What is a table setting? See here how to set yours!

There are many ways to make a home more welcoming and beautiful for the arrival of friends and guests, and one of these actions is, precisely, the set table.

But what are the best ways to prepare and decorate it, so that it looks truly beautiful and well distributed?

Check out details on how it works, what precautions are recommended and much more!

Table setting: what is it?

The table setting is the organization of the items that will be used during the meal , including:

• Dishes;
• Forks;
• Knives;
• Placemats;
• Glasses;
• And other items.

In short, thinking about a set table is an act of affection, care and attention towards the way you welcome other people into your home.

Mandatory items for setting a table

Even if it is done in a simple way and with items that you already have at home, setting a table requires a dose of attention and care in combining the items.

In addition, you need to take into account the meal that will be served : will it be a barbecue, a romantic dinner, a meeting with friends or an engagement dinner?

Based on this definition, the items that cannot be missing from your table will vary according to the menu, but, in general, they will be necessary. Check out the suggestions!

Tablecloth, placemat or placemat

Here, you should choose which one best suits your personal style . Check out some tips below:

• Tablecloths: these are best suited for more casual events, such as barbecues, Sunday lunches or get-togethers with friends. It is worth choosing fabrics such as cotton or linen;
• Sousplat: used to support the plate – giving a very special charm to your table setting . It can be used both to match the other items on the table, or individually;
• Placemats: Finally, placemats are a complete complement to plates, glasses and cutlery , and can be the same or different from each other. Creativity and good taste are important when choosing.

Dishes

In this case, you should have deep, shallow, soup or dessert plate models at home.

It is always recommended to have at least 6 of each in homes that do not receive many people. In homes that have a larger number of guests, at least 12 pieces are needed.

If you have any doubts about which plate material to choose, opt for porcelain or ceramic, whether decorated or plain.

Cutlery

Having a basic set of forks, knives and dessert spoons is highly recommended. This way, you can easily meet any other demands that arise.

Once you start to develop a taste for entertaining guests or the art of cooking, it’s worth investing in special forks and knives for red meat or fish , for example.

Glasses and cups

Meals are usually accompanied by drinks, so have some glasses for white wine, red wine, water, soda, beer and, of course, cups.

Remembering that all of this will depend on how you usually receive people in your home and your personal taste as well, so evaluate what makes the most sense.

Napkins

A crucial rule of table setting is to use napkins, not paper towels!

Therefore, always have a set to make the table more beautiful and sophisticated, especially those made of linen or cotton.

Finally, it’s really cool to buy rings to further enhance the decoration.

How to set a table?

Now that you know what the essential items are to organize a set table, see the best step-by-step guide to setting it up:

1 – Make the base of the decoration

First, you must choose whether you will use the placemat, the tablecloth or the sousplat.

Remember to place each one in front of where the guest will sit, ensuring comfort and beauty.

2 – Dishes according to the menu

Now you must organize the dishes according to what will be served , and the order is always the following: the smaller dishes on top of the larger ones.

It is important to think about the logical sequence of food: first the salad, the main course and, finally, the dessert – which is kept separate.

3 – Cutlery organization

Just like the order of the dishes, you need to arrange the cutlery according to what will be served:

• Forks: should be on the left side and in order from smallest to largest. Generally, the smallest fork is the salad fork, followed by the fish fork and the main fork, which is closest to the plate;
• Knives and soup spoon: on the right side , from the outside to the inside;
  Dessert spoon: placed on top of the plate;
• Napkin: usually positioned in the left corner , next to the forks;
• Glasses and cups: they are positioned in the upper right corner , where the first glass is the red wine glass, then the white wine glass and, finally, the water glass.

For lunches or dinners that require more utensils, the arrangement to be used is always the same.