There is nothing more inviting when sitting down to eat than seeing a properly set table. Whether you are enjoying a simple meal with family, celebrating a special holiday or throwing a formal dinner party you can create the perfect look by learning how to set a table. Setting a table can be as simple or as creative as you like. And don’t be intimidated by all those different forks, knives and other utensils. We’ve broken it all down into plain English and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions!

Basic Table Setting

Life keeps us busy, but when we finally do sit down to eat together, there is nothing nicer than a perfect dinner setting. No matter how fancy or simple your tableware and silverware is, there is a basic table setting that anyone can learn.

Your dinner plate is the center of your table setting. On the left-hand side of your plate you will place this silverware in the following order going from left to right:

• Salad fork
• Dinner fork
• Dessert fork

On the right-hand side of your plate, you will place this silverware in the following order going from left to right:

• Knife
• Small Spoon
• Soup Spoon

Just above your dinner plate on the left side, you should place your bread plate. Just above the dinner plate on the right side, you should place in this order, going from left to right:

• Coffee cup
• Water glass
• Wine glass
• Liqueur glass

Napkin placement depends on personal preference. Typically, if you are using a fancier, cloth napkin it should be placed on top of the main plate. Otherwise, any type of napkin you use can be placed on the side plate or underneath the knife and spoon.

Formal Table Setting

There are some slight changes that can be made when setting a table for a formal dinner. A formal table setting should always include a cloth tablecloth. Color is up to you but white is standard.

Keep in mind that when you are setting a formal table setting, the settings should be equally apart from one another. You don’t want to have two settings quite close to each other and then the next setting several inches away.

Set the dinner plates in place and put a folded linen napkin in the center of each plate. In a formal table setting, the silverware should be silver or silver-plated. To the right of the dinner plate should be three knives, with the blades facing the plate. These are used for the salad, the first course and then the main course.

Soup or melon spoons should be placed to the right of the knives. Dessert spoons should be placed at the top of the dinner plate, horizontally. If you are going to be using a dessert fork, that will not be part of the setting; instead, it will come with the dessert when it is served.On the left side of the dinner plate you will again place three forks: one for the salad, the next for the first course and the third for the main course.

Above the knives you should set your glasses, starting with a water glass and then to the right of that, a glass for wine or champagne.

Holiday Table Setting

Setting a table for the holidays is about more than just the proper placement of the tableware and silverware. You want to add a little flair to your table setting by decorating it with seasonal centerpieces, candles and linens.

Although you want to create a festive look for your holiday table, you also don’t want it to look too cluttered.

The first thing you want to think about is the table linen. If you want a more elegant look to your table setting, then choose a white or off-white tablecloth. Elegant tablecloths don’t have a lot of details or designs.

You may also like to choose brighter, bolder colors that coordinate with the particular holiday you are celebrating. For instance, if you are celebrating Thanksgiving you might choose brown and gold colors. For Christmas you might go with a deep red or evergreen color tablecloth.No matter what type of tablecloth you choose, it’s important that your cloth napkins match. If you have selected to use a patterned tablecloth, you could choose one particular color from that pattern that stands out and match the napkins to that. You can also add color to your table by sticking with a simple colored tablecloth but then use a brighter colored table runner. It will stand out and serve as a nice centerpiece to your entire table.

Festive Centerpieces

Centerpieces are a great way to add personality to your table for 10 and to set the scene for a memorable meal with family and friends. Mini Christmas trees, floral baskets, garland, candles, pinecones, glass bowls, vases and cornucopia are among the festive centerpieces you can use to liven up your dining space.

You can really use your imagination and get creative with centerpieces, adding accents that are suited to the “theme” of the dinner party; a floral arrangement with birds of paradise for a classy tropical luau, a vase of fragrant dried herbs (including lavender) for a rustic Tuscan family meal or a glass bowl filled with Mardi Gras beads in green, purple and gold for a Cajun feast.

Another low-cost but cute table decorating idea is to have sprinkled around the table settings things like confetti, glitter, ribbon, colorful pebbles, or lace. These little touches can really make a big difference.Easy Steps for Festive Table Settings

Nothing makes your tableware stand out more than using decorative charger plates. These are also known as chop plates, service plates or under-plates. Their purpose is to do nothing more than decorate your table setting.

Decorative charger plates can come in bright, bold colors or they can be decorated with patterns. They are not used to place food on. They are larger decorative plates that your dinner plate sits on top of. This provides a nice touch to your table setting.

Decorative plates can be made from various materials, which make for creative table settings. They can be made of your standard china, or metal or wood. They really are a fun way to decorate and liven up a table setting.

Nothing can detract from your beautiful table setting more than folding metal chairs. If you are hosting a larger group of people, you may find it necessary to use them. If so, consider investing in chair covers. These add a beautiful overall look to your holiday table setting.

Learning how to set a table is easy. It makes time spent at the table much more inviting and aesthetically pleasing. Using creativity and your own personal touch, you can assemble a beautiful table setting for 10 and show your guests just how happy you are to have them join you at the table.