to set the table

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Holidays & Entertaining
• Entertaining

How to Set a Table: Basic, Casual, and Formal Table Settings

Learn how to set a table, from a basic table setting, to an informal table setting for a casual dinner party, to a formal place setting for a holiday.

• Why It's Important
• Basic Setting
• Casual Table
• Formal Table

Frequently Asked Questions

How to set a table used to be common knowledge, but in today's fast and busy world, knowing how to set a table properly has become somewhat of a party trick—almost as daunting as choosing the best tableware to buy to suit your needs. If you've been tasked with hosting a baby shower luncheon, an informal dinner party, or a big Thanksgiving dinner and weren't taught how to set the table as a child, no worries, we've got you covered. Here are detailed instructions on how to set a table properly for three different situations, from casual family dinners to a formal holiday feast. To make it even easier, we've included a table setting diagram for each scenario so you can easily visualize where to place each plate, napkin, fork, and knife. Bookmark this page so you can easily reference it as you're setting the table before the meal—or share the diagrams with your kids and task them with preparing the table for dinner.

Solaris Images/Getty Images

Why Table Setting Is Important

You may be wondering, "Why bother learning the correct way to position plates and silverware? The food will taste the same either way!" Here's why: It signals to guests who do appreciate proper table settings that their feelings are important to you. You'll be setting an overall tone—that it's your pleasure to dine with them. Also, a properly set table can make the food itself look better.

Basic Table Setting

If you're getting things ready for an everyday dinner or a weekend breakfast, you might want to know how to set a table properly. For casual events, one needs just a basic table setting: a placemat, cutlery (fork, knife, and spoon), a dinner plate, a water or drinking glass , and a napkin.

Basic Table Setting Instructions

• Lay the placemat on the table.
• Put the dinner plate in the middle of the placemat.
• Lay the napkin to the left of the plate.
• Place the fork on the napkin.
• To the right of the plate, place the knife closest to the plate, blade pointing in. Place the spoon to the right of the knife. (Note: The bottoms of the utensils and the plate should all be level.)
• Place the water glass slightly above the plate, in between the plate and the utensils, about where 1 p.m. would be on a clock face.

Basic Table Setting Etiquette Tips

If you prefer, it is acceptable to set the napkin on top of the plate in a basic table setting, though some think this can create a more formal feeling.

Now that you know the basic table setting rules, brush up on your table etiquette.

How to Set a Casual Table

Knowing how to set a casual table will come in handy when you're tasked with knowing how to set an informal table for a get-together or a laid-back dinner party. Essentially, the basic table setting, above, and the casual table setting are nearly identical, but in a casual table setting, there is the addition of a soup bowl and a dinner plate. As a general rule, only set out the glassware, tableware, and flatware that you're going to be using—no need to put out the entire flatware set . If you're not having a salad course, all you need to set is a dinner fork. If you're only serving white wine, a red wine glass is not needed. And if there's no soup course, skip the soup bowl and spoon. However, it's a good idea to set out steak knives if you're serving steak or any other large piece of meat.

Chargers are generally reserved for more formal place settings, but Real Simple home editor Stephanie Sisco says you can still use a charger in a casual table setting if you wish—just make sure it's fashioned in a more laid-back style, like raw wood.

Casual Table Setting Instructions

• Place the salad plate on top of the dinner plate.
• If you're starting with a soup course, place the soup bowl on top of the salad plate.
• Lay a napkin to the left of the charger.
• To the left of the plate, place the fork on the napkin.
• On the right of the plate, place the knife closest to the plate and then the spoon.
• Directly above the knife, place the water glass.
• To the right and slightly above the water glass, place the wine glass or a glass for another beverage.

Casual Table Setting Etiquette Tips

If using individual salt and pepper shakers for each guest, place them at the top of the placemat. Otherwise, place them near the center of the table, or, if using a long, rectangular table, place them in the middle of each end.

Mastered how to set a casual dinner table, but need a refresher on what else you should keep in mind for your casual dinner party? Here, six tips on how to throw excellent parties .

How to Set a Formal Dinner Table

If you're hosting an elegant dinner party, you might want to know how to set a table for a three-course meal. Real Simple home editor Stephanie Sisco says the biggest difference between a casual table and a formal table is the use of chargers, also known as presentation plates. Traditionally, formal place settings also tend to forgo placemats, but she says you can opt to use a round placemat underneath a charger for an even more formal look.

A formal table setting includes many pieces: a tablecloth, chargers, dinner plates, soup bowls, salad plates, bread plates, napkins, salad forks, dinner forks, knives, soup spoons, butter knives, dessert spoons, water glasses, red wine glasses, and white wine glasses. Though this may sound overwhelming, if you know how to set a casual table, it's a very easy leap to knowing how to set a table with charger plates—even if you are working with a small dining room table . To see all of this in motion, check out this video on how to lay out a proper table setting.

Formal Dinner Table Setting Instructions

• Lay an ironed tablecloth on the table.
• Set a charger at each seat.
• In the center of the charger, place a soup bowl.
• Place the bread plate to the top left of the charger (between 10 and 11 p.m. on a clock face).
• On the left of the charger, place the salad fork on the outside, and the dinner fork on the inside. You can put the forks on the napkin, or for roomier settings, directly on the tablecloth between the napkin and the charger.
• On the right of the charger, place the knife closest to the charger (blade facing in towards the charger) and then the soup spoon. Note: All vertical flatware (salad fork, dinner fork, knife, and soup spoon) should be spaced evenly, about half an inch away from each other, and the bottoms of each utensil should be aligned with the bottom of the charger.
• Place a butter knife horizontally, blade facing inwards on top of the bread plate with the handle pointing to the right. (Note: In all place settings the blade will face inwards towards the plate.)
• Directly above the charger, place a dessert spoon (a teaspoon) with the handle pointing to the right.
• Directly above the knife, place a water glass. To the right of the water glass and about three-fourths of an inch downward, place the white wine glass. The red wine glass goes to the right of—and slightly above—the white wine glass. (Note: Since people traditionally drink more water than wine during dinner, the water is kept closer to the diner.)
• If using individual salt and pepper shakers for each guest, place them above the dessert spoon. Otherwise, place them near the center of the table, or, if using a long, rectangular table, place them in the middle of each end.
• If using a place card, set it above the dessert spoon.

Formal Table Setting Etiquette Tips

After the soup course is complete and the bowls are cleared, a salad plate will take the soup bowl's position. Traditionally, a charger holds the spot for the dinner plate, and is removed after the salad course so the place is never bare. If you do not want to clear the table after the soup course and bring out dinner plates, you can place a dinner plate on top of the charger.

For a breakfast setting, you begin with the basic setting (plate, fork, knife, spoon, etc.). Then include a cereal bowl on top of the plate. Add a bread plate (for a muffin, biscuit, or slice of toast) with a butter knife on the left side above the fork. Finally, add a cup and saucer (for coffee or tea) and a tumbler (for water or juice) on the right side above the knife.

For lunch, you begin with the basic setting and add a bread plate and a butter knife on the left side above the fork. Add a tumbler and/or a wine glass on the right side above the knife. And if you are serving soup, place the soup bowl on top of the plate.

While there's no known "inventor" of table settings, they were documented by the ancient Greeks and are mentioned in the Old Testament of the bible.

Candles or a flower vase are among many excellent options for an elegant centerpiece . Just make sure they are short enough to not block your guests' view of one another.

Related Articles

Etiquette Articles

The world of Emily Post etiquette advice is at your fingertips. Please, search or browse our comprehensive online etiquette articles.

• Trending Topics
• Table Setting Guides

Lizzie Post's Recipes for All Occasions

• Avoid Political Pitfalls
• Featured Articles
• General Tipping Guide
• Official Forms of Address
• Addressing a Former President of the United States
• Dining Etiquette
• Top 10 Must Know Table Manners
• Lipstick at the Table
• Texting at the Dinner Table
• Business Etiquette
• Tips on Preparing for a Job Interview
• Professional Email Etiquette for Work
• Beyond the Handshake: Hugs and the Social Kiss

Wedding Etiquette

• Wedding Planning Series
• Wedding Thank Yous
• Wedding Invitations
• Children's Etiquette
• Can You Teach a Toddler Etiquette? Yes!
• What to Do About Bullies
• The Golden Rule of Parenting
• Invitations & Correspondence
• Complete Guide to Writing Thank You Notes
• Writing Personal Letters
• Invitation Etiquette
• Image & Attire
• Attire Guide: Dress Codes from Casual to White Tie
• Five Tips for Looking Crisp and Keeping Cool in the Workplace
• Good Grooming and Wardrobe Care
• Everyday Etiquette
• Etiquette for Volunteering
• How to Choose Luggage
• Before You Travel: Acquaint Yourself with Your Destination
• Digital Manners
• Email Etiquette Dos & Don’ts
• Netiquette: The Rules of the Internet
• Smart Use of Smartphones and Tablets
• Hosts & Guests
• General Entertaining
• Celebration Parties
• Hosting a Baby Shower
• What to Say to Someone Who Is Grieving
• Manners Matter Even More in Hard Times
• How to Help When Someone is in the Hospital

Training & Services

Emily Post training and services are available for groups, businesses, and individuals. Choose from trainer training, seminars, live and pre-recorded webinars, self-paced eLearning courses, and consultation services to best meet your etiquette training needs. Every live session is customized for the client and built from our extensive menu of training topics.

