Table setting is not an art during the week. Tablecloth, plates, cutlery, and away we go. On the weekends, and on special occasions, it’s a different story. Then I jingle all the way.
Table setting – the basics
In the photo: Cottona tablecloth and table pad.
A table protector is the best basis for your table. It protects against heat, moisture, blows and scratches. It also gives a nice, luxurious feeling because it is soft. Another advantage: the tablecloth lays well, and you dampen the sound of plates and cutlery.
Table setting – tablecloth
In the photo: Cottona Linen collection
The mood setting for your table: the colour, the material… For a table in cool settings, you choose blue and grey; for warm autumn days and holidays, red and brown. Choose satin or damask if you really want to go for it. Whatever tablecloth you choose: an overhang of 20 to 30 cm on all sides looks the nicest. Big table? Oval table? Or are you putting a big table together (multiple tables, one cloth), for Christmas for example? Then choose a custom tablecloth, available in any fabric.
Table setting – dishes
In the photo: Classics Theme from IIttala and Edme from Wedgwood
I am always a touch uncertain about the place for the bread plate, egg cups, saucers and little things. How is it supposed to go, anyway? Start with a bottom plate; that looks beautifully arranged. The plate stands a finger width from the edge of the table, with 50 to 60 cm of space between guests (which avoids elbow fights while cutting). The bread plate is on the left, with the edge equal to the bottom plate.
Table setting – cutlery and glasses
In the photo: Cutlery Tvis Broste Copenhagen and Hermitage Robbe & Berking
Of course you choose beautiful cutlery and glasses in your own style. On this point of table setting, too, there is the question of how it supposed to go. Every course gets its own cutlery. What you use first (cold appetizer) is on the outside. The bottom edge of all cutlery lies in one line with the bottom plate. You place the second fork a bit higher. The glasses are on the right, above the cutlery. Directly above the knife for the main course is the largest wine glass; above the knife for the appetizer is the small glass. A water glass stands in a triangle behind the wine glasses or diagonally to the right of the small wine glass.
Table setting – flowers
Photos: Pinterest
Festive moments require flowers on the table. That can be minimalistic, for example with a single flower or branch in a glass vase, or more elaborate, for example with a centrepiece. The flower decoration above this table is a beautiful way to set the mood without filling up the table. More inspiration for green on the table: Pinterest table styling