Table Settings
Part I - General Essentials
Go to:-
Part II - Formal Place Settings |
Part III - Informal Place
Settings | Part
IV - Buffet Table Settings |
Napkin Folding
Jump to:
Table Cloths & Place Mats
|
Napkins |
Flatware |
Glasses
|
China |
Condiment Sets
Although most of us keep everyday dining at home informal,
there are occasions when you may wish to give a special
dinner party at home or when you be faced with a formal
table setting at a function comprising of an array of
cutlery and glasses which could leave you perplexed as to
where to start.
This series of articles tells you everything you need to
know about table settings including general advice on
tableware, informal and formal place settings,
buffets, dining etiquette and ideas as to how to lay
and decorate your table at home on special occasions.
This page deals with the essentials needed for a well
presented table.
The choice as to which you use will depend on the type of
table you have and the type of meal you will be serving. If
you have a beautiful table top of wood or glass, then you
may prefer to show it off by using place mats rather than a
full table cloth however make sure the mats are thick
enough to protect the table top from hot items.
If you decide to use a tablecloth, it should be large enough
to overhang the top by at least 15cm/6 inches on all sides
of the table. Although white tablecloths are
traditional for formal meals, plain-coloured or lace cloths
can be used to great effect, especially if you have matching
napkins. Patterned cloths are best kept for informal dining
and even then, care should be taken when choosing to ensure
the pattern isn't so fussy as to make the table look
cluttered once it has been set with tableware.
For extra protection place mats can be used in conjunction
with tablecloths, especially for the central part of the
table where very hot serving dishes may be placed.
When having a dinner party, cloth napkins are traditionally
used. Choose napkins which match your table cloth or are a
complimentary colour to your table cloth or decor.
Paper serviettes should preferably only be used for very
informal dining although for larger buffet parties good
quality paper serviettes are fine especially where the
number of guests may make the use of cloth napkins
expensive, not to mention the additional laundry time.
Flatware is just another name for cutlery. There are
many different types of knives, forks, spoons and specialist
cutlery which is discussed more fully in Part II of this
series. For informal dining, it isn't always necessary
to have matching cutlery however, if you are giving a dinner
party, your various knives, forks and spoons should be of
the same design with the exception specialist utensils if
you are using them. The type of cutlery you use is discussed
more fully on the formal and informal place setting pages.
As with cutlery, on special occasion or formal dinners, your glasses should
preferably match each other with the exception of water, liqueur or Brandy
glasses. The type of glasses you use is discussed more fully on the formal and
informal place setting pages.
China or crockery encompasses items such as soup bowls, dinner plates, and side
plates. As with cutlery and glasses, on special occasion or formal
dinners, all your china should match. The only exceptions would be
specialist serving dishes such as scallop shells, although even these are
usually placed on a small plate. The type of china you use is discussed more
fully on the formal and informal place setting pages.
Whilst it has become fashionable (and acceptable) to have salt and pepper
grinders on the table, do avoid the very large ones on formal occasions. Small
salt and pepper shakers are traditional. | 