Training Options

• Live Online Seminars
• Author Led Seminars
• Private Consultations

Online Courses

• Online Course: Dining Etiquette - CreativeLive
• Online Course: Manners at Work, The Ultimate Guide - Creative Live
• Online Course: Business Etiquette for Professionals

Trainer Training

• Business Train the Trainer
• Children's Train the Trainer
• Wedding Professionals Training

Training Topics

• Etiquette Defined/Why Etiquette?
• Problem Solving

Brand Partnership with Emily Post

• Speakers Bureau
• Brand Partnerships
• Spokesperson

Find the right Emily Post book or greeting card for you. We have the perfect wedding, graduation or housewarming gift for someone special in your life.

Best Sellers

Emily post's etiquette, the centennial edition, the etiquette advantage in business, 3rd edition personal skills for professional success, table manners for kids, the unwritten rules of golf, higher etiquette, our favorites, emily post’s wedding etiquette, 6th edition, emily’s magic words, digital stationery for texts, emily post's - host a bridesmaids' luncheon digital planner, awesome etiquette podcast.

The Awesome Etiquette podcast is a weekly Q&A show where hosts, (cousins, and co-presidents of the Emily Post Institute,) Lizzie Post and Dan Post Senning answer audience questions, tackle etiquette topics in detail and salute good etiquette witnessed by the Awesome Etiquette audience.

Listen on your favorite platform!

• Support the Show
• Episode 501 - Total Eclipse
• Episode 500 - Yes, 500
• Episode 499 - Etiquette vs. Protocol

The Emily Post Institute Inc. is a fifth generation family business that has been promoting etiquette based on consideration, respect and honesty since Emily Post wrote her first book ETIQUETTE in 1922. Today we offer a wide range of books, online resources, training programs for all ages and topics, a weekly podcast and a selection of greeting cards and paper products.

The Emily Post Institute

• Timeline History
• Definition of Etiquette - Consideration, Respect and Honesty
• Emily's First Novel
• Emily Post: Daughter of Bruce Price
• Emily Post: In The Garden

Get a signed copy of our latest book, Emily Post's Etiquette - The Centennial Edition , for yourself or to give as a gift, and support Vermont's independent bookstore Bridgeside Books.

Join our Substack newsletter for more from Emily Post.

Proper Table Setting 101

Setting a table is not as difficult as it seems. However, the more formal it gets the more confusion can easily come into play. Many of us can navigate a table setting fairly easily. Even if we are unsure of a particular utensil or cannot quite decipher which order the courses will be served in based on the setting, we can make our way through by paying attention to others. But when it comes to being in charge of setting the table, one can easily draw a blank. (Are these forks different sizes? Do I have to count the tines? Which order do the glasses go in?) Breathe, we’ll start with the basics.

The first and basic rule to get you started is: Utensils are placed in the order of use; from the outside in.

A second rule, with only a few exceptions, is: Forks go to the left of the plate, and knives and spoons go to the right. (The oyster fork is the only fork placed to the right of the setting if it will be used.)

Finally, only set the table with utensils you will use. Not serving soup? Then, no soup spoon for you.

What kind of setting do you want to create?

Remember to think about the type of meal you are serving, what you’re prepared to handle as a host, and what level of formality you’ve chosen for your gathering. A casual pot-luck with close friends or family certainly doesn’t need to be more than the most basic of settings. A formal affair, and menu, however will necessitate a few more utensils and a bit of style thrown in to properly pull off a fancy at-home meal. That being said, many skilled hosts have been able to pull off a formal meal with limited tableware by putting practicality first and utilizing a dash of creativity (and maybe some very quick dish washing between courses.)

Don’t fret if you do not have every utensil known to mankind. Salad and luncheon forks can often double as dessert forks, in our own set a fish fork doubles as the dessert fork (though we don’t suggest substituting an oyster fork for a dessert or salad fork – that might be going a tad too far.)

Here are few basics along with links to more details to help you set your table.

Basic/Casual Table Setting:

The basic or casual table setting can be even more casual than pictured here. Many families (and restaurants) regularly set the table casually in one of two ways.

1) All utensils are placed on the napkin: The napkin is placed to the left of the setting with the fork, knife (blade facing the fork), and spoon placed in that order on top of the napkin.

2) The napkin to the left with the fork resting on top of or next to it. To the right of the plate is the knife (blade facing inward toward the fork and plate) and a spoon (if necessary) set to the right of the knife. The water glass is placed above the knife or at 45-degree angle to the right of the knife.

Casual Table Setting

Informal/Semi-Formal Table Setting:

The informal or semi-formal place setting is fairly basic, and the setting will depend on your personal style, the courses you are serving, and what you have to work with for utensils, dishware, and glassware. Informal/semi-formal settings are wonderful for the classic dinner party. They bring just enough of a step up from our everyday settings to make the table feel special but don’t go so far as to make the event feel too stuffy for a Friday night with friends or a family holiday setting.

Note that the dessert utensils can be brought out with dessert or set above the setting during the entire meal. If set for the entire meal, the fork is placed so the handle points toward the left, and the spoon sits above the fork with its handle facing to the right. IMPORTANT : While we now see both configurations, traditionally, the dessert spoon is set above the dessert fork.

The butter knife is placed on the butter plate with the blade facing inward toward the diner. The table setting is mostly designed for right-hand dominant diners; thus, the butter knife's handle is placed so that it points to the right. This makes it easier for the right-handed diner to pick up the knife in their right hand.

Some hosts place the fork on top of the napkin to save room in the setting or to keep things slightly more casual. Other hosts feel this is not in keeping with the idea that each item should be touched only when it is to be used and that disturbing the fork to get to the napkin is less than desirable. At Emily Post, we say it’s really up to you and your style. We don’t see as much room for stylistic detours with the utensils themselves. We have seen some inventive settings with all the utensils at the top of the setting or flipped around so that forks are on the right and spoons and knives on the left, and they have yet to make us run right out to repeat it. NOTE : While we now see both configurations, traditionally, the dessert spoon is set above the dessert fork.

Not pictured but often used are wine glasses, which typically, in an informal/semi-formal setting, you’d have one (maybe two) placed to the right of the water glass.

Remember when you clear the table for dessert to remove the unused utensils (except the dessert utensils if they are out) as well as the butter plate and butter knife.

Informal Place Setting

Formal Table Setting:

Here, we have set a four-course meal (including dessert) without a wine glass and a five-course meal (including dessert and adding an oyster dish) with a wine glass. There are many, many variations that a multi-course meal could have when it comes to the setting. The soup may be served in between a salad and main course, which would move the spoon between the two knives; there could be a soup course and a palette cleansing mint sorbet course, which would mean using two spoons, or having spoons brought out for these courses. For the most traditional and formal of settings, the dessert spoon is placed above the dessert fork.

Finger bowls may be used, in which case they are brought out after a messy course instead of being placed at the setting the entire meal. A charger plate may be used (or not). The napkin might be set to the left or placed in the center of the charger. You could also be serving a different wine for every course which would result in a cascade of glasses flowing to the right of the setting. Options abound!

Formal Place Setting

View the Guides

Basic Table Setting

The Basic Table Setting is easy to master and comes in handy at home, over the holidays and at restaurants.

Informal Table Setting

The informal table setting is perfect for informal three course dinners, casual but upscale dinner parties,…

The Formal Place Setting

The formal place setting is used at home for a meal of more than three courses, such as a dinner party…

Video: Downton Abbey Table Setting Challenge

Calling all Downton Abbey fans! On January 6, 2013, at the Essex Resort and Spa in Essex, Vermont, Anna…

• Wedding Etiquette 101: Everything You Need to Know

Recommended Articles

• Lizzie Post's Ham and Cheese Crostini Recipe
• Lizzie Post's Creamy Chicken with Biscuits Recipe
• View all articles

Related Articles

Magic words in american sign language (asl), sympathy notes and letters, #wfh working from home.

How to Set a Table for Any Kind of Dinner Party

Casual and formal dinners should look — and taste – very different.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Follow this step-by-step guide while preparing for your next dinner party, no matter the occasion.

How to Set a Table

Set a Formal Table

To set a formal table, you'll need a table cloth, charger, dinner plates, soup bowls, salad plates, bread plates, napkins, salad forks, dinner forks, knives, soup spoons, butter knives, dessert spoons, water glasses, red wine glasses, and white wine glasses.

