Table Setting for Formal Dinners

A formal dinner party is an elegant way to celebrate. Plans are made in advance for the guest list and include the menu, and the wines or beverages to be served. Another important addition to the ambiance of the evening is the table setting. Formal dinners require formal table settings to complete the theme. The table creates a mood, and setting a formal table can be a most rewarding task for the host or hostess. Does this Spark an idea?

Start at the Bottom

Setting a table begins with the table covering. If you have an attractive tabletop, using elegant runners placed across the table exposes the beauty of the table while providing place mats for every plate. A long runner down the spine of the table is a base for floral arrangements, candles and food. A white-on-white, or silver-on-silver textured tablecloth is also elegant. Be sure all hanging sides are even.

Dinner Service

A china dinner service is always elegant. If that is not possible, purchasing interestingly shaped white plates will create a formal mood for your table. Supplement the dinner plates with either silver or gold side plates and chargers. Black adds a daring contrast to the white, and creates its own elegant presentation. If you already have dinner service, you can mix two or more patterns to create an interesting table. A bread plate is on the left, adjacent to or above the silverware. Salt and pepper shakers, if individual, are placed above the bread plate.

Silverware

Sterling silver is the height of elegance and a formal dinner party is a good excuse to polish and use it. If that is not possible, use what you have and be sure each table setting is complete with the same pattern. Set a salad and dinner fork on the left, knife and teaspoon on the right, and a larger spoon on the table parallel to the top of the plate. This will be for dessert. A fish fork may be added to the setting on the left and a soup spoon is placed next to the teaspoon on the right.

Crystal

A most interesting table is set with a variety of crystal glasses. Antique glasses, modern glasses and colored crystal will all blend nicely and create diversity. Guests may enjoy selecting their own wine glasses from your cabinet. The water glass goes directly above the tip of the knife used in the table setting, and the wine glass is adjacent, over the spoon.

Adding Color

The fun part of setting a formal table is decorating it. Fresh leaves or flower petals from your garden make wonderfully colorful table decorations. A string of small vases running down the seam of the table with differently colored flowers is exciting. Place individual vases of colorful flowers adjacent to every place setting. Candles, both large and small, including votives, add an intimate feeling to the setting.

Place Cards

Formal dining often calls for deciding where each guest will sit and marking those places. Name cards creatively displayed with napkin rings are attractive. Miniature silver picture frames with each guest's photo is fun. A large maple leaf with a name attractively written is colorful and different.