How to Set a Table for a Dinner Party

Now that you have your own place and have actually invested in a dining table and chairs, it is the perfect time to host a dinner party. If your friends are used to you serving them pizza on paper plates, you can impress them by putting a little time and thought into the table setting. Here are some easy ideas that will help you create a beautiful table and make your guests feel a little more special.

Dinner Party Checklist

Here are some basics that you will need to set your table:

• Tablecloth
• Placemats
• Dinnerware set
• Wine glasses
• Cloth dinner napkins
• Glassware set
• Cutlery set

Table Setting Basics

Setting a table for a dinner party comes with some basic rules for placement and etiquette. After you have put down the tablecloth and placemats, the dinner plate should go in the center of each placemat. A smaller salad plate goes on top of the dinner plate. The napkin sits on the left of the plate and the dinner fork should be placed on the napkin. The salad fork should sit to the left of the dinner fork.

On the right side of the plate, the cutlery order from left to right should go dinner knife, salad knife, soup spoon. Essentially, the idea is to put the cutlery you will be using first on the outside so that guests work their way in as they go through the various courses. The water glass should sit above the knives and the wine glass belongs on the bottom right hand of the water glass.

Decorating Your Table Setting

You can get really creative with how you decorate your dining table for your dinner party. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:

1. Decorate according to the season. Take advantage of seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers, and colors and incorporate them into your setting. For example, you can add small pumpkins and gourds during the fall and use a red, orange, or yellow table cloth that highlights the changing colors of the foliage.
2. Unify the table with color. Not everything has to match exactly, but you want to use complementary colors to bring everything together and create a look that is pleasing to the eye. Also, don’t be afraid to mix different patterns and textures of fabrics. If you go for more bold color choices you can tone things down a bit by adding a white backdrop.
3. Add flowers and herbs. Bring some of the outdoors in and bring some more color and texture to the table with fresh flowers and herbs. Just remember to avoid tall vases so that you aren’t blocking guests' view of one another.
4. Use unscented candles. Candles are a great way to add ambiance and help set the mood. Just be sure to stay away from scented candles, especially if you already have flowers and herbs on the table. You don't want to overwhelm your guests with smells.

Throwing a dinner party doesn’t have to create stress or require a lot of work. A proper table setting and a few decorations can go a long way. If you are still looking for that perfect dining set or you need additional decorating tips, visit bandbox for more ideas.