• Cover the table with a tablecloth or placemat (tablecloth is preferred).
• Set a charger at each seat. Place a salad plate and soup bowl in the center of each setting.
• Place the bread plate to the left of the charger. Stick the butter knife on the plate with the handle facing right for easy reach.
• Place a cloth napkin to the right of charger.
• On the left of the charger, place the salad fork and dinner fork, from left to right.
• On the right of the charger, place the dinner knife, salad knife, and soup spoon, from left to right.
• Place water glass above the knives. Wine is set from right to the left in the order used. White wine is for the first course on the outside, the red wine is next for your entrée.
• Stick dessert utensils above the charger — fork handle to the left and spoon handle to the right.
• When the main course is served, the charger (a.k.a. server plate) should be traded out for the dinner plate.

Everything You Need for a Well-Dressed Table

Damask Tablecloth

Dinnerware Set

Charger Plates

Glassware Set

Wine Glasses

Dinner Napkins

Cutlery Set

Set a casual table.

To set a casual table, you'll need a place mat, dinner plates, soup bowls, salad plates, napkins, dinner forks, knives, soup spoons, water glasses, and wine glasses.

• Put the placemat on the table.
• Place the dinner plate in the middle of the placement. Put the salad plate on top of the dinner plate.
• If you're having soup , place the soup bowl on top of the salad plate.
• Place a napkin to the left of the setting.
• On the left of the plate, place the dinner fork on the napkin.
• On the right of the plate, place the dinner knife and soup spoon, from left to right.
• Place the water glass directly above the knife. To the right of the water glass, place the wine glass.

Take Inspiration From These DIY Place Settings

Make It Black-Tie

Mix silver, gold, copper, and brass within the place setting.

Modernize Heirlooms

Liven up your grandma's china by adding stripes and gingham accents.

Turn Farmhouse Fancy

Dress up everyday plates with a linen napkin and greenery.

Go for Watercolors

Add a painterly touch with color-dipped flatware and hand-dyed linens.

Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping , where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River , Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more. 

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Decorating Ideas

Aluminum Furniture Is a Trend to Watch

H&M Home's New Collection Is a Must for Spring

Surprising Retro Kitchen Design Is Trending

75 Living Room Ideas You'll Love Recreating

Ruggable's Latest Line Is a Pattern Lover's Dream

Step Inside This Playful "California Cool" Abode

The Best Cloud Couch Dupes

Everything You Need to Know About Japandi Style

Simple DIY Rock Garden Ideas

14 Over-the-Toilet Storage Ideas to Stay Organized

25 Under-Stair Storage Ideas

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Food and Entertaining
• Dinner Parties

How to Set a Table

Last Updated: April 30, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Natasha Miller . Natasha Miller is an Event Planner, Chief Experience Designer, and President of Entire Productions, an event and entertainment production company based in San Francisco, California. Notable clients Natasha has collaborated with include Apple, Google, Gap, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Salesforce. Natasha and Entire Productions has been awarded Inc. 5,000's "Fastest Growing Companies in America", Entrepreneur Magazine's 360 List of "Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America." Entire Productions is also a Certified Women Business Enterprise. Natasha is a member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI). There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 91% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 649,260 times.

Formal Place Setting Template

Setting a Formal Dinner Table

• For a true formal dinner setting, you should have enough matching placemats for all of the guests, and the placemats should also match the tablecloth.
• You can also fold your napkin to the left of the forks after you put them down.
• If you forget where each fork should go, just think of the order in which you would eat your meals. You would have your salad before your dinner, and you should eat from the outside in, using the utensils from left to right, so the salad fork would go to the left of the dinner fork.
• Remember that you should be eating with the utensils from the outside in, starting with the ones on the outside of the plate and working your way closer to the plate until the end of the meal.
• If you mix up where the forks and knife should go, just think of how a right-handed person would use a fork and knife to cut something. If you sit down and mimic the gesture, you'll see that you would pick up the fork with your left hand and the knife with your right, so that's where each utensil should go.
• Note that in some traditional settings, the soup spoon is actually larger than the teaspoon.

• A bread and butter plate and knife. Place this small round plate about five inches above the forks. Place a small knife horizontally over the plate, with the blade facing to the left.
• A dessert fork and spoon. Place the small dessert fork and spoon horizontally a few inches above the plate, with the spoon on top of the fork facing left, and the fork facing right.
• A coffee cup. Place the coffee cup over a small saucer a few inches above the outermost utensil on the left and a few inches to the left of it.
• A red and white wine glass. If you have two different glasses, then the white wine glass will be the one closer to the guest, and the red wine glass will be slightly above and to the left of the white wine glass. You can remember this because guests should move from white to red wine.

Setting a Casual Dinner Table

Expert q&a.

• To simplify your setting, you should only place down the dishes and utensils you'll actually need. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Make sure that your guests have enough room to comfortably use their utensils without bumping elbows. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Table cloths can be used in place of table mats if preferred. A tablecloth can hide a not so stylish tabletop if required and, is seen by some as more luxurious. You don't see placemats at quality restaurants as a rule. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Things You'll Need

You might also like.

• ↑ Natasha Miller. Event Planner & CEO, Entire Productions. Expert Interview. 20 April 2021.
• ↑ https://www.four-h.purdue.edu/foods/Setting%20the%20table%20frame1.htm
• ↑ http://emilypost.com/advice/informal-place-setting/
• ↑ https://www.etiquettescholar.com/dining_etiquette/table_setting.html
• ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/party-ideas/a25997/formal-place-setting/
• ↑ https://www.etiquettescholar.com/dining_etiquette/table_setting/place_setting/flatware/placing_flatware.html
• ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/table-manners-the-proper-way-to-eat-soup-178927
• ↑ https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/table-etiquette-guide-informal-dining-manners/
• ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/entertaining/how-to-set-a-table

About This Article

To set a table, start by putting down a plate for each guest and a carefully folded napkin to the left or on top of the plate, depending on your personal preference. Place a dinner fork on the left side of each plate, and then a salad fork to the left of the dinner fork. The dinner fork is bigger than the salad fork. Finish arranging the silverware by placing a knife to the right of each plate. You can also place a soup spoon to the right of the knife if you're planning on serving soup. Once you’re done with the silverware, place a soup bowl or a salad plate on top of the plate. It is fine to move the napkin on top of either of these, if you prefer this style. Next, place a bread plate and butter knife on the top left corner of each place setting. Then, place a water and wine glass on the top right corner of each place setting. You can then spruce up the table by placing out a decorative centerpiece, like a vase filled with flowers, or candles. You can also add more color by using different style napkins, decorative plates, a table-runner, or a nice tablecloth. This is the traditional way to set a table, however you can set it anyway you like, especially if you are having a casual meal. Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Jun 30, 2016

Did this article help you?

Dec 24, 2017

Oct 26, 2016

Divine Laryea

Dec 8, 2017

Nov 21, 2017

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

How to Set a Table for Any Occasion

From casual dinners to formal parties, we've got you covered.

Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Ree Drummond knows better than anyone that life can sometimes be too busy for a sit-down meal, so it's a pretty big deal when all the Drummond kids get the chance to gather around the table. There are those special occasions like Christmas or New Year's when you want to pull out all the stops, including all those elegant table decorations . Plus, the traditional table setting rules are incredibly helpful when it comes to serving a multi-course dinner. Just think—you can finally find out why there are so many forks!

This guide will show you how to set a table for any occasion, from a laid-back family dinner to a fancy dinner party. We've outlined the rules for basic, semi-formal, and formal table settings. Just keep in mind that these are guidelines, and you can always tailor your setting to your needs!

How to Set a Basic Table

This is the standard setting you might have learned as a kid and reference whenever you're trying to remember which side the knife goes on. For reference: fork on the left, knife and spoon on the right. The Emily Post Institute , an authority on etiquette, suggests this simple method with some optional additions.

• Lay your tablecloth or placemat on the table.
• Place the dinner plate centered in front of the chair.
• Fold a napkin and lay it to the left of your plate (or on top of the plate, if you'd rather).
• Place your fork on the left side on top of the napkin (if you've put a napkin there).
• To the right of the plate, add the knife first, closest to the plate. Make sure the blade is facing toward the plate.
• Sit the spoon next to the knife.
• Place a water glass on the top right, a few inches above the space between your plate and knife.
• Optional: Place your bread plate on the top left a few inches above the fork. Place a butter knife on top of the plate, laying diagonal with the blade facing where 10:00 p.m. would be on a clock.

If you're having a salad course or soup, the salad plate will go on top of your dinner plate, and the soup bowl on top of that.

How to Set a Casual Table

Just like the basic setting, this style can be tweaked depending on your meal, but this is the one you should use if you're hosting people for holidays, dinner parties, or anything else. It's an elevated version of the basic set—elegant, but not overwhelming or stuffy and meant for a typical three course meal.

