Dining Table Setting Ideas

Who says your dinner table has to be Emily Post correct when you entertain? She may be the last word in table-setting etiquette, but you might want a look that's more creative. Instead of fretting about what goes where, set your table in a way that surprises and charms your guests. It will add to your dinner experience and won't take that much time. Does this Spark an idea?

All Stacked Up

For a clean, contemporary look, stack the dinnerware at each place setting. Take all of the dining essentials for every guest, including the charger, dinner plate, bread plate and salad bowl, and center each on the larger. Top your stack with a wrapped silverware bundle. Set your table well before guests arrive so they can see your neat display as soon as they arrive. They can unstack and arrange their place settings when they sit down. This way of arranging your table is particularly useful if you are setting your table well before your party, because it looks neat and tidy.

Mix and Match

It's not necessary -- and sometimes even desirable -- to set a table in matching dinnerware. Consider mixing and matching. This approach works well if you're a collector of a particular kind of dinnerware, such as Fiesta ware. Choose three or so bright colors for a birthday party or two colors drawn from your party palette for a shower or similar event.

Setting a mix and match table also works well if you're just starting out and don't have more than four or so place settings. Go to Goodwill or a thrift store and pick pieces that catch your eye. You can find simple plates for $1 or so and china teacups for less than $5. Choose pieces that complement what you already have. Set out everything in a way that pleases you for your dinner party.

Picture-Perfect Napkins

Make cloth napkins your focal point. Select a fold that reflects the style of your meal. For example, if you are hosting an elegant formal event, fold your napkins to resemble graceful birds. If you are serving a more casual and contemporary party, make folded pockets in your napkins to hold flatware. Place your napkins in the centers of your plates to ensure that eyes are immediately drawn to your creative folds.

Setting-Side Candles

Create some relaxing mood lighting by placing a candle beside each setting instead of a few candles in the center of the table. Put small candles in votive holders, and for an added touch put the guest's name on the candle holder next to his plate. That way the votives can serve as place cards. They can also serve as favors if you tell your guests to take them home at the end of the evening.