- Measure your table. Use a tape measure to determine the length and width of your table (or the diameter if you have a round table), as well as the ...
- Decide on the drop of your tablecloth. This is how far you want the linen to fall from the edge of your table.
- Determine the size of your tablecloth. To make sure you have the right size tablecloth, use the measurements of your table, then multiply the desired drop by 2 and ...
- Choose a tablecloth and placemats for an informal dinner. A family setting doesn’t require as elaborate a selection of table linens, but a few touches can make the whole ...
- Go all the way for weddings or formal parties. When hosting a special occasion, you should include a tablecloth, linen napkins, placemats, table runners, and possibly even chair covers.
- Select napkin sizes based on your event. Dinner napkins are traditionally 24 inches (61 cm), lunch napkins are 14 to 16 inches (36 to 41 cm), and cocktail napkins ...
Full Answer
How do I choose the best table linens?
They may be used for formal occasions, to elevate a holiday display, or to protect a table during everyday use, and they can be made from different fabrics and are available in a variety of sizes and colors. Choose table linens that match the décor of your house or that coordinate with the event you are celebrating.
How far should linen fall from the edge of a table?
This is how far you want the linen to fall from the edge of your table. For casual dining, the recommended drop is about 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 cm), while 15 to 18 inches (38 to 46 cm) is appropriate for a formal occasion.
How do you set a table?
Setting a table is not as difficult as it seems. The basic rule is: Utensils are placed in the order of use; that is, from the outside in. A second rule, with only a few exceptions, is: Forks go to the left of the plate, and knives and spoons go to the right. And finally, only set the table with utensils you will use.
Where do you put napkins on a table setting?
Napkins can be placed under the forks or on the plate for an informal setting. Simply start with a Basic Setting and add to it with these items: If a salad is to be served, the salad fork is placed to the left of the dinner fork.
How do you place table linens?
Make sure the four corners of the tablecloth are of equal distance from the floor on each side of the table and that the centrefold (facing up) is exactly in the middle of the table. The right-side / correct side of the tablecloth should be always up and centred on the table.
What are the basic rules for laying the table linens?
Basic Table Setting InstructionsLay the placemat on the table.Put the dinner plate in the middle of the placemat.Lay the napkin to the left of the plate.Place the fork on the napkin.To the right of the plate, place the knife closest to the plate, blade pointing in.More items...•
How do you set a tablecloth for a table?
How to Set a TableCover the table with a tablecloth or placemat (tablecloth is preferred).Set a charger at each seat. ... Place the bread plate to the left of the charger. ... Place a cloth napkin to the right of charger.On the left of the charger, place the salad fork and dinner fork, from left to right.More items...•
Should tablecloths touch the floor?
Traditionally, a half drop is acceptable for casual occasions. This means that the tablecloth will hang halfway to the floor. However, even though a half drop saves money, your tablecloth should touch the floor on formal occasions. This is because a full drop will cover the legs of your tables, chairs, and guests.
What are the 5 basic table set up?
5 Classic Table Settings Every Host Should KnowBasic Table Setting.Informal Table Setting.Formal Table Setting.Five-Course Table Setting.Buffet Table Setting.
What are the 5 basic types of table setup?
What are the restaurant table setting types?Formal Table Setting. This type of table setting is the preferred choice for weddings, fine-dine restaurants, and corporate parties, etc. ... Casual Table Setting. ... Buffet Table Setting. ... Breakfast Table Setting. ... Pizzeria Table Setting.
Is it proper to use placemats on top of a tablecloth?
Place your dinnerware settings directly on the tablecloth. However, there is no set rule here, and some people use placemats on top of the cloth. If this is the case, use cloth mats with a cloth tablecloth. Place delicately patterned placemats on solid-color tablecloths, and solid mats on patterned tablecloths.
What is the correct overhang for a tablecloth?