• Place the dinner plate centered in front of a chair.
• Place your napkin, folded, on top of the plate at center or to the left.
• Place your dinner fork (the larger one) to the left, closest the the plate, then place the salad fork to the left of the dinner one. Put these on top of the napkin if you choose to lay your napkin to the left.
• To the right of the knife, you'll place your teaspoon then add the soup spoon to the right of that.
• Place your water glass and any wine glasses you'll be using to the top right of the table, a few inches above the knife and spoons.
• Add your salad plate to the table just left of the forks. The Emily Post Institute says that if you're serving salad with your meal, you can skip this step.
• If you're serving bread and butter, place your bread plate on the top left a few inches above the fork. Place a butter knife on top of the plate, laying diagonal with the blade facing where 10:00 p.m. would be on a clock.
• Optional: Place your dessert fork and spoon directly above the plate with the fork's prongs facing the wine glasses and the spoon facing the opposite way just underneath it.

Most hosts will serve coffee at the end, but if you'd like to set it out upfront, place the mug and saucer all the way to the right past the space left between the forks and glasses.

How to Set a Formal Table

Now we're getting really fancy. The formal setting is one you'd likely see at a fine dining restaurant or holiday meal consisting of four courses or more. It involves a lot of fine china and polished silver , but just like the others, this setting can be modified for your specific dinner.

• Lay out your tablecloth. The Emily Post Institute says that white linens are considered the most formal but colored can work too.
• Place a charger (or service plate) on the table centered in front of a chair. The dinner plate won't be brought out until the first course is cleared.
• Place your napkin, folded, on top of the plate.
• Place your forks to the left of the plate, working from closest to the charger out towards the left: salad fork, dinner fork, and fish fork (if you need one).
• To the right of the plate, place your dinner knife closest to the charger, then your fish knife next to it on the right.
• To the right of your fish knife, place your soup spoon, then place an oyster fork (if shellfish is being served) all the way to the right.
• Set glasses down starting a few inches above the space between the charger and the dinner knife and work out to the right: water goblet, red or white wine glass (or both), and champagne flute.
• Place your bread plate on the top left a few inches above the fork. Place a butter knife on top of the plate, laying diagonal with the blade facing where 10:00 p.m. would be on a clock.

For the full formal effect, decorate with candles, flowers, and place cards . The most formal tables will have everything completely symmetrical, down to even numbers of candles and perfectly distanced place settings. Remember, only set the table with the items you actually need. If you're not serving bread and butter or oysters, leave those pieces out.

.css-kddnhp:before{background-image:radial-gradient(circle at 15px 0, #44ABA5 9px, #44ABA5 15px, rgba(255,255,255,0) 16px);background-repeat:repeat-x;content:'';display:block;height:2rem;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-kddnhp:before{margin-left:-0.99rem;width:100vw;-webkit-background-size:30px 16px;background-size:30px 16px;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-kddnhp:before{margin-left:0;width:100%;-webkit-background-size:30.659px 16px;background-size:30.659px 16px;}} Shop Table Setting Essentials

The Pioneer Woman Fluttering Fancies Napkins And Napkin Rings Set

The Pioneer Woman Toni Linen Dinnerware Set

The Pioneer Woman Mazie 20-Piece Flatware Set

The Pioneer Woman Adeline 12-Ounce Footed Glass Goblets

Erica Finamore is the Features Editor at Food Network Magazine and The Pioneer Woman Magazine, covering home décor, shopping and entertaining. You can follow her on Instagram @Decorofthematter

.css-l114lb:before{background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:contain;background-size:contain;content:'';display:block;margin:auto auto 0.25rem;}.loaded .css-l114lb:before{background-image:url('/_assets/design-tokens/thepioneerwoman/static/images/butterfly.svg');}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-l114lb:before{width:2.039rem;height:1.616rem;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-l114lb:before{width:2.5rem;height:1.9rem;}} Thanksgiving

If You Love Potatoes, These Recipes Are for You

Make a Towering Carrot Cake Trifle for Easter

How Much Ham Do You Need Per Person?

50 Creative Ideas for Leftover Glazed Ham

The Pie That’ll Make You Cry

Shrimp Cocktail Is a Must-Have at Any Party

Serve Pumpkin Ravioli at All Your Fall Dinners

Whiskey-Glazed Carrots

Turkey and Biscuits Casserole with Lemon and Dill

Oven-Roasted Asparagus Is Served On a Platter

Add This Corn Pudding to Your Holiday Menu

• Battle on the Beach
• Battle on the Mountain
• Celebrity IOU

Down Home Fab

• Farmhouse Fixer
• Fixer to Fabulous
• Help! I Wrecked My House
• Home Town Takeover
• Lakefront Empire
• Married to Real Estate

My Lottery Dream Home

No demo reno.

• Renovation Aloha
• Rico to the Rescue
• Rock the Block
• Small Town Potential
• Ugliest House in America
• Who's Afraid of a Cheap Old House?
• Why the Heck Did I Buy This House?

Zillow Gone Wild

• See Full Schedule
• Stream Full Seasons
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Ideas by Room
• Design Styles
• HGTV Magazine
• HGTV Newsletters
• Flowers and Plants
• Landscaping and Hardscaping
• Outdoor Spaces
• Curb Appeal
• Cleaning and Organizing
• Entertaining
• Healthy Home and Garden
• Real Estate
• Home Improvement
• DIY Projects
• HGTV Handmade
• HGTV Smart Home 2024: Enter the Sweepstakes
• Get Outside $5K Giveaway
• Throw It on the Grill $10K Giveaway
• Spring It Forward $5K Giveaway
• HGTV Dream Home 2024
• HGTV Urban Oasis 2023
• Product Reviews
• Gift Guides
• Sales and Deals
• News and Trends
• Newsletters
• TV Schedule

How to Set a Table: 3 Ways

Learn how to properly set a table for a basic, casual and formal dinner party.

Related To:

A home-cooked meal is only as good as the home in which it’s enjoyed in, right? Err — something like that. Elevate your meals by setting the perfect table for any occasion. Whether basic, casual or formal, we’ve got the perfect tips for setting a table like an expert.

Basic Table Setting

A basic table with a napkin and fork on the left and a knife and spoon on the right, and water glass above the plate.

Photo by: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

The basic table setting should include no less than a fork, knife, spoon and napkin beside the plate. This setup is fine for an informal meal or potluck.

• As a general rule, position the folded napkin two inches to the left of the plate and place the fork on the napkin. The napkin can also be laid across the plate with or without a napkin ring.
• To the right of the plate, place the knife with the blade facing the plate.
• Approximately one inch to the right of the knife, place a teaspoon.
• To cap off this perfect table setting, position a water glass directly above the knife.

Casual and Complete Table Setting

Blue and White Casual Table Setting

This casual table setting includes a dinner plate on a wicker charger, wine and water glasses, and flatware.

The casual table setting will include everything the basic table setting includes, but where you go from here will depend on your menu. If you're serving soup, salad or bread with your meal, you'll need extra dishes and flatware. This is also a good time to go slightly more elegant with your dishware, cutlery and linens.

• If you're serving a soup and salad course, add the salad plate and soup bowl on top of the dinner plate. Place the salad fork to the left of the dinner fork and a soup spoon to the right of the teaspoon.
• If you're serving bread and butter, place the bread plate on the top left, a few inches above the fork. Place the butter knife on top of the plate at an angle with the blade facing left.
• The napkin can be placed underneath the forks or it can be laid in between the dinner plate and the salad plate or soup bowl. To add a playful touch, tie the napkin in a fun knot and place it on the plate.
• Place the water and wine glasses on the top right of the knife and spoons.

Formal Dinner Setting

Formal Table Setting

A formal table setting with dinner, salad and bread plates, flatware, wine and water glasses and a place card.

A formal setting will include everything in the basic and complete setting, but will also include everything needed for a multi-course meal. The linens and tableware should match and coordinate with one another and be perfectly lined up.

• Lay a tablecloth and use a charger or placement for each setting.
• Place a salad plate and a soup bowl on top of the dinner plate.
• Place a salad fork to the left of the dinner fork and a soup spoon to the right of the teaspoon.
• Above the plates, add a dessert spoon.
• Place the bread plate on the top left, a few inches above the fork. Lay a butter knife on top of the plate at an angle with the blade facing left.
• Place the water and wine glasses on the top right of the knife and spoons. If serving multiple wine options , remember to have appropriate glassware on hand. Slide a white wine glass beneath the red wine glass to form an elegant triangle of glassware for your guests to choose from.
• Place cards should go directly above the dessert spoon.
• Optional, but elegant, a personal salt and pepper shaker for each guest should be placed on each side of the place card.

For the full formal effect, decorate the table with candles , flowers or centerpieces .

More Entertaining Ideas

3 Simple Ways to Fold a Napkin for any Occasion

10 Festive and Easy Ways to Fold Napkins for the Holidays

10 Ways to Fold the Perfect Thanksgiving Napkin

35 Summer Dinner Party Ideas for People Who Don't Cook 36 Photos

How to Throw a Murder Mystery Game Dinner Party 15 Photos

Our 60 Fave Entertaining Ideas 61 Photos

3 Simple Ways to Fold a Napkin

How to Make a Vegetarian-Friendly Cheese + Crudite Tray

How to Create a Modern Halloween Tablescape

How to Make a Thanksgiving Dessert Charcuterie Board

The Best Serveware Essentials You Need for Entertaining

Easy-to-Make Easter Bunny Place Cards

Host a Fall Farm-to-Table Dinner Party

5 Summer Table Setting Ideas to Steal

How to Make Holiday Dinner Cleanup a Breeze

Mother's Day Kids' Craft: Fingerprint Table Runner

Go shopping.

