The holiday season comes around quickly every year and holiday dinners are a great opportunity for families and friends to get together and share a really sumptuous meal. Here are some dining room table setting ideas to make entertaining a breeze.
For some reason, food always tastes better when it is served on high quality plates and eaten with fabulous cutlery. So what type of table should you set?
It’s a good question and if you love to regularly entertain, you’ll no doubt be able to throw a great table together with your eyes closed.
But what if you’re not a decor wiz. In my case, I have recently updated the house from a period interior to a modern interior, so most of my current tableware is more suited to the traditional.
If you are starting from scratch, give some thought to your decorating style. If you do this before rushing out to purchase new things there is far less chance of buying items that you won’t use going forward.
This doesn’t need to be complicated. Just ask yourself:
- Do I like a more traditional style
- Do I usually go for a contemporary look
- Do I prefer a minimalist look
- Or am I more transitional. eg a mix of traditional & modern designs
You’ll usually get a good idea of which style you prefer by simply looking around your living areas.
Here is a list of the items that make up a great looking table and have your guests envious of your style. You can use all of these for special occasions or pair it back for everyday use or more casual dining if you prefer.
It is comforting to have these items on hand if you need them. Especially if you have the storage space.
Dinner Setting or Dishes
The easiest way to make your dishes look elegant is to stick to plain white. This gives you scope to add color without worrying about clashes.
White just works and goes with all styles. It is also very adaptable if you own another setting you like. Adding in an extra plate with some color really gives your table extra visual appeal.
I currently have a set of inexpensive opaque glass dishes which will work beautifully with a more spendy set I have my eyes on. This set has a fabulous blue on white design which will complement it well.
The best reason to choose white as your main setting is because the food looks fantastic on white plates. It will do your food justice and show it to it’s best potential. Isn’t that the goal after spending lots of time in the kitchen?
White plates are easy to find in a number of price ranges and just makes the buying decision a snap.
If white really isn’t your thing, opt for a solid color as your base set instead. You can build out a harmonious color story from there.
Flatware or Cutlery
Now you have the basis of your table setting it’s time to take a look at your cutlery set. If you have been eating with mismatched or missing knives and forks this is a great time for an upgrade.
Your choices are wide these days. Stainless steel, silver or silver plate, mirrored stainless and colored such as pewter, gold or black.
I have owned silver plated cutlery in the past and they look beautiful on the table. Unfortunately, the cleaning can be a nuisance as most aren’t dishwasher safe. This is especially true if it was passed down to you from your mother or grandmother.
I recently purchased a beautiful 56 piece (8 place setting) made of premium 18/10 stainless steel. They have a lovely polished sheen and a sensual curve to the handle. I am really happy with my purchase.
This brings me to another consideration. Cutlery MUST feel great in your hands. It needs to feel comfortable, not too heavy and balanced. Look out for hollow handled knives as that will help with the weight and feel.
Even if you are planning to buy your next set online, I would encourage you to go to a store and experience how they feel in your hand first.
The last consideration is how many place settings do you need. I opted for an 8 place setting as I expect this set to last me many years. I also didn’t want to risk the design being discontinued and not being able to replace or add to the set.
If the setting you like has other matching items such as serving spoons, tongs, or salad servers that is a bonus. Otherwise, the more simple the design means you will be able to find items to complement your setting more easily.
Serveware (platters & salad bowls etc
Serveware is an item you serve the food from. Think salad bowls, platters, soup tureens etc.
Depending on the type of dinner you are hosting you may not have these on the dining table at all. This will be especially so If you have a smaller table.
If they are going on the dining table try to make sure they work with your plates and dishes to keep a cohesive look.
If you are putting serveware on a kitchen bench or in the kitchen itself, you can be more adventurous. Just be sure the items look like they belong together.
Serviettes & Napkins
Adding some beautiful soft linen napkins and cute napkin holders is the next step
Napkins
I really enjoy having lovely fabric napkins on my table. Linen will work with all styles and is very adaptable. I also have cotton mix napkins for more casual meals eg grilling and cookouts.
The main objection to using fabric napkins is the washing and ironing. I understand it’s more work than just using paper napkins. I assure you if you go the extra mile your guests will reward you with compliments.
If you really must use paper, be sure to get large thick high quality paper ones that don’t tear easily and feel expensive.
Napkins Rings
I also like to use napkin rings to hold them in place and make it easier to keep the napkin tidy if people need to leave the table between courses.
Think how it’s done in upmarket restaurants. The waiters come around and tidy the napkins when patrons leave the table. You don’t have to do this of course but if your guests see you doing it they will usually follow suit.
You can purchase napkin rings in all sorts of materials. Anything from silver to bamboo to glass, wood and even bone.
I prefer a silver ring type or a set that has a slightly different motif on the top so your family & friends know which one is theirs. Especially helpful if you have a lot of people around the table!
Whatever style you choose you will be spoilt for choice and items at many price points.
Glasses Wine & Water Glasses
Next items will be your glassware. You will need to consider if you will be serving alcohol for the adults or just water and soft drinks.
Most wine drinkers will have a definite preference for either red or white wine. You can put out both if you have the space. Then simply remove the extra one once everyone is seated and has made their choice.
The choices of wine glasses are wide and varied. I currently have a gorgeous set of stemless red wine glasses that I love. They look good on the table and are less likely to tip over.
Always have water glasses on the table with a couple of water pitchers so guests can help themselves. This is doubly important if you have children seated at the table.
Centerpieces
A beautiful centerpiece is last but definitely not least.
The type you opt for will depend on how much room is left and the size of the table. You do not want this to be too high. Everyone needs to be able to easily see each other so keep that in mind when you choose yours.
At its simplest a striking table runner or a small flower arrangement will be enough. Or you could use some simple tea light candles and some fabulous salt and pepper shakers.
If you are going more formal you may want something more grand such as a candelabra – just remember to not let it block out your guests sight to one another.
If you follow some of these ideas you will have an elegant table setting to be proud of.
If you already have good quality tableware you will no doubt be getting that out for the festivities BUT if you are like a lot of us, you will likely need to add something to make your formal table setting really pop.
Of course, it doesn’t need to be the holidays for you to dress your table with a gorgeous setting. Some people don’t just keep their nice plates and cutlery just for special occasions. Those items are meant to be used.
So why not surprise your family and friends by dressing your table with quality tableware for your next meal together.