Regardless of whether you’re prepping for a festive gathering for a larger group or for a cozy dinner party with family a few select pals, one thing is for sure: An elegant tablescape, set with thought and care, is key to your occasion’s success.
From the dishes and serveware, to the centerpiece, to the special personal touches, we here at KKH know that a memorable dinner soiree is about oh-so-much more than the food.
Shop Glassware
Regardless of what hosting looks like in these unprecedented times, my team of experts in interior design, hosting, styling, and all things home are thrilled to offer our short-and-sweet cheat sheet to setting a chic and evocative table for whatever you’re celebrating.
Click to shop!
Shop the Look
Tablescape Tip #1: Setting You Table for a Casual or Formal Occasion
First things first: Are you hosting a formal or a casual gathering? The answer will change the course of your tablescape set-up! We’ll level with you: Between work, my kids, and trying my best to keep my home in order, most days I don’t have time for “proper” etiquette–so I’m right there with you if you’re not sure what a charger is (pro tip: it’s a larger plate that goes under the other plates in a formal setting to keep them warm).
But when you’re putting so much effort into the food and festivities, you should want to display your food proudly. And it’ll definitely impress your guests. So below is an easy refresher to help you set your table properly for any type of party.
Shop Dinnerware
For casual table settings:
Place the plate right in the middle with the forks to the left and the knife and spoon to the right. Glassware goes on the upper right at about “1 o’clock.” The napkin is set under your forks.
For formal settings:
Use the casual setting described above as your guide. The plates–a salad still go in the middle, but the charger lies under the entree plate which lies under the appetizer plate so that each plate can be cleared as you finish each course. A bread plate is traditionally added to formal settings with the bread knife and fork placed on top of plate, sometimes wrapped neatly in cloth. The flatware is placed similarly to a casual setting, but any utensils meant for dessert go above the plate. Formal settings typically includes lots of glassware. Red and wine glasses are both placed at the upper right with water and/or champagne above that to the left.
We’ve put together a handy guide to both casual and formal place settings below (go ahead, we know you want to save it to your camera roll):
Click to shop!
Shop the Look
Tablescape Tip #2: Choose a Beautiful Centerpiece
Nothing adds that pop of pizzaz to a beautifully set table quite like an eye-catching centerpiece. This could mean seasonal florals, statement-making vases or bowls, or even a well-chosen sculpture. One thing to keep in mind when it comes to centerpieces is to not let them get too high or too big–your centerpiece should be a mood-setter rather than an obstacle to work around.
Shop Napkin Rings
Click to shop!
Shop the Look
Tablescape Tip #3: Make it Personal
Once the table runner is laid flat, the dishes set, and the centerpiece flowers arranged just so, the final element of creating the perfect tablescape is to put your own special finishing flourish on it. On fantastic way to do that is to craft handwritten placecards. This will add a more dressed up feel to a more casual setting and in turn will make a more formal layout feel a tad bit more relaxed. To take your placecards up to a more formal level, you can even invest in getting them done with professional calligraphy.
This small personal touch is sure to mean so much to your guests. Each person in attendance will know that you thought about them being there (and not to mention, they look adorable)!
You can also add personal touches by way of luxurious linens, chic centerpieces, and dazzling napkin rings. These items are great ways to put your own spin on a table setting and show your individual aesthetic off to your guests (and items like candles and cocktail napkins also make lovely hostess gifts if you’re ever wondering what to give!).
Shop Centerpieces