For casual events, tablecloths should have a 6- to 8-inch drop from the edge of the table to the bottom of the tablecloth. For more formal events, the best choice is a tablecloth that has a 15-inch drop from the edge of the table to the bottom of the tablecloth.
Is it okay to put placemats on top of a tablecloth?
It is acceptable to have placemats on top of a tablecloth, provided there is enough physical and visual space for guests. Continue reading to learn how to create a delightful table using placemats and tablecloths and make dining more exciting.
How far down should a tablecloth hang?
6 to 10 inchesA tablecloth that hangs 6 to 10 inches over the edge of your table is ideal for casual dining, while a tablecloth that hangs 30 inches over the edge of your table, brushing the floor, is ideal for formal occasions.
What size tablecloth fits a 6ft table to the floor?
Standard tablecloth linen sizes for rectangular tables: 6 foot rectangular banquet table: 52 x 114 tablecloth (standard drop), and 90 x 132 tablecloth (full drop)
How long should a tablecloth be to touch the floor?
For casual dining events, the typical tablecloth drop length ranges between 8″ to 15″ from the edge of the table. For formal events, it is customary to have a drop length of either 15″ or touching the floor.
How to set a table?
Basic Table Setting Instructions. Lay the placemat on the table. Put the dinner plate in the middle of the placemat. Lay the napkin to the left of the plate. Place the fork on the napkin. To the right of the plate, place the knife closest to the plate, blade pointing in. Place the spoon to the right of the knife.
What do you need to set a table?
For casual events, one needs just a basic table setting: a placemat, cutlery (fork, knife, and spoon), a dinner plate, a water glass, and a napkin.
How to set a charger on a clock?
Set a charger at each seat. In the center of the charger, place a soup bowl. Place the bread plate to the top left of the charger (between 10 and 11 p.m. on a clock face). Lay a napkin to the left of the charger. On the left of the charger, place the salad fork on the outside, and the dinner fork on the inside.
What is the basic table setting?
Essentially, the basic table setting, above, and the casual table setting are nearly identical, but in a casual table setting, there is the addition of a soup bowl and a dinner plate. As a general rule, only set out the glassware, tableware, and flatware that you're going to be using.
Where to place a napkin on a salad plate?
Lay a napkin to the left of the charger. To the left of the plate, place the fork on the napkin. On the right of the plate, place the knife closest to the plate and then the spoon. Directly above the knife, place the water glass.
Where to place salt and pepper shakers?
If using individual salt and pepper shakers for each guest, place them at the top of the placemat. Otherwise, place them near the center of the table, or, if using a long, rectangular table, place them in the middle of each end.
Can you put a napkin on top of a plate?
If you prefer, it is acceptable to set the napkin on top of the plate in a basic table setting , though some think this can create a more formal feeling.
What is setting the table?
Setting the table is often a hurried, last-minute task that can leave you wondering about the correct placement of the flatware, plates, napkins and glassware. Don’t add stress to your dinner plans, and keep the focus on the food, your family and friends, with these super easy table setting ideas. Be sure to check out these impressive (and affordable!) recipes.
How to set a dinner plate?
The dinner plate is positioned in the center of the place setting and everything else is placed around it. Then, the flatware is arranged around the plate in the order in which it will be used: 1 To the left of the plate is the fork. 2 To the right of the plate is the knife and spoon. The knife is placed to the right of the plate with the sharp edge toward the plate. To the right of the knife is the spoon. 3 A water glass goes above the knife.
How to warm up stacked dinner plates?
If your dinner plates are oven-safe, set the oven to the lowest possible temperature and place the stacked plates in the oven to warm while enjoying salad and bread. If your dishes are not oven-safe, rinse them under hot water and dry just before filling.
How tall should a centerpiece be for a dinner table?
When selecting a centerpiece for the table, make sure it isn’t too tall (10 to 12 inches is an acceptable maximum height), otherwise guests won’t be able to see each other across the table. Serve appetizers and beverages in the living room before sitting down. You’ll have one less course to bring to the table.
