5 Best Table Settings

Whether you’re throwing a sophisticated dinner party, a children’s birthday bash or an afternoon tea with friends, it can often be a daunting task to try and find the right table setting for your occasion. Style, placement, functionality and colour schemes all play a role in creating a perfectly laid and decorated table area that will impress your guests and give your dining experience a definite ‘wow’ factor. Here are the 5 best styles of table setting that can be easily achieved with a few simple steps:

Traditional

A traditional table setting should include classic period style crockery and glassware that will create a refined and sophisticated look around the table. Firstly select a table cloth or runner in simple crisp white satin with gold, silver or royal blue embroidery in elegant yet eye catching patterns and designs. Then select complimentary crockery items made from bone china in classic patterns such as blue and white Wedgewood designs or simple fluted edged plates with margins of gold leaf that are refined and feminine. Decorative silverware should be used such as Georgian and Victorian styles of cutlery and serving spoons and any sauce pots, gravy boats and serving trays should also be made from silver with ornate details and designs. For a traditional finishing touch then add a selection of wine and aperitif glasses in cut crystal and gold gilded accents and complete with a white rose floral arrangement in the centre of the table.

Contemporary

Contemporary table settings can vary in design and style but ultimately fall into two rather different categories; Hollywood glamour and vibrant modern.  For a super glamorous and flamboyant table setting that is perfect for an adult birthday party or Anniversary then select a sleek gold or plain black table cloth and decorate with glossy black and gold crockery and serving bowls with glittering or shimmering finishes. Select cutlery in gold plated finishes and add wine glasses, tumblers and flutes crafted from sleek black glass or clear glass with gold rimmed edges. The centrepiece can include a water bowl with floating candles or a modern twig style arrangement with black plumes, feathers and gold beaded strands. For a more fresh and funky look that is perfect for new year’s parties or a general get together, select a plain cotton white table cloth with bold and vibrant coloured crockery in reds, blues, lime and orange and place alongside sleek white serving bowls and trays. Cutlery and serving spoons should feature bold coloured plastic handles or crisp white for a more minimal look. Wine glasses and tumblers should be made from coloured glass in red, blue or green and can be mixed and matched for a more fun and modern look.  Finish the centre of the table with a funky neon coloured candelabra for a fresh take on traditional dining.

Eastern

An Eastern style of table setting has become vastly popular for grand wedding receptions, summer parties and events due to its balance of bold colours and beautiful elegance. This look is not for the faint hearted but will give a stunning finish that is striking and luxurious. Firstly select a highly decorative table cloth with metallic fabrics and embroidery, choose bold colours such as purple, teal blue and orange for a real burst of colour. Next select plates in glittering gold finishes with eastern style motifs and decorative edging and partner them with matching bowls for dips, snacks and sauces. Your cutlery choice should also be gold plated and can be simple or ornate in design depending on your tastes. Glassware can be simple plain glass, richly coloured glass in purple ‘ombre’ style designs or gold leaf decorative finishes for added visual detail. As a centrepiece to your table add some tall, clear vases with elegant orchid stems or large lily flowers or create an arrangement of gold filigree lanterns in varying sizes and styles.

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea has made a huge comeback in popularity the past few years and making a table setting that is perfect for the ‘ladies that lunch’ is often a rather daunting task. The key to a successful afternoon tea is creating a traditional and feminine space to enjoy a lovely slice of cake and a cuppa. Firstly choose a plain white, pale blue or baby pink tablecloth and then layer this with an ornate lace tablecloth that will add delicate detail and texture to the table area. Then select an arrangement of plates, milk jugs, tea cups and saucers in pastel coloured floral designs that will look pretty and dainty against the neutral backdrop. Classic silver cutlery and cake slicers with decorative designs should be arranged alongside plain white and silver serving platters and sugar bowls. Any glassware should be traditional cut crystal and the centrepiece of the table should of course be your cake and sandwich tower with at least three tiers and decorated with floral, polka dot or heart print designs. And finally don’t forget your doilies!

Children’s Party

We cannot forget the importance of creating the perfect birthday setting for our children and this can be done with the most inexpensive ideas that are simple to make and can be crafted alongside your children for added fun (and mess!). Once you have selected the theme of your child’s birthday party then arrange your table design around this idea and most importantly make sure that it is fun and occupying for your child and their friends. Try out fun ideas such as pirates, princesses, wizards, circus and dinosaurs and then get to work with your ideas. First and foremost ensure that all of the plates, cups and bowls are all plastic or paper (there is nothing worse than a plate smash at a children’s birthday) and you can pick up themed items in your local party store for a co-ordinating look and design. Next ensure that they have everything they need to keep them happy; design some quizzes that they can hand in at the end of the party, fill a large jar with sweets for a ‘guess the number’ game and provide lots of jars of pencils and crayons with themed colouring sheets that will keep them busy. Create party favours with their favourite sweets and make small painted cardboard treasure chests of party food for pirates, pink and girly plates with wands for girls or dinosaur foot print trays that can be made from collaged or painted cardboard.

For more inspiration on creating the perfect table setting for your event then take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Table Settings