Tablescaping 101: How To Set Your Table For A Dinner Party

The art of tablescaping is a refined practice that blends form and function to create memorable moments and beautiful table settings with impact. Whether you’re new to the hosting game or are an experienced entertainer looking to take your tablescaping to the next level, this article will cover the basics of setting the perfect table and how to set the table for a dinner party that your guests will love!

The Basics Of Place Settings

Before diving straight into the aesthetics of your table setting, the first thing to understand are place settings. These will form the foundation of your tablescape, so it’s important to get the basics right!

The term “place setting” refers to the dinnerware, silverware, and glassware for one person at a table. The extent of this can differ in size based on the event style and structure. For example, a formal dinner place setting will be more extravagant and detailed than a casual dinner place setting which is on the simplistic side.

This section will explain exactly how to set the perfect place settings based on the dinner event you are hosting. From formal dinner parties to casual dinner parties, we’ll help you create the perfect place setting for your next dinner soiree.

Formal Dinner Party Place Settings

Ideal for refined occasions and elegant affairs, a formal dinner party is sophisticated and stylish, pulling out all the stops for crockery, utensils, and glassware.

When a guest takes their seat at a formal dinner party, the setting should be set with a base plate, a salad plate stacked on top of it, and a napkin neatly folded on top of both plates. To the left-hand side, one small fork (entree fork) and one large fork (main course fork) should sit with the small fork placed closest to the stacked plates. On the right-hand side, one small knife (entree knife) and one large knife (main course knife) should sit with the small knife on the inside. For an additional soup course, the soup spoon would sit on the far right-hand side next to the main course knife.

In the top left-hand corner, a bread plate should sit with a butter knife laid across it. Whilst in the top right-hand corner the water glass and wine glasses will be placed next to each other. Directly above the plate setting, the dessert fork and spoon should sit horizontally at the top of the place setting, in a yin-yang style arrangement.

Typically for formal dinners, once the entree is served, the guests will use the entree fork and knife to eat the first course and this will be cleared afterwards. Once the main meal has been served, the main course plates and cutlery will also be cleared, and each place setting will be re-set with a dessert plate or bowl as well as a teacup and saucer to complement.

Casual Dinner Party Place Settings

Perfect for more relaxed gatherings, the casual dinner party is effortlessly sleek with a streamlined approach to crockery, utensils, and glassware without sacrificing on style.

For a casual dinner party, the place setting should be set with a base plate and a napkin neatly folded on top of it. The fork will sit on the left-hand side of the base plate whilst the knife will sit on the right-hand side. A glass will be placed on the top right-hand side of the place setting.

If an entree is being served, set an additional knife and fork on either side of the base plate, as well as an entree plate sitting on top of the base plate. This laidback approach to place settings is very popular in Australia, with a luxurious yet lived-in atmosphere that is welcoming and relaxed.

The Basics Of Tableware

Once the place setting has been established, it is time to dive into the details of tableware. The term tableware refers to five main areas: table linen, crockery, utensils and cutlery, glassware, and table decorations. Let’s delve into each below:

Table Linen

Table linen refers to the fabrics used throughout meals such as tablecloths, table runners, placemats, and napkins. Let’s dive into each element that makes up the table linen required for a dinner party:

Tablecloths

Tablecloths are the primary table linen item used to set the look and feel of the tablescape. This is because it is one of the largest table linen pieces in size, so choosing a bold colour can be used to create visual impact. From crisp white tablecloths to a bold colourful tablecloth, this is the first step into creating a stylish tablescape. Typically used in more formal dinner party settings, this is a great investment piece if you’re looking to host and entertain often.

At Pillow Talk, we have a stylish selection of tablecloths sure to fit the theme of your next dinner party! From classic colours to seasonal shades and on-trend patterns find the perfect piece for your hosting needs.

Table Runners

Another type of table linen is a table runner. This is a rectangular piece of fabric that lays lengthways down the centre of the table. Ideal for casual dinner parties instead of a tablecloth or layered with a tablecloth for formal occasions, the table runner is a foundational piece of table linen that can instantly add visual flair to your tablescape. Plus, it’s easy to switch out with the seasons and doesn’t take up much space in your linen closet!

