A Place for Everything: Beautiful Ways to Style Your Table Settings
Polish your silver and pull out your best china as we look at how tables were laid traditionally, and how they shine now...
From as early as medieval times, we have been coming together around a table to eat, drink and be merry. As our culture has evolved so, too, has the art of setting the table in preparation for entertaining. In the times of kings, queens and knights, dining was a sign of social status – where you sat in relation to the salt cellar on the table indicated your social standing, and you brought your own spoons and knives to dinner. There were no plates, or forks – you had hands as far as your hosts were concerned – so you would sit, feast and leave the debris to be cleaned. Hosts did provide napkins, though, so you could clean yourself up before heading home. That’s important.
It wasn’t until the 17th century that the fork arrived at the dinner table, after much objection. It appears our fingers were just too convenient for the world of feasting. However, with the fork came a more refined choice of table linen and a plethora of napkin-folding instructions. By the 18th century silversmith’s were specialising in more attractive and delicate table ware and every wealthy nobleman and royal was stocking their sideboards with the finest in the land. As a result, manners improved, invitations were prized and a more elaborate setting of the table was born.
Nowadays, we tend to adopt a style of table setting that suits us, and the occasion. We can decide to serve our dishes Jamie Oliver-style on giant wooden boards in the middle of the table and have everyone dig in, or we can serve each course individually, in succession. We can barbecue or cook in front of our guests, or we can serve up food in designated stations. Either way, our table settings have adapted to accommodate our changing lifestyle and, in turn, add an element of mystery to a dinner invitation. So get creative, pull out the silver and the designer ceramics, roll out the napery and experiment with what works for you.
It wasn’t until the 17th century that the fork arrived at the dinner table, after much objection. It appears our fingers were just too convenient for the world of feasting. However, with the fork came a more refined choice of table linen and a plethora of napkin-folding instructions. By the 18th century silversmith’s were specialising in more attractive and delicate table ware and every wealthy nobleman and royal was stocking their sideboards with the finest in the land. As a result, manners improved, invitations were prized and a more elaborate setting of the table was born.
Nowadays, we tend to adopt a style of table setting that suits us, and the occasion. We can decide to serve our dishes Jamie Oliver-style on giant wooden boards in the middle of the table and have everyone dig in, or we can serve each course individually, in succession. We can barbecue or cook in front of our guests, or we can serve up food in designated stations. Either way, our table settings have adapted to accommodate our changing lifestyle and, in turn, add an element of mystery to a dinner invitation. So get creative, pull out the silver and the designer ceramics, roll out the napery and experiment with what works for you.
THE TRADITIONAL LAYOUT
The knife
Before the 18th century when forks became popular within the upper classes, knives were used by guests to stab into their food to hold up for eating. The implement was also kept to the left of the guest – it wasn’t until the fork emerged it found its way to the right, and it’s remained this way ever since (unless you’re left handed).
Knife blades are always placed with the blade towards the plate. In formal dining situations, a separate salad and dinner knife may be laid out, but it’s common for just the one knife to be used through the courses. The knife, however, should be removed before dessert is served.
The knife
Before the 18th century when forks became popular within the upper classes, knives were used by guests to stab into their food to hold up for eating. The implement was also kept to the left of the guest – it wasn’t until the fork emerged it found its way to the right, and it’s remained this way ever since (unless you’re left handed).
Knife blades are always placed with the blade towards the plate. In formal dining situations, a separate salad and dinner knife may be laid out, but it’s common for just the one knife to be used through the courses. The knife, however, should be removed before dessert is served.
The fork
In a formal setting, always follow the rule of working from the outside in. The fork needed for each course should start at the outer on the left and work towards the plate. More commonly, we tend to use two to three forks in a formal sit-down meal, but back in the early 19th century there used to be in excess of four for each guest. It could take waiters up to 20 minutes to set the place settings for a dinner.
For dessert, the fork is laid on the left and the spoon (or dessert knife) is laid on the right. You can choose to have this laid out from the beginning, or bring it out with the dessert course.
