Putting It All Together

The Casual Setting

An informal setting has only a few pieces, and everything that’s needed throughout the meal should be laid out at once. It’s good for family-style spreads and dinners that don’t require resetting during service. As a general rule for any occasion (casual or formal), plates and flatware should be placed about ½ inch apart, with the bottoms lined up about an inch from the edge of the table, and each person should be given about 24 inches of table space to avoid feeling squished.

1|DINNER PLATE

2|NAPKIN

3|DINNER FORK

4|DINNER KNIFE

5|SOUP SPOON

6|WATER GLASS

7|WINEGLASS

Napkin rings are a quick way to keep linens neat and pulled together.

The Formal Setting

A formal table setting requires a more hands-on approach to service. Oftentimes, there are many pieces on the table to start, and plates and flatware need to be cleared between courses. Settings for no more than three courses should be laid out at a time—and forks, knives, and spoons are always placed in order of use, from the outside in.

 1|DINNER PLATE

 2|SALAD PLATE

 3|BREAD-AND-BUTTER PLATE

 4|BREAD KNIFE

 5|SALAD FORK

 6|DINNER FORK

 7|DINNER KNIFE

 8|SOUP SPOON

 9|DESSERT SPOON

10|WHITE WINE GLASS

11|WATER GLASS

12|RED WINE GLASS

13|NAPKIN

14|PLACE CARD

Plates are served to the left of guests and cleared from the right. All plates, serving dishes, and condiments should be removed from the table before dessert is served.

Mixing & Matching

This is where table setting gets playful. Generally, white dinner plates are the most versatile and put the spotlight on the food. Dessert plates are a good place to experiment with pattern—a piece of chocolate cake will look good on just about anything. White or neutral serving pieces lighten up the table. Colorful ones make more of a statement.

USING COLOR

When picking palettes, consider the colors in the room where you eat. Complementary colors (ones on opposite sides of the color wheel) always work well together, and don’t forget to think about scale—balance intricate designs and saturated solids with something more neutral.

COLLECTING ANTIQUES

Treasures can be found at estate sales, thrift shops, and in your grandma’s attic. Look for serving pieces, silverware, cut or colored glass, and pretty plates and platters. Always check antique pieces carefully (both tops and bottoms) before you buy, watching out for chips, hairlines, and cracks.

If you’re buying a dessert and a salad set, choose different patterns so you have more options (they’re almost the same size and can be used interchangeably).

PATTERNS & PRINTS

If you stick with a cohesive palette, it’s easier to mix patterns. Pick solid plates that pull from a color in something printed.

INCORPORATING HEIRLOOMS

For an eclectic look, mix antique silver together. Or pair vintage dessert plates with newer dinnerware.

TONAL TEXTURE

All-white doesn’t have to be boring. Patterns in relief and simple borders add depth and dimension.

Napkin Folding

There are endless ways to present napkins at the table, from intricate designs to casual folds. We’ve included a couple of our favorites here.

It's polite to place your napkin on your chair if you need to get up during a meal.

THE DIAMOND FOLD

1| Lay the napkin face down in front of you. Fold it in half from top to bottom, and then again from left to right. You should have a smaller square with the open end facing toward you.

2| Fold back the top layer so that its bottom right corner touches the upper left-hand corner of the napkin.

3| Fold back the second layer just as you did the first, but stop slightly short of the last fold to create an even, staggered effect. Repeat until you have folded back all of the remaining layers.

4| Rotate the napkin clockwise until the point of the triangle shape is at the top. Flip the napkin over. Fold both bottom corners toward the top center point, overlapping them a little so that you end up with a five-sided diamond shape. Carefully turn the napkin over and flatten or iron it. Place the napkin on the plate.

THE SINGLE POCKET FOLD

If you have herbs left over from cooking, use them to decorate the table.

1| Lay the napkin facedown in front of you. Fold the napkin in half from the bottom to the top to form a rectangle with the open end facing away from you.

2| Fold the top layer halfway back. Flip the napkin over.

3| Fold the napkin in half from the right to the left, and then in half again from right to left.

4| Carefully flip the napkin over. Tie a bit of twine into a bow around the bottom half of the napkin. Tuck in a sprig of rosemary or another herb or flower as an embellishment. Insert a menu card and place the napkin on the plate.

Finishing Touches

Whatever decorations you choose, remember that they shouldn’t distract from the food or conversation.

CANDLES

Lots of little votives can have a magical effect. A single candelabra is classic.

FLOWERS & GARLANDS

Keep arrangements low enough that they don’t block guests from talking across the table. If you have a large centerpiece, remove it just before the guests take their seats.

NATURAL INGREDIENTS

Anything pretty and fresh that’s used to make a meal can also be used to garnish a place setting.

A tip for picking flowers: choose something that’s in season and complements a color from your dishes or linens.