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

The Best Gas Grills for Every Budget May 10, 2024

The Best Garage Fans to Keep You Cool This Season May 9, 2024

42 Cute Doormats You Need for Summer May 8, 2024

The Best Father's Day Gifts May 7, 2024

8 Best Stadium Chairs, Tested and Reviewed May 6, 2024

Wayfair's Biggest Annual Sale, Way Day, Is Back With Deals Up to 80% Off May 6, 2024

HGTV Fans Are Obsessed With These 20 Top-Selling Products From Amazon May 3, 2024

84 Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift Ideas You Can Still Get to Her in Time May 2, 2024

The Best Furniture to Buy on Amazon for Every Room May 1, 2024

The 10 Best Bookcases and Bookshelves on Amazon Apr 30, 2024

8 Best Tower Fans of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Apr 29, 2024

7 Best Duvet Covers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed May 1, 2024

Our Honest Review of the AeroGarden 2.0 Apr 26, 2024

6 Best Garden Carts of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Apr 26, 2024

The 10 Best Bug Zappers for Chemical-Free Pest Control Apr 23, 2024

The Best Beach Chairs on Amazon for Summer 2024 Apr 22, 2024

The 15 Best Mosquito Repellents on Amazon Apr 19, 2024

The Best Patio Chairs for Every Style and Budget Apr 21, 2024

The 7 Best Espresso Machines, Tested and Reviewed Apr 18, 2024

40+ Gifts for Teachers That Really Show Your Appreciation Apr 18, 2024

Mermaid + Blobcore = Jellyfish Aesthetic, and We’re Ready Apr 17, 2024

13 Wearable Mosquito Repellents That Aren't Smelly Aerosol Sprays Apr 26, 2024

8 Cool Catios for Every Feline, Style and Budget Apr 15, 2024

The Best Flower and Plant Services That Ship Quickly Apr 15, 2024

13 Best Adirondack Chairs for Every Style and Budget Apr 15, 2024

12 Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents Apr 15, 2024

The 7 Best Sewing Machines, Tested and Reviewed Apr 12, 2024

Our Honest Review of Caraway’s Best-Selling Cookware Set Apr 12, 2024

105 Best Patio Furniture Buys for Every Style and Budget Apr 12, 2024

20 Dining Room Rugs for Every Style, Size and Budget Apr 12, 2024

Bargain block, house hunters, get the hgtv today newsletter.

Subscribe now to get our latest decorating tips, household hacks and more delivered to your inbox daily.

By entering your email address, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy . HGTV and its affiliates may use your email address to provide updates, ads, and offers.

To withdraw your consent or learn more about your rights, see the Privacy Policy .

• HGTV Insider
• HGTV Shopping
• HGTV Makeovers
• HGTV This Week
• HGTV Gardens and Outdoors
• HGTV Daily Sweepstakes Reminder
• HGTV Inspiration
• HGTV Weekend Projects
• Sweepstakes Updates

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.

Related Pages

• 15 Designer Tips for Styling Your Coffee Table
• How Many Bags of Concrete for a Fence Post?
• Our Favorite Thanksgiving Table Decor Ideas and...
• Copy These Christmas Table Setting + Decorating...
• 50 Wedding Table Setting Ideas for Every Season
• Rustic + Refined: Set a Stunning Fall or Winter...
• 5 Easy Ideas for an Elegant Dinner Party
• How to Set Up a Christmas Tree
• How to Easily Set a Formal Dining Table

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Martha's Blog
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Entertaining
• Dinner Party Ideas

How to Set a Formal Dinner Table, According to Etiquette Experts

On the nights you host a dinner party treat your guests to a properly set table by following these tips.

• Importance of Formal Table Settings
• Tips for Formal Table Settings

Before the First Course

• Soup Course
• Salad Course
• Main Course
• Dessert Course

Philip Ficks

When it comes to entertaining, few things impress quite like a formal dinner table—especially when it's been properly set. More importantly, taking the time to set a formal table shows your guests how much you care. But between knowing what utensils go where, when certain plates should be cleared (or added) to the table, and how many glasses should be at each place setting, the correct formal table setting etiquette can get a little tricky. With the help of etiquette experts, we'll walk you through how to set a formal dinner table, from the first course all the way through to the dessert course.

• Jung Lee , event planner and founder of Fête
• Maryanne Parker, founder and executive director of Manor of Manners
• Jodi Smith, etiquette expert and founder of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting

Why It’s Important to Get Your Formal Settings Right

Even if you don't have a dinner party or special occasion that calls for setting a formal table, learning how to do it is a skill every host should know. What's more, it better educates you on being a guest at a formal dinner. "It's important for every adult to know the formalities of a proper place setting," says Jung Lee, event planner and founder of Fête. "For me, it's no different than knowing one's manners. And the structure of a proper table setting isn't a complicated math formula. It's logical; once you know it, it's hard to forget."

Tips for Setting a Formal Dinner Table

Before getting started, keep these helpful tips in mind when setting a formal dinner table.

Only Display Necessary Utensils

When setting the table prior to your meal, ensure you don't display more than 12 utensils at one time. "In modern-day etiquette, many people will feel intimidated and out of place," says Maryanne Parker, founder and executive director of Manor of Manners.

Use Place Cards

If you're hosting more than four guests, be sure to create seating in advance. " Place cards are a lovely touch , or the host may direct people to their seats," says Jodi Smith, etiquette expert and founder of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. And remember, if you're using place cards make sure you place them for your guests, but not for yourself.

Be Mindful of Napkin Placement

Although it may seem protocol, experts advise against setting a napkin underneath the forks. "It creates quite a bit of noise, and the occasional dropped fork as guests pull their napkins for use," says Smith. "The first thing people do when they sit down is reach for the napkin, and they have to disrupt the place setting to get to the napkin, which isn't gracious," says Lee.

Go through the entire meal from first to final course and think about what drinkware and servingware you'll need throughout the evening. For example, if there are going to be toasts, a champagne glass should be added and placed furthest to the right to enable guests to easily raise their glasses, says Smith.

When guests first take their seats, each place setting should be set with a charger plate, which will be removed once everyone spreads their napkin on their lap. Set knives and spoons to the right side of the charger with the blades facing in and set forks on the left side of the charger. The only fork that can be placed on the right side is the cocktail fork, which is usually inside the soup spoon, says Parker.

Place bread-and-butter plates above the forks, to the left of the place setting and don't remove them until the dessert course. Stemware is set above and to the right of the dinner plate. The water glass stands above the dinner knife, white wine to its right, and red wine top center.

Setting the Table for Soup

Soup is served in a heated soup dish, atop a dinner plate, and eaten with the soup spoon, which is placed at the outer right. When every guest has finished and laid their spoon across the upper right hand corner of the plate, the plate, bowl, and spoon will be removed.

When soup is served with a plate, the resting place for the spoon is in the bowl. The finished position is across the top of the plate, behind the bowl. When there is no plate, the resting and finished positions are in the bowl. Once a utensil has touched food, it is never to touch the tablecloth again.

Setting the Table for Salad

Salad is served on a midsize plate and eaten with the remaining fork, which has a broader end tine than other forks and can be used for cutting. After this course, the bread-and-butter plate, butter knife, and both wine glasses will be cleared, along with the salad plate and fork, leaving the table set for dessert.

Setting the Table for Fish

A midsize plate arrives bearing the fish course. Use the short, broad fork at outer left and the fish knife at outer right. When they have finished this course, or any other, guests should place their silverware diagonally across the plate—handles at 4:20 (think clock-face) and knife blade facing in.

Setting the Table for the Main Course

Course two has been cleared, leaving the table set for the main course. The large dinner plate may be brought in either bearing a portion of food or empty, if food is to be served at the table. In either case, the plate should be preheated unless the main course is served cold. Eat with the dinner fork and knife.

Setting the Table for Dessert

A small dessert plate arrives. Use the cake fork and the dessert spoon, which have been laid across the top of the setting before the meal began (note that the fork's tines are set facing right and the spoon's bowl facing left). The water glass is the only stemware still on the table. "While the other stemware is removed, a formal meal will often have a dessert wine or champagne toast as part of the final course," Smith says.

Related Articles

How to Set an Impeccable Dinner Table for Any Occasion

Houses & Parties' founder Rebecca Gardner dishes on how to set a memorable table.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Veranda editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

The date has been selected. The guests are invited. The menu is in the works. But how should you set the table?

Whether you envision a formal or a casual vibe for a night in your dining room or al fresco , we’ve gathered all you need to know to properly set your table, plus some inspiration to give it a fabulous sense of style with your silver and crystal . Where should the glasses go and which ones do you need? Where should you place the napkins? It all depends, but we’re here to be your guide with some advice from Rebecca Gardner, founder and creative director of Houses & Parties .

