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How to set a table with simple dinner plates, gold flatware, and glasses | Ballard Designs

How to Set A Table

If you aren't a seasoned veteran, hosting a dinner party can be intimidating, especially if you haven't freshened up on the etiquette of how to set a table. Fortunately, we've got a handy cheat sheet for you.

Infographic for how to set a table for casual occasion | Ballard Designs

How To Set The Table For Casual Meals

Look to your menu, number of guests, and the occasion to decide whether your table should be casual. Weeknight meals and impromptu get-togethers are the perfect time to pull back on the formality.

Remember The blade of the knife should always face in!
How to set a table with fall-inspired accents like a preserved leaf, striped runner, and blue glassware | Ballard Designs
Infographic for how to set a table for a semi-formal occasion | Ballard Designs

How To Set The Table For Special Occasions

For a special occasion like date night, birthdays, or celebrations, we like to set the tone with a more festive feel. If you’re having multiple courses, you’ll need more utensils, like a salad fork and dessert spoon. Of course, you should only include these pieces if you’ll actually be serving these courses.

How to set a table for semi-formal occasions with blue and white dinnerware, metallic accents, and small bouquets of roses | Ballard Designs
Infographic for how to set a table for a very formal occasion | Ballard Designs

How To Set The Table For Formal Occasions

It may not be often that you host a very formal gathering, but we think it's important to know the basics just in case. For these events, you'll likely have several courses, so you will need more utensils and dinnerware.

Remember For the most formal occasions, the dessert spoon and fork move to above the plate.
Example of how to set a table using Bunny Williams' Gold Star Dinnerware | Ballard Designs
Stack of bowls and glassware ready to set the table | Ballard Designs

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