Formal, Relaxed, Basic: 3 Ways to Set the Dining Table

A dining table setting can fall under one of three broad categories – formal, relaxed or informal, and basic. The basic table setting is essentially a simplified version of the relaxed or informal layout and requires limited dinnerware, cutlery, and so on. The formal table setting is a more elaborate affair, but with these tricks up your sleeve, you can ace the set-ups in no time.

1. Formal dining table setting
The formal table setting is meant for sit-down dinners, with a place setting for every diner. The service or main plate goes at the bottom, the salad plate in the middle and soup plate right on top (arranged in the order the courses are served). In this picture, a charger or service plate is at the bottom, which serves as un underplate for the courses preceding the main course, at which point it is removed and replaced with the main plate. If using a tablecloth, make sure it hangs down evenly from the table edges, or opt for fancy mats.

Similarly, on the right side of the plate, the soup spoon is placed first, followed by the dinner knife (preceded by the salad or fish knife, depending on the courses). Here, a steak knife is at left of the salad knife. The butter knife and dessert spoon are arranged above the plate.

Tip: The edge of the blade of the knife always faces the dinner plate.

• Napkins and serviettes

The napkin or serviette can be folded and arranged decoratively like a swan or a crown for a graceful finish.

Alternatively you can insert the serviette into a stylish napkin ring or fold it neatly and place it next to the plate, too.

Here are some spectacular dining table settings to bring in the festivities

• Centrepiece

The centrepiece is a decorative object that is the focal point of the table setting. In a formal dinner setting, the centrepiece is often elaborate – like beautiful flower or fruit arrangements, candles in decorative stands, and so on. However, it should not be too large, obstruct the view across the table, or be a hindrance when serving.

You can have more than one centrepiece too (like the two vases here) – as long as they are strategically spaced to complement the table setting.

2. Relaxed dining table setting
As the name indicates, the relaxed, casual or informal table setting is just right to serve up oodles of style with your luncheons, family brunches and other such gatherings. In this setting, the soup bowl or salad plate is placed on top of the main plate with the napkin on the side.

This layout eliminates extra cutlery and only the basic dinner fork, spoon and knife are used. You can have either one or two glasses – if serving both wine and water. Like the formal table setting, the glass is placed above the knife because it is convenient to reach.

Introduce colourful plates, glasses and mats to add pizzazz to your everyday meals. Nothing fancy – just a simple arrangement served with lots of love and warm food.

• Centrepiece

While you can do away with a centrepiece in this layout, a no-fuss one gives an added zing to the everyday setting. A decorative bowl or accessory, or an eclectic candle stand (as shown here), work well as they don’t require frequent changing.

Read more:
4 Ways to Set Up an Inviting, Festive Table
10 Best Dining Tables for Relaxed Get-Togethers

Tell us:
Which of these table settings have you tried at home?