Tips and Tricks for Setting a Table

We recently partnered with our friends at Christopher J Design for their Event Essentials course. It was a full day that covered everything from event safety, centerpieces, draping and much more. Our very own Rhonda Pedersen provided a presentation on table setting and linen foundation. With many years of experience, she shared her tips and tricks on setting tables in a way that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some of the questions she addressed during her presentation.

1. What’s the proper fit for a tablecloth?

There is no correct answer to this as it’s often personal preference. Many casual events will feature linens that fall ¾ of the way to the ground. Although it is entirely up to the planner to determine what length is best for them, we do recommend for the linen to fall all of the way to the floor as it provides a more polished look, especially for more formal events.

2. How do you hide tablecloth seams?

When setting tables for an event, the first thing to note is where the main entrance is as everything should be set with that in mind. If you have a tablecloth that has a seam in it, ensure it is set with the seam on the backside of the table away from where guests will be entering.

If a table requires two tablecloths, place one over the table so that it has the desired length over the back of the table. Place the second cloth over the table so that it has the desired length over the front of the table (the side facing the entrance). Fold the back side of that tablecloth underneath itself so that it lines the back edge of the tabletop perfectly. This will help hide any seams.

3. Should chairs be tucked under the table?

Chairs should not be tucked under a table if there is a tablecloth. Instead, they should gently touch the tablecloth, allowing it to fall freely without being creased. Chairs may be tucked if there is no tablecloth.

4. How much table space does each guest need?

It’s important to factor in all table top items when creating a seating chart. As a general rule, each guest should have two feet (in width) of space. This can vary slightly but it’s not recommended to seat guests too tightly. If a family-style meal is being served, there needs to be room for the serving plates in addition to décor. A standard eight-foot table seats eight guests, four on each side.

5. What glassware is recommended for the table?

A water glass and wine glass should be a standard part of the place setting. It is not recommended to have cups and saucers set on the table, instead, bring them out to the table with dessert.

6. What is the proper placement for flatware?

Every place setting will have a dinner knife and dinner fork; anything additional will depend on the event and type of food being served.

The dinner knife and dinner spoon should be placed on the right side of the plate with the knife blade facing the plate. The dinner and salad forks should be placed on the left side of the plate. The dessert spoon and dessert fork should be placed above the plate. If there is a butter plate, then a butter knife should be placed on top of the butter plate.

Here’s the table that was set up during the presentation. It features some beautiful décor and butter plates by Christopher J Design and chairs by WOW Event Furnishings. The table is set with our White Panama Linen, Walnut Charger Plates, Cut Crystal Glassware, Napoli Flatware, and Grey Hemstitch Linen Napkins.