Where to place salad fork in a dinner?
Simply start with a Basic Setting and add to it with these items: If a salad is to be served, the salad fork is placed to the left of the dinner fork. Eliminate the salad fork if no salad is served or place it to the right of the dinner fork to use as a dessert fork if appropriate.
Where are the wine glasses on a coffee table?
White and red wine glasses (if necessary) along with the water glasses are positioned to the left of the coffee cup. The beverage, soup and/or dessert spoons are to the right of the knife or can be brought to the table when soup or dessert is served. To dress it up more, place a charger under the dinner plate.
Where is the dinner plate placed?
The dinner plate is positioned in the center of the place setting and everything else is placed around it . Then, the flatware is arranged around the plate in the order in which it will be used: To the left of the plate is the fork. To the right of the plate is the knife and spoon.
Where is the spoon placed on a napkin?
1) All utensils are placed on the napkin: The napkin is placed to the left of the setting with the fork, knife (blade facing the fork) and spoon placed in that order on top of the napkin. 2) The napkin to the left with the fork resting on top of it.
Where should utensils be placed?
The first and basic rule to get you started is: Utensils are placed in the order of use; from the outside in. A second rule, with only a few exceptions, is: Forks go to the left of the plate, and knives and spoons go to the right. (The oyster fork is the only fork placed to the right of the setting if it will be used.)
Is setting a table difficult?
Setting a table is not as difficult as it seems. However, the more formal it gets the more confusion can easily come into play. Many of us can navigate a table setting fairly easily.
What is a scrub for linens?
A scrub is essential for linens and prepares them for a gorgeous and lengthy life. It is encouraged for the terry towels. A traditional machine wash and twist that was speedy is encouraged.
Is a folding table good for a backup table?
A folding table may also be good as a backup table, particularly for people who have a lot of lengthy families. Plastic folding tables comprise of durable materials that aren’t in any way harmful.
How to set a charger on a table?
Set a charger on the tablecloth at each place setting. On top of the charger, place a dinner plate, and then either a salad or soup bowl on top of each dinner plate.
Where should the forks be placed on a formal table?
In general, the forks should be placed in order of use to the left of the dinner plate, and the knives and spoons should be placed to the right of the dinner plate.
Where should stemware be placed?
The stemware should be placed above the spoons in order of use. First placed should be the water glass, then the red wine glass, white wine glass and then your champagne flute. Based on space it is perfectly acceptable to place your glassware in a triangle pattern above the spoons.
Basic Table-Setting Etiquette Tips
No matter how you set your table, these basic rules will help you figure it out.
How to Set a Casual Table for Dinner with Friends
You’ll need: A napkin; a fork, knife, and spoon; a dinner plate; a water glass; and a wine glass (if serving). If you’re serving a salad before dinner, you may want to add a salad fork as well.
How to Set a Table for a Seated Dinner Party with Multiple Courses
You’ll need: Everything from the last set up, plus a mug and teaspoon (if you’ll be serving coffee and/or tea); a bread plate with a butter knife; and a bowl (if you’re serving a soup course).
How to Set a Formal Table for a Seated Dinner Party
You’ll need: Everything from the last set up, plus a charger, or service plate; a salad plate or first course plate; a fish fork, oyster fork, and fish knife if seafood will be served; multiple wine glasses if you’ll be serving multiple wines.
How to Make a Sit-Down Dinner Special
In addition to using a casual, semi-formal or formal place settings, there are some other tricks you can use to make any sit-down dinner feel special. Candles can help create a cozy, convivial atmosphere.
Before You Set a Table, Get the Right Tools Together
For the absolute best-looking table possible, you want to start with the best building blocks. Here’s everything you need to set the perfect table, explained—from dinnerware to flatware, wine glasses to water glasses, table linens to napkins, and everything else in between.
