Setting The Table For A Dinner Party
5 Tips For Setting The Table For A Dinner Party
Throwing a dinner party can be a stressful experience. So, if you don’t have experience with setting the table for a dinner party, this is a perfect time to learn.
The setting of your table will depend partly on the type kind of dinner party you’re hosting.
Elegant parties with your boss will likely require a different look and decor than more relaxed parties that you host for friends.
Luckily, there are a few elements that work well for any type of dinner party.
So, here are 5 tips that will help you set the perfect table.
Tip #1: Positions Of Eating Utensils
First things first. Regardless of what type of dinner party you’re throwing, the forks (both salad and dinner forks) belong on the left of the dinner plate. The knives and teaspoons (if you’re using them) should be placed to the right of the plate. If you’re merely gathering some friends up, you can probably mix and match the utensils. But, if it’s a more formal affair, make sure the silverware settings match.
Tip #2: Napkins And Menus
Here’s a quick tip that will really set your dinner party table on another level. Place neatly-folded napkins on the dinner plates. Then, place small menus listing the foods that you’re planning to serve your guests. The napkins can be white or a soft color that matches the tablecloth. The menus can be as small as a 5 x 8 index card. Your local copy shop can help you design great-looking colored menus that will dazzle your guests!
Tip #3: Drinks To The Right
You should place all glasses to the right of the plate (approximately in the 2:00 position). This includes normal drinking glasses and wine glasses (if you’re serving wine). Properly setting the table for a dinner party requires that the drinking glass be placed at the tip of the knife and the wine glass behind.
Tip #4: Decor – Spicy Or Subtle
You can make a stylistic statement with well-chosen centerpieces and other arrangements. For example, to encourage a light atmosphere for your party, you can use a few small flower arrangements. For something a bit more formal, you can use roses and elegant long candles. Unless you have some experience and a great sense of style, try to keep the decor at your dinner table simple. Candles are nearly always effective.
Tip #5: Don’t Obstruct The View
Make sure that all of your guests can easily see over the decorations on the table. If a shorter person is attending your dinner party, try to plan your decorations with that in mind. Remember, much of the success of your dinner party will depend on the interaction between your guests. Decorations that block their view may impede that interaction.
Setting the table for a dinner party should not be a difficult chore.
Stick to a few of the helpful tips above and your table setting will likely be a hit. There’s a bit of flexibility in how you choose to decorate your table, but take care not to go overboard. When in doubt, simple is usually best.
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Quick Tip #1 Plan your dinner party carefully. Draw up lists of what you need to get done and put due dates against each task. Some things may need to be done well in advance. |
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Quick Tip #2 Pay attention to your budget. Nothing can spoil your fun more than the feeling you've overspent. Our Dinner Party Cost Calculator may help you. |
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Quick Tip #3
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