Whether you're setting the table for a formal dinner event or a casual family meal, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration. Table settings can range from simple and easy to elaborate and complicated. Putting together the right setting will help set the tone for any meal. Understanding the different types of table settings and what each entails is the first step in putting together a beautiful and well-planned meal. Does this Spark an idea?
Types
There are two main types of table settings: formal and informal. A formal table setting is usually set for a meal that will have many courses and a variety of wines. For a formal meal, each place setting will need the appropriate number of plates and cutlery. You may have wait staff changing out courses, so the initial setting will only need the appropriate dinnerware for the first course.
When planning for this type of event, make sure that all of the additional tableware for successive courses is present and accounted for before the meal. For an informal meal, you will need significantly less dinnerware. A very casual meal may only require a single plate, spoon, knife and fork. A larger informal meal will probably require a dinner plate, salad plate and butter plate. Separate dinner and salad forks are optional.
Function
Your next concern when putting together your table setting is defining the needs of the meal. You may need serving dishes on the table or buffet. Consider the appropriate number of plates and bowls for the meal, as well as all necessary silverware. Lastly, you will need to consider beverages. At the bare minimum, each guest should have a water goblet or glass. If you are serving wine, include the appropriate wine glasses for your selection. For an informal meal, you may also want to place the water or drink pitcher on the table or buffet. If you are serving coffee, you can include the appropriate cups and saucers for this as well. The ultimate goal of any table setting is that it be functional for the meal.
Features
Once you have planned for the appropriate dinnerware for each guest, give attention to the more decorative aspects of a table setting. First to consider is the table covering. For a more formal event, use a tablecloth. This can be in any color or design. Select something in keeping with the theme of the meal; the most formal selection is simply white. To add a touch of color, consider using place mats on top of the tablecloth to add a decorative touch to the table setting. For a very casual meal, you may choose to simply use place mats alone. For young children, select plastic or other easily cleaned table coverings. Next are your centerpieces. These should be very low. You may use flowers, but avoid tall vases as they will obstruct the view across the table. Low-laying candles or dishes of floating candles and flowers are ideal selections.
Size
The size of your party will play a big role in the type of table setting you'll need to arrange. As a general rule, each person should have about 25 to 30 inches of space for their place setting. The place setting is generally set up about 1 inch from the edge of the table. You may give your guests more room if it's available, but try to avoid crowding. Obviously, children will need less space for their place settings. If you have a smaller table, forgo elaborate centerpieces and simply pace a few small candles along the table. If you are setting serving dishes on the table, you may not have room for centerpieces at all. Allow the food to be the center of the guests' attention.
Considerations
Arrange the finishing touches. One simple way to add creativity to a table setting is with napkins. Cloth napkins can be folded into a variety of shapes. If you aren't up to folding the napkins, put your creativity to use with the napkin rings. You can use traditional napkin rings, or dress things up by using beaded bracelets, twine or other unique designs. You may also want to include place cards in your table setting. These can be simple pieces of folded paper, or more elaborate cards with festive holders. There are place card holders available for nearly every theme. For an informal meal, you can probably forgo the place cards, and for a very casual place setting you can even use paper napkins.
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