But first let’s start with why we should even care about setting the table. “You’re creating a little 24-inch-wide world for each guest offering beauty, surprise, and delight,” Gardner says. “Setting the table is the ultimate gift for friends old and new. It sets the tone for the next three hours.”

How to Set a Table

Before we get into a full-on formal table setting, let’s start with the most basic rule of table: “Outside in!,” Gardner sums it up in two words. Start with the utensils you plan to use first, and put them on the outermost sides of the place setting.

Salad forks go to the left of the dinner forks on the left side, soup spoons to the right of the knife (blades pointing in towards the plate!) on the right side. As the Emily Post Institute will tell you, you only need the utensils and dishes you plan to use—and nothing else. “These rules make sense and ease for guests,” Gardner says. “They’re not meant to intimidate.”

Juliska 5-Piece Berry & Thread Flatware Place Setting

How to Set a Casual Table

For casual meals at home and weeknight dinners with the family, keep it simple. You can place the napkin to the left of the plate and put all the utensils on top with this order from left to right: fork, knife, spoon.

Alternately, you can place the napkin on the left with just the fork on top of or to the left of it, and then the knife and spoon to the right of the plate in that order. A water glass goes above the knife or to the top right of it at a 45-degree angle. Placemats typically anchor casual place settings and help with cleanup.

Set of Four Nostell Dashes & Palm Stripe Reversible Placemats - Air Force Blue

How to Set a Formal or Semi-Formal Table

The same basic setup applies, but to take things up a notch you just add any extra pieces needed for the meal. Add a salad fork to the left of the dinner fork and a wineglass to the outside of the water glass. If you are serving dessert, place a dessert fork and/or spoon at the top of the plate, or you can bring them to the table when you serve the meal’s decadent finale.

A bread plate, if being used, goes above the forks, with a butter knife on top of it. Stack a salad plate on top of the dinner plate and a soup bowl on top of that if you are using them. Chargers under plates are optional, as are placemats, but add a more formal flair. At its most formal for a four- or five-course meal, you can add a fish fork to the outside left and fish knife to the outside right, plus an oyster fork on the far outside right.

Anthropologie Old Havana Bread Plates, Set of 4 By Anthropologie in Red Size S/4 canape

Styling Tips

Once you have the order figured out, it’s time for the fun part—which china and glassware to use. “I don’t think there are any rules that don’t have an exception,” Gardner says. “Think about the occasion and the comfort of your guests—go bonkers. Do make sure your linens are starched and make as much effort as you can.” Bring in unique or heirloom plates and colored glassware where you can to add personality.

You’ll also want to consider the middle of the table and how to dress it up with floral arrangements or candles as a centerpiece, or perhaps add greenery or a runner for the center of the table. (You'll want to make it extra special for Thanksgiving or Christmas , of course.)

Estelle Hand-Blown Colored Wine Glasses (Set of 6)

Don’t forget about the overhead lights either. “Flattering light is more important than extravagant flowers,” Gardner says. “Dim the overhead lights and use short votives and tall tapers that cast pools of flattering light at several levels. Everyone looks beautiful in moody light and everyone has more fun when they look beautiful.”

MODERN MURANO PORTABLE TABLE LAMP

What about place cards? Gardner says they are a must if you have gone to the effort of hosting this dinner and setting the table just right. They should be placed above the dinner plate and dessert fork and/or spoon, and if you are adding a salt and pepper shaker for each guest, put them on either side of the place card. “Your guests are most important, the reason for the effort,” she says. “Make sure they have entertaining neighbors.”

Last but certainly not least, “I always make sure that no matter how dressy the table, there is something a little silly or weird tucked into the grandeur,” Gardner says. “How about plastic toy insects perching on fat peony blossoms or a party cracker with irreverent parlor games? Give them something to talk about!” And THAT is how to create a memorable dinner party.

Designer Advice

Dorothy Draper Design School's 5 Best Tips

How to Decorate with Antique Textiles

Retro vs. Vintage: What's the Difference?

11 Nostalgic Kitchen Ideas Designers Still Love

5 Surprising Ways to Make Your Home Feel Happier

4 Upholstery Details That Cheapen Your Home

Upholstery That Can Make Your House Look Expensive

How to Develop Your Own Interior Design Style

Top 2024 Kitchen Trends, According to Designers

10 Paint Colors That Make Your House Look Cheap

The Best Wallpaper, According to Your Zodiac Sign

• Watch Full Seasons
• TV Schedule
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Restaurants
• Recipes on TV
• Food Network on Max
• Mother's Day Dishes
• Comfort Food

• Spring Baking Championship 8am | 7c
• Spring Baking Championship 9am | 8c
• Next Baking Master: Paris 10am | 9c
• Food Paradise 11:30am | 10:30c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 12:30pm | 11:30c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 1pm | 12c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 1:30pm | 12:30c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: Triple D Nation 2pm | 1c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 2:30pm | 1:30c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 3pm | 2c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 3:30pm | 2:30c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 4pm | 3c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 4:30pm | 3:30c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 5pm | 4c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 5:30pm | 4:30c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 6pm | 5c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 6:30pm | 5:30c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 7pm | 6c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 7:30pm | 6:30c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 8pm | 7c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 8:30pm | 7:30c
• On Tonight Best Bite In Town 9pm | 8c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 10pm | 9c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 10:30pm | 9:30c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 11pm | 10c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: Triple D Nation 11:30pm | 10:30c
• Best Bite In Town 12am | 11c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 1am | 12c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 1:30am | 12:30c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 2am | 1c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: Triple D Nation 2:30am | 1:30c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 3am | 2c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 3:30am | 2:30c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 4am | 3c
• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 4:30am | 3:30c

• Trending Eats

• Product Reviews
• Shop Everything

• Get Outside
• Smart Home 2024
• Throw It On the Grill
• All Sweepstakes + Contests

• Food Network Essentials

Cooking School

How to set a table.

Everything you need to know for holidays or everyday meals, according to an etiquette expert.

How to set a table

By Layla Khoury-Hanold for Food Network Kitchen

Layla Khoury-Hanold is a contributor at Food Network.

Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or formal holiday meal , table setting is about so much more than where to put the salad fork or bread plate. For more info on how to set a table for all sorts of events, we consulted Lizzie Post, great-great-granddaughter of etiquette expert Emily Post, co-president of The Emily Post Institute and co-author of Emily Post's Etiquette, The Centennial Edition .

Why Table Setting Is Important

How you set a table creates the tone for the meal and guides diner expectations. “For the diner, having a sense of awareness and knowing what to expect is really helpful,” Post says. “There’s a lot of clues within a table setting as to what might be coming. If you see a fish fork and a fish knife, good chance you’re having a fish dish! And that can be really reassuring to guests to have that familiarity and to not feel like every single moment at the table is going to be a surprise.”

Or, if the salad fork and knife are set closest to the plate, that indicates that you’ll be having salad after the main course rather than before it.

How to set a table etiquette guide

General Table Setting Rules and Etiquette

Forks are placed to the left of the plate, except for the oyster fork which is placed to the right of the place setting.

Knives are placed to the right of the plate, with the blades facing toward the plate.

Spoons are placed to the right of the knives.

Dessert utensils can be served with the course or set ahead of time above the place setting. Place the fork with the handle pointing to the left and the spoon stacked above the fork with the handle pointing to the right. Post notes that contemporary place settings also have the fork stacked above the spoon.

Napkins are to the left, folded into either a triangle or a rectangle, or pulled through a napkin ring. Sometimes the napkin is placed in the middle of the charger for more formal occasions. Forks should not be placed on top of napkins unless it’s a casual setting.

Plates are in the middle of the setting. Ensure that the bottoms of the utensils and plate are all level. If using a bread plate and butter knife, place the plate in the upper left corner, above the forks, and set the butter knife on the plate with the handle pointing to the right (toward the diner).

Glasses are in the upper right corner of the place setting. The water glass acts as the anchor and is placed closest to the right, closest to the setting, at about a 45-degree angle off the tip of the knife.

Other glasses , such as champagne flutes or coupes and wine glasses, can be clustered around the water glass, so that the first glasses used are set closest to the setting and the ones accompanying later courses placed toward the back of the group. Alternatively, they can be arranged in a line cascading down and to the right of the setting, with the first glass to be used at the end of the line and the final one closest to the water glass.

How to set a table for everyday

How to Set a Table for Everyday Meals: Step-By-Step

Use this template for everyday dinners or weekend breakfasts . Many families or restaurants will be even more casual, Post notes, placing all the utensils on top of the napkin, or by placing the fork on the napkin to the left of the plate and the knife to the right of the plate. If a spoon is needed, it might be next to the knife.

You’ll need: a placemat, a dinner plate, salad fork, entrée knife and fork, spoon, a napkin and a water glass or goblet.

Step one: Arrange the plate and placemat . Lay the placemat on the table. Put the dinner plate in the middle of the placemat.

