Ideas for a Table Setting

Tell guests at a glance the type of dinner affair you plan just by a look at your table. You can set the tone of your meal by the table setting alone as you choose the color and texture of the items. Placement of the items rarely varies, as there is a basic table setting. The design will vary tremendously based on the plates, goblets, silverware and linens you choose. Decide on the air of formality for your table and pick the pieces accordingly. Does this Spark an idea?

Basics

Basic table settings require all dinner glasses be put on the table. Water glasses go to the right of the plate with wine glasses to their right in order of use. Plate chargers, a decorative large plate used as an accent, and the bread plate are the only plates set out on the table. Silverware is placed in the order it will be used, with the first utensil on the outside and the last utensil on the inside by the plate. Dessert glasses and plates come with the dessert.

Casual Elegance

Combine soft white china with glass and silver for a casual elegant look for your table. White linens line the table with matching napkins covered with silverware. Textured white china items sit on the table, such as a bowls for a fruit centerpiece, a candy dish with mints and a bowl with sugar. Layer two china plates one above the other. You can choose one with a lattice edge. Clear goblets hold wine and water while a small white painted plant container acts as a place card holder.

Seasonal

Bring the bright, warm colors of autumn into your table setting. Place a large red table runner in the center of the table to highlight the centerpiece and candle scape. Tiny silver urns contain berries and the multicolored changing leaves of fall, while white taper candles sit in silver containers down the length of the table. Bright mustard yellow plates cradle inside silver chargers set on a plain wooden table. Red cloth napkins peek out between the plates as silverware is set to both sides.

Asian Fusion

Fuse Asian with Arabic design on your table setting. African print napkins become your table mat as black plates etched with a gold rim rest above. Although a fork is set to one side, a pair of chopsticks rests on a chopstick holder above the plate. Moroccan tea glasses substitute for water and wine goblets and give the table an exotic feel. You also can use a kumquat tree centerpiece in the table. Add a couple of festive votive candles to complete the table setting design.