Do you want to know how to set a table for guests, or just your family? It’s simple! Read on.
The ladies in our family know how to entertain, probably because we grew up around lots of Italian food and big meals with all the family. Every Saturday as a kid my family would have Italian coldcuts with our extended family – aunts, cousins … whoever could come. My grandmother would buy the coldcuts from an Italian deli – lots of capicola, mortadella, salami, ham, sharp provolone – all sliced super thin, and the BEST rustic Italian bread you could buy. She would have roasted red peppers, olives, and the typical antipasto ingredients to go with it. These were wonderful childhood memories.
Food was very important to our family. We would eat a meal and then talk about what we were having for the next meal. The kind of food was important, but I was also taught the beauty of what we were eating and how to present it.
I was taught very young how to set a proper table. When we ate meals, any meal really, we were expected to set the table. This is something I did with my children as we were raising them. When our kids had chores, one of them was to set the table. They each rotated that chore so they all learned how to do it properly.
Setting the table does not have to be complicated, like preparing for a 5 course meal. It’s something that used to be taught in etiquette classes, but once you learn it’s easy to remember – and you can impress all your friends. I’ll show you 2 ways to set a table – the everyday dinner way, and the dinner party way. One just has a few more parts. 🙂
When you are setting the table for everyday dinner, here is what a place setting should look like:
You’ll need a plate, napkin, whatever flatware is necessary for the meal, and a glass for drinking. The fork goes on the left with the napkin (I like to fold in half), the knife (blade facing the plate) and large spoon (which is used for soup) go on the right. The glass goes over the knife. Simple. This is what you can teach your kids (or your husband).
If you are having a dinner party and want to do things a little more fancy (but not over the top fancy), your place setting can look like this:
I added a charger plate (it really is only a decorative plate to add a pretty layer – something bigger than your regular plate), a salad fork (the smaller one, which doubles as a dessert fork), a wine glass, and a pretty linen napkin (which I didn’t even iron – I know, a bit lazy). Same setup as before, just a few additions. You can see it dresses it up a bit.
If you are having soup and/or salad, add a salad plate, and a soup bowl and the appropriate flatware like this:
Your table does not need to look like Pinterest, or an amazing Instagram post. Just simple white dishware (mine is from HomeGoods), matching flatware (mine is from HomeGoods), and clear glasses (again, HomeGoods). You do not need to spend much money to have pretty everyday kitchenware. I do suggest you get heavy, well made flatware. Here’s a great article explaining the differences and how to choose quality flatware. You can get a set for around $65 from HomeGoods. The glasses are around $1 each ($6/set of 6).
Since I like to entertain, I have at least 10 of everything because I like it to match. With the prices you find at HomeGoods, it’s affordable (that is where I also bought the napkins).
I have this simple centerpiece on my table at all times, or until the food comes out. I like to serve food family style so big platters and serving bowls take up most of the space in the center once we sit down to eat. My style is casual and informal, but do what you like! The purpose is gathering with those you love and sharing a meal.
So, the next time you entertain friends, or just have dinner with the family, consider starting the meal off by having a well made table. It kind of has the same feel as getting into a well made bed (see why here). You create an experience that is special, no matter who is sitting at the table … and everyone wants to feel special.
If you want a quick video tutorial, check this out!
- Chairs from Target
- Table from Greenfront (Farmville, VA)
- Centerpiece from Katrina & Co. (Lynchburg, VA)