MODERN WAYS OF SETTING A DINING TABLE FOR A DINNER PARTY AT HOME

Step-by-step guide to setting a dining table for a dinner party at home

My favourite thing about throwing a dinner party is setting the table – it’s when I really come into my own – I love finding different ways to style plates and napkins. 

There are so many fun and creative ways to set a table, but it can seem daunting if you’re worried about getting it ‘right’. Of course, there are very traditional ways to set a dinner table, but unless the King is coming, I think it’s better to throw the rulebook out the window. 

For me, setting a table ‘right’ and making it look modern, is all about it looking pretty, yet feeling comfortable; you want to have space for the ~actual~ food. 

WHAT DO YOU PUT ON A DINNER PARTY TABLE? 

When setting a dining table for a dinner party, there are essentials you need: glasses, crockery, cutlery and napkins, but I would also include candles, napkin rings, a tablecloth or runner, seasonal fruits and flowers. 

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STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO SETTING A DINNER PARTY AT HOME 

By the end of this, you’ll be tablescaping like a pro

1. Lay a tablecloth or a runner

I love to add a tablecloth or a runner to my dining table, but this isn’t always necessary. I know tablecloths can feel a little dated sometimes, but you can experiment with different types of fabrics and it’s a fab way of injecting colour into your tablescape or, in contrast to that, a very plain tablecloth can help the rest of decor on the table ‘pop’. 

2. Cutlery 

When it comes to cutlery, I do try to follow the rules and make sure it’s the right way around – forks to the left, knives to the right. Just writing that has got me overthinking it! 

3. Layer the crockery on the table 

Stacking crockery on each setting adds visual weight and acts as a wonderful ‘bed’ for the napkin or cutlery to lie on; a nice alternative to laying them on either side of the plate. It’s not always convenient to have the plates already down so don’t worry about this too much – it’ll look great regardless.

4. Glassware 

Patterned glassware can be really beautiful, and I’m all for ‘more is more’, but if you have a small table, or it’s getting a little too busy, then clear glasses help it feel less crowded. 

5. Add Height 

Adding height to your table is the biggest tip I can give you when it comes to making your dinner table look great; using a vase of flowers and tall candles adds the depth you need to go from drab to fab. 

6. Creative Napkins and Rings 

Napkins are my favourite part of styling a dinner table – they really bring the ‘party’ – it’s a way of adding texture, colour and pattern which all contribute nicely to that depth you want to achieve. 

While napkin rings are great, they’re not something everyone has in their kitchen draw, so why not use this opportunity to get creative with (clean) scrunchies, ribbon, string – literally, anything you can think of.

7. Seasonal fruit 

Seasonal fruit is my signature when it comes to setting a dining table for a dinner party; I like to dot these around the table for ornamentation. It’s a cost effective way of decorating when you can eat the decorations after ~and~ saves any waste.

Shop my tableware edit below:

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H&M BLUE PORCELAIN DISH £2.99

LSA RED WINE GLASSES – £50.00

OLIVER BONAS HAMMERED GOLD METAL NAPKIN RINGS SET – £19.50

MANOMANO ROSE GOLD CUTLERY SET – £39.34

OLIVER BONAS PINK CERAMIC GLUGGLE JUG – £28.00

READ MORE HERE: THE BEST H&M BATHROOM ACCESSORIES