Step two: Lay the utensils . Place the fork to the left of the plate and the knife to the right of the plate with its blade facing in. Make sure that the bottoms of the utensils and plate are all level.

Step three: Add a napkin . Lay the napkin to the left of the fork. (Alternatively, you can also put the fork on top of your napkin, if desired.)

Step four: Add glassware . Place the water glass above the knife or at a 45-degree angle to the right of the knife.

How to set a table for semi-formal meals and events

How to Set Table for Semi-Formal Meals and Events

Use this template for dinner parties and luncheons or three-course meals. Think of it as a step up from everyday settings, but not too stuffy for a Friday night with friends. Plates and bowls are typically brought out as courses are ready to be served.

You’ll need: a placemat, salad and appetizer forks and knives, entrée fork and knife, soup spoon (if using), bread plate and butter knife, dessert fork and spoon, water glass or goblet and wine glass.

Step one: Set the placemat . Lay the placemat on the table.

Step two: Arrange the forks . Place the salad and appetizer forks to the left side of the placemat. Place the entrée fork on the inside of the salad fork.

Step three: Add the knives and spoon . Place the salad and appetizer knife to the right, blade facing in. Place the soup spoon to the right of the knife.

Step four: Set the bread plate and bread knife . Put the bread plate in the upper left corner, above the forks, and place the butter knife on the butter plate with the blade facing in toward the diner.

Step five: Add the napkin . Lay the napkin to the left of the fork.

Step six: Arrange the dessert utensils . Place the dessert fork above the plate with the handle pointing to the left and put the dessert spoon above the fork with its handle facing to the right.

Step seven: Add glassware . Place the water glass above the knife or at a 45-degree angle to the right of the knife. Place the wine glass to the right of the water glass.

How to set a table for formal meals and events

How to Set a Table for Formal Meals and Holidays

Use this template for holidays and special occasions. Follow the informal dinner setting and build on it according to additional courses being served and add special touches.

You’ll need: a tablecloth and/or runner, placemat, salad and appetizer forks, salad and appetizer knives, entrée fork and knife, soup spoon (if using), bread plate and butter knife, dessert fork and spoon, water glass/goblet, wine glass(es) and charger.

Additional step one: Add oyster forks . If using oyster forks, remember that those go to the right of the place setting.

Additional step two: Arrange the glassware . Place wine glasses to the right of the water glass; the first glasses you’ll use should be closest to the setting, and the ones accompanying later courses placed toward the back of the group. Alternatively, you can arrange the glasses can be arranged in a line cascading down and to the right of the setting, with the first glass to be used at the end of the line and the last one closest to the water glass.

Additional step three: Lay the charger . Place a charger in the middle of the setting. It will stay there until just before the main course, at which time the charger and previous course’s plate will be cleared away to make room for the dinner plate.

Additional step four: Mind your centerpieces . If you include a floral centerpiece, be sure that it’s low (approximately 10 to 12 inches from the tabletop) so that it doesn’t block diners’ views of one another or impede conversation.

Everything You Need to Set a Table

While there are several common elements of table setting, you don’t have to use all of them at once to create a gorgeous environment for diners, Post says. “You can have a beautifully laid table for a formal meal without a tablecloth. Placemats aren’t necessarily just for kiddos; they can actually add a lot of color and help define a diner’s eating area,” she says. “There’s a lot of room even within the very common elements to engage or not engage with them.”

The main categories of table setting elements include:

Cutlery/Silverware

Forks : There are five types of forks: the entrée fork, which is the largest; salad fork; fish fork, which often has a little curve on one of the tines to help remove bones; and a dessert fork. Post notes that dessert, salad and fish forks can be used interchangeably. The fifth type of fork is an oyster fork, typically used for oysters, shrimp cocktail or mussels.

Knives : There are three types of knives: the entrée knife, or a serrated/steak knife if the entrée is tough to cut; salad knife, which are not as common in modern silverware sets; and a fish knife, which has a broad, flat curve to help lift the fish skin more easily, plus a curved point on the tip to help remove bones.

Spoons : Three types of spoons include teaspoon, demitasse spoon (which comes out with tea or coffee) and soup spoon. The teaspoon can also double as a dessert spoon as well as for tea or coffee.

Plates : The main types of plates are a bread plate, dessert plate, salad or appetizer plate, and the dinner plate. Chargers can be considered as a service plate and are used in formal place settings. “It stays on the setting through the start of the meal and up until the end of the course that is before the main course. When that course is finished, use the charger as almost a tray, pick that up and the course that’s sitting on top of it, and remove it,” Post says.

Bowls : Common types of bowls include a soup bowl, shallow bowl, pasta bowl and dessert bowl.

How to set a table with glassware

Different types of glassware include water glasses or goblets, wine glasses, champagne coupes or flutes, and teacups and saucers for after-dinner coffee or tea. Traditionally, highball or rocks glasses are part of cocktail hour and are not brought to the table for dinner. Shot glasses are not typically brought out, unless it fits the theme of the dinner, such as serving grappa or limoncello at the end of an Italian-style meal.

Linens include tablecloths, runners, placemats and napkins. The tablecloth goes over the entire table, while a runner goes down the middle of the table. Post notes that sometimes people opt to use both a tablecloth and a runner to layer colors and create depth. Placemats can be used with or without tablecloths; when layered over tablecloths, placemats can be an effective way to add a pop of color.

For any meals that are served family-style or in a communal setting, you’ll need serving vessels and utensils like platters and tongs. Make sure communal bowls or platters have dishes underneath to catch any drips. Other common serveware elements include salt and pepper shakers, butter plates, gravy boats and salad dressing containers.

Decorative Items

You can decorate your table with “everything from candlesticks to centerpieces to all kinds of table cheer. It might also include decorative place card holders or place cards,” Post says. Candles are especially effective at creating a warm ambiance, even if you don’t dine by candlelight alone.

Table Setting Tips and Tricks

The simpler the meal, the simpler the setting . “Your table setting is going to 100 percent be based on what you are serving for this meal,” Post says.

Keep it basic with BMW . Bread on the left, meal in the middle, water on your right.

Consider the rule of 3 . “Emily Post was one of the first people credited with suggesting that you not have more than 3 courses worth of utensils on the table at the same time,” Post says, though she adds that “that rule is bendable.” Additional utensils should be brought out with subsequent courses.

Remember FORK . This acronym can help you remember where to place specific elements: F for placing the fork on left side, O to put round plate in middle, R for moving to the right of the plate, is where we find K, the knives and spoons. The only exception is the oyster fork, which is placed to the right of the setting.

Work from the outside in . Utensils are placed in the order of use, from the outside in. As a diner, this rule helps you remember to use the outer utensils for the first courses; the ones closest to the plate will be for the last course.

Make OK signs with your hands. Touch the tips of your thumbs to the tips of your forefingers to make a lowercase "b" with your left hand, which is where bread and butter go, and a lowercase "d" with your right hand, which reminds you that drinks go on the right.

Add your personal style . “Lean into what inspires you, what you like,” Post says. Incorporate vintage silverware or family heirloom serveware items, experiment with flowers by sprinkling them along the table with votive candles instead of a traditional centerpiece, or play with different types of centerpieces, like assembling a collection of items united by a color in place. For example, Post’s mom collects bunny figurines, and every year at Easter, she sets out her collection of silver, porcelain and wood bunnies.

Don't force it . “It’s interesting to see what happens when you go too far outside the box,” Post says. “People get annoyed when they see the “creative” version of a table setting where someone has stacked a fork, knife, spoon in the dessert utensil area. When you break that familiarity, people are jarred by it.”

Related Links:

50 Quick and Easy Holiday Recipes Everyone Will Love

Our Best Dinner Party Recipes

37 Impressive-Yet-Foolproof Dinner Party Mains

How to Make Overnight Oats

How to Cut a Brisket: Your Step-By-Step Guide

What Is Schnitzel?

How to Shuck Oysters

How Long to Bake Pork Chops

How to Make a Meringue

Can You Freeze Cream Cheese?

How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet

Why You Need to Store Your Onions and Potatoes Separately

How to Use a French Press

Our newsletter.

Sign up for the Food Network Shopping Newsletter

By entering your email address, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy . Food Network and its affiliates may use your email address to provide updates, ads, and offers.

To withdraw your consent or learn more about your rights, see the Privacy Policy .