From statement table runners to textured table runners, Pillow Talk has a wide selection of options to suit every occasion.

Placemats

Another table linen staple is placemats which are smaller rectangular pieces of fabric that are placed in front of each seat at the dinner table. Functionally used to protect the tablecloth and dining table from spillage, placemats are also used in tablescaping to add colour, design, and visual interest to the look and feel of the table setting.

For casual entertaining, placemats can be used without a tablecloth to provide protection whilst adding a statement style to the tablescape. For formal soirees, placemats should be layered on top of the tablecloth and the crockery should be stacked on top to create a visually stunning tablescape.

Find the perfect placement styles and sizes to suit your table setting at Pillow Talk.

Napkins

The final piece of table linen that is most commonly used is a napkin. This is a square or rectangular piece of fabric used at a meal to clean the fingers and face after eating a meal and protect clothing from spillage. However, visually fabric napkins can also be layered to a tablescape to add to the overall look and feel.

For extravagant affairs, napkins can be layered on top of the centre plate with a napkin ring or stylish folded design. Whilst for casual dining, napkins can be effortlessly folded to one side of the place setting and styled underneath cutlery for a restaurant-style look.

At Pillow Talk, our stylish selection of napkins has on-trend options that are sure to impress any guest and fit the theme of your next dinner party.

Crockery

After the table linen has been laid on the table, it’s time to set the crockery to complete styling the tableware for a dinner party. Crockery is a term that is used to refer to ceramic pieces such as plates, bowls, saucers, cups, serving bowls, salad bowls, and more.

According to the type of dinner party you are hosting, this will influence your crockery choices.  You can mix and match different styles of plates, bowls and serveware to create a unique look. Using the guide on place settings to set your dinner table above, pick out the perfect crockery pieces to bring your table setting to life!

Searching for a new set of crockery? Explore Pillow Talk’s dining collection to find an option that suits your signature sense of style.

Utensils & Cutlery

After setting up the table linen and placing crockery on the table, it’s time to select the utensils and cutlery used to serve meals at your soiree. Utensils and cutlery refer to the serving tools used to host a meal. This includes salad servers, ladles, and tongs, as well as the classic pieces used to indulge in a meal such as knives, forks, and spoons.

Choose cutlery and utensils that complement the theme of your dinner party as well as the tones featured in the table linen and crockery. For casual dinners, a mix and match of crockery and utensils can create a more relaxed and lived-in feel. Whilst at formal dinners all crockery and cutlery should be uniform to create a cohesive look.

Find useful and stylish utensils and cutlery at Pillow Talk to take your table setting to the next level.

Glassware

As the name suggests, glassware refers to the drinking glasses used at a dinner party setting including water glasses, cocktail glasses, wine glasses, and sparkling wine glasses.

A water glass is a classic style of glassware that can be used for casual and formal dinner occasions, it is typically larger in size than other drinkware types and sits in the top right-hand corner of a place setting for casual dinner parties and formal dinner parties.

Cocktail glasses typically have a stem or a short glass that is used to serve an accompanying cocktail at a dinner party. The type of cocktail served will influence the glassware style. For example, a margarita is typically served in a short glass whilst a cosmopolitan has a long stem and shallow cup. This style of glassware can add dimension and depth to your tablescaping to bring the place setting to life!

Wine glasses are drinkware specifically designed for sipping and tasting wine. They feature a long stem, round bowl, and big openings to engage the senses from smell to taste. With different styles for red wine, white wine, and sparkling wine, consider what beverages you will be serving at your dinner party and set the table accordingly.

Tableware Décor

After the table linen, crockery, cutlery, utensils, and glassware have been set, it’s time to add the finishing touches! Table décor is a simple way to make a statement at your dinner party by creating wow-factor with colour, sculptural elements, and lighting to truly bring the tablescape to life.

