An elegantly set table takes planning and the right accessories.
Special occasions call for an elegant table. Whether it's for the holidays, a birthday or just because, setting an elegant dinner table does much to set the tone of the meal. A decorative table takes a little planning, but if done right, can be stunning. Besides starting with the best china and linens, elegant tables also feature a theme. When these elements work together, they create dinnertime magic. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Set a theme for the table. This will help you select the type of dishes, table cloth and decorative accessories like candles, types of silverware and napkins.
2. Select a table cloth that complements the occasion. For example, if it's a holiday for which you're decorating, a red and green cloth with Christmas packages sets the tone for the holiday.
3. Add a table runner to the top of the cloth. It protects the table cloth and provides a focal point for the table. It also looks elegant, and many formal tables feature both a table cloth and table runner.
4. Create a centerpiece. Select accessories that support your theme. For example, if you're setting a fall-themed table, choose items like taper candles of orange, yellow and brown. Flank them with squash, mini pumpkins and fall fruits like crisp red apples or pears. Wrap a ring of fall-colored silk leaves around the arrangement.
5. Choose napkins that match the table runner. Often you can find table runners and napkins that match. Set the napkins in the places beside where you'll set down the plates.
6. Lay down the placemats. You can choose to match the table runner and napkins or you can look for a complementary color for the mats. This will function like a frame does a picture; the beautiful plate will stand out on a mat of a contrasting color.
7. Set the plates. Start out with a larger plate, which you'll place by the napkins you've set down. Place a salad plate on that and then an appetizer plate on top of the two plates. Add a decorative element to the plate by adding an element from the centerpiece to the plate. For example, place a golden pear that has a decorative name card attached to it with a fancy toothpick (see Resources for pictures).
8. Place the bread plate at 10 o'clock above the dinner plate. Add a butter knife across the plate and a few pats of butter.
9. Put the silverware down. The forks go on the left with the salad fork on the outside, dinner fork in the middle and dessert fork on the inside next to the plate. The knife and soup spoon go on the right-hand side of the plate with the spoon on the outside on the right with the knife on the inside on top of the napkin. The blade of the knife faces toward the plate.
10. Position a coffee cup and saucer at about two o'clock right above the knife. If there will be wine or other drinks, place the proper glasses above the knife and spoon in the order they will be used.
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