In a formal setting, always follow the rule of working from the outside in. The fork needed for each course should start at the outer on the left and work towards the plate. More commonly, we tend to use two to three forks in a formal sit-down meal, but back in the early 19th century there used to be in excess of four for each guest. It could take waiters up to 20 minutes to set the place settings for a dinner.
For dessert, the fork is laid on the left and the spoon (or dessert knife) is laid on the right. You can choose to have this laid out from the beginning, or bring it out with the dessert course.
The spoon
Traditionally, spoons are always kept to the right of the place setting, and right of the knife. If soup is being served first, it will be the most outer implement. If a tea/coffee spoon, or dessert spoon, is needed, this will lay to the left of the soup spoon, and to the right of the knife.
Nowadays, for aesthetic reasons, we tend to lay our cutlery out according to size, like this place setting above. There’s no hard and fast rule, but for a traditional setting, it’s always based on outside in for the courses being served.
Traditionally, spoons are always kept to the right of the place setting, and right of the knife. If soup is being served first, it will be the most outer implement. If a tea/coffee spoon, or dessert spoon, is needed, this will lay to the left of the soup spoon, and to the right of the knife.
Nowadays, for aesthetic reasons, we tend to lay our cutlery out according to size, like this place setting above. There’s no hard and fast rule, but for a traditional setting, it’s always based on outside in for the courses being served.
HOW TO CREATE MODERN TABLE SETTINGS
Shine the silver
Creating a formal setting at dinner can be a wonderful time to bring out the family silver. You can also get creative and place all the vintage pieces together to create an individual set for your guests (you don’t have to always stick to tradition).
BONUS TIP: An easy way to get your silver clean is to pop some foil in a baking tray, then fill with water and a teaspoon of baking soda. Soak the silver pieces for 10 minutes, wash under warm water and, once air dried, just buff them with a clean cloth.
Shine the silver
Creating a formal setting at dinner can be a wonderful time to bring out the family silver. You can also get creative and place all the vintage pieces together to create an individual set for your guests (you don’t have to always stick to tradition).
BONUS TIP: An easy way to get your silver clean is to pop some foil in a baking tray, then fill with water and a teaspoon of baking soda. Soak the silver pieces for 10 minutes, wash under warm water and, once air dried, just buff them with a clean cloth.
Place settings on placemats
For wooden tables especially, placemats not only add to the design of your place setting, they also protect your table surface. Use the mat as a designated area to lay out your plates and cutlery and have fun with mixing patterns with colours. It can really enliven the table, and not every place setting has to be the same. Try buying two different sets and alternating for each place.
For wooden tables especially, placemats not only add to the design of your place setting, they also protect your table surface. Use the mat as a designated area to lay out your plates and cutlery and have fun with mixing patterns with colours. It can really enliven the table, and not every place setting has to be the same. Try buying two different sets and alternating for each place.
Let the cutlery take centrestage
Presenting the plates and cutlery in the centre of the dining table instantly creates a warm, family-orientated environment. People can chat as they pass the plates around and can reach over and help serve those around them, which gives a lot of warmth to the dining experience. Table decorations can be kept minimal, with the focus being on the table ware and food being served, like a gorgeous family roast for dinner or Mum’s favourite minestrone for lunch.
Presenting the plates and cutlery in the centre of the dining table instantly creates a warm, family-orientated environment. People can chat as they pass the plates around and can reach over and help serve those around them, which gives a lot of warmth to the dining experience. Table decorations can be kept minimal, with the focus being on the table ware and food being served, like a gorgeous family roast for dinner or Mum’s favourite minestrone for lunch.
Get creative with cutlery
For a more relaxed approach, you can look at bundling your cutlery and napery for each guest and placing the set upon each plate.
Keeping the colour palette neutral, you can create a very classic and chic aesthetic. Look at using texture, such as raffia or hessian to tie together your cutlery and napkins. By limiting the cutlery needed and the number of plates, your guests will immediately realise it’s a more casual affair.
For a more relaxed approach, you can look at bundling your cutlery and napery for each guest and placing the set upon each plate.
Keeping the colour palette neutral, you can create a very classic and chic aesthetic. Look at using texture, such as raffia or hessian to tie together your cutlery and napkins. By limiting the cutlery needed and the number of plates, your guests will immediately realise it’s a more casual affair.
