and the holiday pic further above in the post.
- etiquette experts suggest that the chargers be removed when the main course is over, and before dessert is served. Nowadays, unless you are at a wedding or 5 star restaurant, I think it's okay to leave them until the end of the entire meal.
One thing I think is important and a stress saver, is to try and set your table the night before. I know I've said it before, but it is worth repeating. It ensures that you have all the essentials needed and if you don't, if gives you time to add something or take something away.
Another good tip is to take inventory of all your glassware, dinnerware and flatware ahead of time; say one to two weeks before your party. By doing so, you can check to see if any pieces are chipped and need to be replaced, or if you don't have enough items to use, then you can purchase those that are necessary.
So now all you need is an excuse to throw a party! Whether it's a formal celebration, or a casual get together with friends on the weekend, I hope some of these tips will help you feel confident enough to give it a go and set a beautiful table!
Until next time!
~A
PRODUCT INFO:
- paper pockets for cutlery www.partycity.ca
-cloth tea towels www.jysk.ca and floral napkin www.homesense.ca
-milk glass vases www.valuevillage.com
