Table etiquette

Between formal and informal celebrations, birthdays and dinners, there is no shortage of occasions to host friends and family at home. But what is the best way to set the table on those special occasions? Which tablecloth should you choose? What is the cutlery arrangement? Where should the wine glass be placed? In this article you will find the answers to your questions, as well as many useful hints and tips for setting the table in style.

How to arrange all the elements when setting the table

Setting an elegant table requires attention to detail and knowledge of the basic rules of table etiquette. Here are some tips on how to set the perfect table: 

• Tablecloth and napkins, in linen or fine cotton, must be impeccably ironed and of the same colour, preferably neutral. 

• Forks should be placed to the left of the plate, and knives and spoons to the right, with the knife blade facing the plate. 

• The napkin can be placed either to the right, next to the cutlery, or on the main plate for a more sophisticated touch. 

• The glasses follow the line of the knives and, starting from the left, go from the water glass to the goblets. 

• The bread plate should be placed above the forks.

• The plates follow a precise order: on top of the underplate is the plate for the main course, followed by the soup plate for the first course, and concluding with a smaller one for the starter. 

The table centrepiece should not be too high to allow guests to look at each other.

Setting the dining table for celebrations is a wonderful opportunity to express creativity and personality. For Christmas, for example, you can use traditional colours such as red, green and gold to set the table, combined with natural elements such as pine branches and berries. Choose a fine tablecloth with elegant Christmas motifs.

Personalised place cards with themed decorations and colourful candles help create a cosy and festive atmosphere. During other celebrations, choose a theme that reflects the occasion, such as Easter or Thanksgiving, and match decorations and fabrics with the chosen theme.

To set an elegant table, follow these simple tips: always keep the tablecloth neatly ironed and wrinkle-free, choose a table runner that adds a touch of class and use matching napkins. Remember that placing the napkin to the right or to the left of the plate can make a difference in the overall look of the table. Choose your table linen carefully: a beautiful tablecloth with matching napkins can be complemented with a centre runner to embellish the table. Bottles and pitchers should be placed on an accompanying trolley or table near the table. Alternatively, they can be placed on the table but without coasters, especially on formal occasions. This would be like explicitly declaring that one is concerned about the table linen. Complete the mis en place with elegant details such as floral table centrepieces, colourful candles and personalised place cards. If you want to give your table a unique touch, express your creativity by playing with overlapping fabrics and the heights of your decorative items. Bear in mind that each guest must have the right amount of space, at least 60 cm. Lastly, don't forget the importance of light: soft, warm light creates a cosy and welcoming atmosphere.

With these tips, you will be able to set the dining table for any occasion, from a casual dinner with friends to an elegant, formal event. Your stylishly set table will most certainly be appreciated by all your guests, making every meal a special moment.