Celebrate with little gifts or favours
Depending on the event, it might be a nice gesture to place little gifts or favours on each of your guest’s place settings. They can be very small items, such as homemade jam, a vintage teaspoon, a bag of homemade biscotti or a potted succulent cutting from the garden.
It’s a beautiful way to decorate the table and your guests will feel incredibly welcomed into your home.
Depending on the event, it might be a nice gesture to place little gifts or favours on each of your guest’s place settings. They can be very small items, such as homemade jam, a vintage teaspoon, a bag of homemade biscotti or a potted succulent cutting from the garden.
It’s a beautiful way to decorate the table and your guests will feel incredibly welcomed into your home.
Enjoy tray service
A fun and alternate way to dress up your place setting is to play on the tray service idea. Each individual place setting can be designed on a tray, and can either be left at the table awaiting your guests, or brought to your guests as they are taking a seat. Cutlery can be placed either within the tray, to create a set, or on the outside, making the tray operate more like a placemat. It makes for fun conversation, and a very easy clean up!
A fun and alternate way to dress up your place setting is to play on the tray service idea. Each individual place setting can be designed on a tray, and can either be left at the table awaiting your guests, or brought to your guests as they are taking a seat. Cutlery can be placed either within the tray, to create a set, or on the outside, making the tray operate more like a placemat. It makes for fun conversation, and a very easy clean up!
Incorporate vintage and designer plates
When we entertain, we love to bring out our favourite dinner set and cutlery but, for many of us, storing an everyday and formal dining set is nearly impossible. If this is the case, why not look at adding designer or patterned pieces to your everyday plates? Simply by adding a patterned entree plate, you can create a whole new dining set for a special occasion. This can work in reverse, too, with a patterned charger plate beneath your everyday dinner plate.
When we entertain, we love to bring out our favourite dinner set and cutlery but, for many of us, storing an everyday and formal dining set is nearly impossible. If this is the case, why not look at adding designer or patterned pieces to your everyday plates? Simply by adding a patterned entree plate, you can create a whole new dining set for a special occasion. This can work in reverse, too, with a patterned charger plate beneath your everyday dinner plate.
Accommodate a drinks menu
Glasses, for any type of drink being served during the meal are typically placed at the top right of the dinner plate, above the knife and spoons. It’s traditional to have at least a water glass and a range of other glasses – either wine, champagne, or a highball for iced tea – depending on what you’re serving.
Choose glassware that’s appropriate for the event, but you can also have fun with colour and size. Try using stemless wine glasses, mason jars or goblets, like these, as water glasses. Stemless champagne flutes are a sturdy all-rounder, too, for outdoor events.
TELL US
What’s been the most creative table you’ve set for guests? Share your experiences in the comments section.
MORE ON DINING
Table Mates: Choosing the Right Dining Chairs
Striking Dining Table Settings to Impress Guests
12 Casual Dining Options for Your Home
12 Ways Perfect Illumination Can Make a Dining Room Light Up
Glasses, for any type of drink being served during the meal are typically placed at the top right of the dinner plate, above the knife and spoons. It’s traditional to have at least a water glass and a range of other glasses – either wine, champagne, or a highball for iced tea – depending on what you’re serving.
Choose glassware that’s appropriate for the event, but you can also have fun with colour and size. Try using stemless wine glasses, mason jars or goblets, like these, as water glasses. Stemless champagne flutes are a sturdy all-rounder, too, for outdoor events.
TELL US
What’s been the most creative table you’ve set for guests? Share your experiences in the comments section.
MORE ON DINING
Table Mates: Choosing the Right Dining Chairs
Striking Dining Table Settings to Impress Guests
12 Casual Dining Options for Your Home
12 Ways Perfect Illumination Can Make a Dining Room Light Up
We can thank the Russians back in the 19th century for the use of place cards and place settings. Service à la russe has stayed with us throughout the centuries and involves the host laying out all the needed plates, cutlery and glassware each guest will need during the meal. Courses are brought out in succession and guests work from top plate down and, for their cutlery, outside in.
Women and men were alternated around the dinner table, which is something we still see a lot of today at formal events.