For rectangular dinner party tables, it is recommended to select a centrepiece that will be the focus of the tablescape. For a grand formal dinner party, the centrepiece could include pillar candles in sculptural candle holders scattered along the centre of the table. Run a garland through the centre of the table and use name tags for each place setting to accompany the centrepiece and tie the look together.

Or for a paired-back approach for a casual dinner party, simple tealight candles and a vase of flowers can tie in tones from table linen to create a lived-in and relaxed atmosphere whilst retaining a sense of refinement with stunning stylistic elements.

The Basics Of How To Set A Table For A Dinner Party

After learning the basics of place settings and the important elements of a tablescape, it’s time to put it all together as we explore how to set the table for a dinner party based on occasion. Our stylists have created simple formulas for you to follow when getting ready to set up for a dinner party so you can easily follow the steps and bring your dream dinner party to life!

How to set a table for a formal dinner party:

Tablecloth: Lay down the tablecloth onto the dinner table

Placemats: Put down each placemat in front of each seat at the table

Table Runner: Down the centre of the table add a colourful or textured table runner

Plates: On top of the placemats add a dinner plate, entree plate, and bread plate

Cutlery: Place a set of entree cutlery, bread knife, and dinner cutlery on the place setting

Glassware: Add the water glass and wine glass to the place setting

Napkin: Place a neatly folded napkin with a napkin ring on top of the plate

Placeholders: Allocate a setting for each guest with a personalised name tag

Centrepiece: Add the focal point and centrepiece to your table

Table Decor: Add a garland or other finishing decorative touches to the table

Lighting: Artfully place pillar candles and soft lighting throughout the table

How to set a table for a casual dinner party:

Table Runner: Down the centre of the table add a colourful or textured table runner

Placemats: Put down each placemat in front of each seat at the table

Plates: On top of the placemats add a dinner plate and an entree plate

Cutlery: Place a set of entree cutlery and dinner cutlery on the place setting

Glassware: Add the water glass and wine glass to the place setting

Napkins: Fold a napkin and place it under the cutlery

Table Decor: Add a vase of flowers or other finishing decorative touches to the table

Lighting: Add fairy lights or pillar candles throughout the table

How to set a table for everyday dinners:

Placemats: Put down each placemat in front of each seat at the table

Plates: On top of the placemats add a dinner plate

Cutlery: Place a set of cutlery on the place setting

Glassware: Add a water glass to the place setting

How to set a table for kid’s dinners:

Placemats: Put down a kids placemat in front of each seat

Plate: On top of the placemat add a kids dinnerware set

Cutlery: Next to the crockery set, add a set of kids cutlery

Stylist Tips & Tricks For Table Setting:

Now you have foundational knowledge on place settings, tablescaping and how to set a table for a dinner party, it’s time to delve into some top tips from our in-house stylists on perfecting your dinner party:

Tip One: Decide on the dinner menu to determine the tablescape theme

By selecting a cuisine or menu before choosing your dinner party setting, you can find a common theme or colour palette that complements. For example, for an Italian dinner party you could choose reds, pinks, and whites as a corresponding colour story that ties into the red of tomato sauces and the pink sunsets. A seafood dinner party could feature blues and yellows inspired by coastal hues and summer.

Tip Two: Choose statement shades to make your table setting POP

As the saying goes, you eat with your eyes first. This is why you should choose statement shades and colours that provide visual interest and stand out from the rest of the space. From the tablecloth to napkins, cocktail glasses and more, find monochromic shades or complementary colours to add depth and dimension. As a guest, this styling tip can help to create WOW-factor and leave your guests impressed before they even sit down for a meal.

Tip Three: Mix and match for a personal feel

There’s no better way to create a lived-in look and feel than mixing and matching. We recommend mixing up different styles and colours of crockery and glassware to create a more relaxed yet refined tablescape.

Tip Four: Do your research before diving into to table setting

For more tips on how to style your table setting, read up on how the best stylists and interior experts set up a table for a dinner party. Our latest blog post on ‘5 Steps To Setting A Stunning Christmas Table’ has some amazing tips for basic table setting, even outside of the festive period!