The ultimate formal table setting guide

This is the ultimate formal table setting guide so you can host with ease and have a stunning table to go with it.

One of my favourite things to decorate is a table! There are a thousand different ways to set a table and it makes gathering around it fun and enjoyable. You can let your creativity shine and have fun with it, or keep it simple.

There are 5 ways to set a table, and they are:

• Basic Table Setting
• Informal Table Setting
• Formal Table Setting
• Five-Course Table Setting
• Buffet Table Setting

Today I want to guide you through the formal table setting and what exactly goes where, and how to decorate the table! Don’t worry it’s not as intimidating as you think!

(This post contains affiliate links to Amazon and LTK that I make a small commission from with no extra costs added to you.)

What will you need for a formal table setting?

This is a list of things you will need in order to set a formal dining table!

• tablecloth or table runner
• centrepiece or table decor
• dinner pates
• soup bowls
• salad plates
• forks, knives, spoons, butter knives
• water glasses, stemmed glasses
• napkins

What is a formal table setting?

First things first, what is a formal table setting and when would you set one? If you would ask this question 200 years you would probably get a very different answer.

A formal dining table setting has morphed over the years and in todays day and age is no longer as up tight as it used to be.

To keep it short a formal doing table setting is usually set when you are hosting a formal event or , or have special guests over and you want something a little bit more fancy then usual to show that you care and you want to give them a good experience.

The good news is that it no longer is a huge deal if you don’t follow all the etiquette rules and guests aren’t as picky, however it still is helpful to have know the basic rules and have a guideline how to set a proper formal table setting!

Steps to set the perfect table

Here is a list of steps to take to set the table!

Step 1: Choose a table runner or tablecloth

A table runner with help in making the table setting look cohesive and tie things together. A tablecloth will ground the table and also add formality. Both are great choices!

Step 2: Select placemats or chargers

Setting a placemat under you table will give your plates background and add that special touch and can really make all the difference!

You can also choose to go with a plate charger instead for an even more formal look. A plate charger is a plate that goes underneath your dinner plate. It helps retain heat and protect your table while looking stunning in the meantime!

Step 3: Set you plates in order

A formal event is a great time to get out that fancy china or dinner plates that are waiting for their moment!

Set your dinner plate in the middle of the placemat or charger. The salad plate goes over your dinner plate. If you don’t have the room then on top of dinner plate is totally fine too. If your serving soup then place the soup bowl on top of your salad plate.

Incase you are serving buns or bread the bread plate goes over your fork. I usually don’t worry about it, but if you want to go fancy then that’s the spot!

Step 4: Organize cutlery in order

The forks go to the left of the dinner plate. If serving salad then the salad fork goes to the left of the dinner fork. Knives go the right of the dinner plate, and spoons on the right of the knive.

Step 5: Put out wine and water glasses

Water glasses go atop of the knives and if setting stemmed glasses then place those to the right of the water glass. In honesty I am usually not that fancy and only set one type of glass.

Step 6: Place your napkins

Napkins can either go on your plate or underneath the fork. There are also fun ways to fold napkins in different ways. If using cloth or linen napkins (which I highly recommend) I like to tie a loose knot in it.

Step 7: Put out centrepiece or table decor

This is the fun part in my opinion but depending on your table and size it time to set you table decor. Vases with flowers, pretty candlesticks or candy! Bring the outside in and go bold with flower or candlestick colour to add some character. Or keep it simple for a classic look.

What is a centrepiece and where does is go?

A centrepiece is an important part of a table setting because it can help set the theme and decorations. It is usually the focal point of table and serves a decorative purpose. Often times it is a vase with flowers, stems or branches, but it can be anything you like really! It’s fun to think out of the box and come up with fun things to decorate with.

Popular items used in table decor are flowers, branches, candles and candy. Depending on the holiday or event you are celebrating it can be something like Easter eggs in a bowl for Easter, or pine branches with ornaments for Christmas. As you can see it’s a fun aspect of a table setting

A few more tips

A few more things to keep in mind that can be helpful when hosting a formal dinner party!

• Consider a centrepiece that won’t block the view of the person sitting across from you!
• Avoid scented candles on tables, this can be uncomfortable when to strong and someone might be sensitive to it.
• Use cloth napkins! This adds so much to the formal look and adds a special touch.
• Light some candles at dusk for a cozy vibe
• Decorate and set the table well in advance or even the day before. Then it’s one less thing to worry about and it will be ready when guests arrive.
• Lastly, don’t stress! If things go wrong then oh well! Most likely your guests won’t care too much if the roast is a little too overdone or the salad needs a bit more salt. Your guests will enjoy and appreciate the special touches and won’t notice the little details that are maybe forgotten.

(This post contains affiliate links to Amazon and LTK that I make a small commission from with no extra costs added to you.)

Final thoughts

Have fun with, don’t stress to much and enjoy the time as much as you can! I know that is easier said then done but it really does help when you just take things as they come and just enjoy the time with your guests. When all is said and done the decorations and details might be remembered but the conversations even more! I hope this guide was helpful to you and will help you when you host a formal party!

Until next time,