What's New

7 Best Can Openers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed May 10, 2024

The Best Bakeware You Can Buy on Amazon Right Now May 8, 2024

We Tested All the Ninja Creami Machines to Find the Best One May 8, 2024

7 Best Ready-to-Drink Protein Shakes, According to a Dietitian May 8, 2024

4 Best Balloon Whisks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed May 7, 2024

3 Best Kitchen Towels of 2024, Tested and Reviewed May 6, 2024

The Best Fire Pits Under $500 May 2, 2024

35 Essential Jewish-Authored Cookbooks May 3, 2024

The Best Microwaves on Amazon, According to Shoppers May 10, 2024

20 Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gifts for Food Lovers Apr 30, 2024

Our Honest Review of ThermoWorks' ThermoPop 2 Thermometer Apr 26, 2024

5 Best Pizza Ovens of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Apr 30, 2024

54 Asian American and Pacific Islander Food Brands You Need in Your Kitchen May 10, 2024

15 Top-Rated Cookware Pieces on Amazon to Buy Now Apr 23, 2024

8 Best New Cookbooks to Gift This Mother’s Day Apr 23, 2024

5 Best Pasta Pots of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Apr 25, 2024

The Best Gift Ideas for Food-Loving College Graduates Apr 19, 2024

Our Honest Review of Caraway's Stainless Steel Cookware Set Apr 19, 2024

8 Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Cookware Brands to Know Apr 19, 2024

The 10 Best Water Bottles You Can Buy on Amazon Right Now Apr 17, 2024

7 Best Camping Mess Kits of 2024, According to Experts Apr 22, 2024

7 Best Camping Stoves of 2024, According to Experts Apr 22, 2024

20 Best Gifts for Tea Lovers Apr 17, 2024

20 Small Kitchen Appliances on Amazon That Shoppers Swear By Apr 12, 2024

9 Best Spatulas of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Apr 18, 2024

21 Graduation Gift Ideas for the Class of 2024 Apr 17, 2024

10 Best Smokers of 2024, According to Experts Apr 16, 2024

Toast to Spring with Le Creuset's Newest Collection and Colorway Apr 5, 2024

7 Best Travel Mugs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Apr 7, 2024

28 Best Gift Ideas for Teachers Apr 16, 2024

Related pages.

• Colorful Holiday Table Setting Ideas
• The Best Italian Restaurants in New York City
• How to Make Candied Yams
• How to Fold French Napkins
• 4 Best Foods to Take to the Beach or Park
• How to Cook Frozen Food in Your Instant Pot
• Food Network Gift Ideas
• Clam Dip Recipe
• Moro de Guandules Recipe

© 2024 All rights reserved.

How to Set a Table: A Host’s Guide to Basic, Casual, and Formal Settings

All your burning questions, answered.

When it comes to hosting a gathering , a few things are non-negotiable. Your favorite people, good conversation , and a menu everyone will remember . But every meal is an opportunity to set the table with intention—even a casual Tuesday night dinner. When we sit down to eat with friends or family, we’re nourishing many different parts of ourselves. We’re satiating our hunger, satisfying our desire for connection, and allowing all of our different senses to be soothed at once.

As one of my favorite writers, M.F.K. Fisher so elegantly said, “Sharing food with another human being is an intimate act that should not be indulged in lightly.”

But we understand too, that when it comes to knowing how to set a table, all the many different etiquette rules and occasions can send your head spinning. And yes, all manner of questions abound. I’m throwing a casual dinner party—how do I fold the napkins? Is there any way I can make my everyday dinners with toddlers feel a little more elegant? Where the heck do I put the salad fork?

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

• Why It's Important to Set the Table

How to Set a Table: 3 Table Settings for all Occasions

Basic table setting, casual table setting, formal table setting.

Soup spoons versus dessert spoons and white wine glasses versus red. Your hand goes to place the drinkware with trepidation… Now, is it to the right of the water glass or the left? We’ve been there more times than we can count, and while there are plenty of “rules” to remember, we can appreciate the guidance. Because when it comes to setting the table in style, what’s the point of having beautiful pieces if you can’t let them shine in all their glory?

That’s the fun—and perhaps the beauty—of etiquette. While some may be quick to write it off as antiquated or irrelevant, we like to lean on convention for guidance and inspiration. But, of course, we’re always ones to bend the rules a bit to create space for our creativity. Setting the table is an exercise in balance, after all.

Why It’s Important to Set the Table

Setting the table is akin to getting dressed even when you work from home. It brings intentionality into your day, helping you transition from one moment to inhabiting the energy of the next. And to be clear, the table doesn’t have to match the meal. We love up-leveling the impact of a meal-prepped dinner or leftovers with a freshly-picked bouquet from the farmer’s market or breaking out your best china when friends come over for a meal.

That’s part of making every day a celebration: understanding that when we direct our energy to what’s important, the residual magic is more impactful than we could at first believe.

If you’re ready to learn how to set the table for everyday dinners, casual gatherings, and formal affairs alike, keep reading—this guide has you covered.

Our weeknight evening meals can often take place in a frenzy. If you’re the parents of littles, then you know that the shuffle from school to sports to pick-up can be a lot . And getting dinner on the table is a feat in and of itself. This is not the time to go over the top (if you even have the energy to consider doing so… ). Instead, we’re keeping things simple and streamlined. For a basic table setting, all you’ll need is a placemat, flatware, a dinner plate, drinking glass, and a napkin.

If you want to—and have the time to—make this meal a little more special, pop a seasonal bundle of flowers in your cart when you do your dinner shopping. Even just a single stem in a bud vase surrounded by a few tea lights can go a long way.

Basic Table Setting Instructions

Just because we’re keeping things basic doesn’t mean you can’t infuse a little personality into your set-up. We love incorporating accents of color here and there with whatever is in our linen drawer. This is not the time to stress over matching sets.

• Cover the table as you see fit. Placemats keep things clean and easy, especially if you’re dining with littles. However, we also love the look of a breezy cotton or linen tablecloth draped over the table. A machine-washable cotton or linen tablecloth means you can throw it in the laundry right after dinner.
• Set your dinner plate in the middle of the table setting or placemat. No charger needed.
• Lay the napkin to the left of your dinner plate. When it comes to a basic table setting, you can either go with this option or place the napkin on top of the dinner plate for a little elegant flair. Bonus points if you incorporate an accent color that’ll pop off your dinner plate.
• Set your flatware. Place the fork to the left of your dinner plate (on your napkin), the knife to the right of your dinner plate, and the spoon to the right of your knife.
• Set the water glass. Your glass goes in the top right corner of your setting, above the knife.

Casa Zuma Tropical Woven Placemat, Set of 4

When it comes to a basic table setting, keep your dining components minimal. Let your style shine with this earthy, everyday placemat that will feel right at home on your kitchen island or table.

Tropical Woven Placemat, Set of 4, $52

Casa Zuma Recycled Glass Tumbler, Set of 4

Adding the tiniest pop of texture to your everyday setting lends a little casual elegance to your table. Mix and match a set of these drinking glasses with their shorter wine glass pairings for varied height and the perfect vessel if you want to break out the rosé on a Thursday.

Recycled Glass Tumbler, Set of 4, $64

Casual gatherings are centered around intimacy. Versus a more formal affair, you’re likely to have fewer guests—and more often than not, diners who are well-acquainted with one another. Even if that isn’t the case, a casual setting allows you to experiment and explore your own creativity when it comes to the table, adding detail where inspiration calls. Whether it be a custom printed menu, a DIY floral arrangement , or a creative napkin display, know that just because you’re going laid-back doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun.

With the exception of a few added layers and flourishes, the casual table setting closely mimics the basic setup. However, you may be serving multiple courses during this meal. In that case, you’ll want to incorporate a soup bowl and a salad plate into your setting. As a rule of thumb, only set out the dishes, flatware, and glasses that your menu calls for. There’s no need to go above and beyond (worse comes to worst, it’ll just confuse your guests!).

As for the charger (the decorative plate serving as the base of your dinnerware), you can either opt in or out for a casual place setting. The charger is generally reserved for more formal tables, but if you’d like to accent your plating with one, go ahead. Just be sure to use more laid-back materials, such as rattan or wood.

Casual Table Setting Instructions

• Set a linen tablecloth or placemats. In the case of a casual table setting, we prefer a linen tablecloth. But it’s all up to your own design preferences—elegant placemats can work just as well.
• Lay a dinner plate in the middle of each setting. Next, layer on a salad plate. If you’re serving a soup course, set the soup bowl on top.
• Get creative with your napkins and flatware. The general rules of a basic table setting apply here—go to the left of or on top of your dinner plate with the napkin and your flatware follows suit. However, if you want to change things up and get creative, we love napkins on top of your plates and bundling flatware in drinking glasses. A natural flourish like an herb spring or seasonal flower is a nice accent on top of your napkin.
• Place your water and wine glass. The water glass is in the top right corner of your setting, with your wine glass placed beside and a little up of it. If you’re serving red and white, use both glasses. If not, use just whatever you’re serving.

Casa Zuma Linen Table Throw

An easy-breezy fabric like linen keeps your table casually cool. There’s nothing fussy about it, but the look is fully elevated and design-forward. Let the wabi-sabi, perfectly imperfect feel guide your way.

Linen Table Throw, $80

Sabre Teak Flatware

The teak handles add texture and bring interest to your table, while the casual, earthy aesthetic plays perfectly the laid-back vibes.

Sabre Teak Flatware, $76

When it comes to setting a formal table, remember: formal does not equate to stuffy. While it might be the most nerve-wracking of the occasions presented here—formal gatherings often mean a multi-course meal, accompanied by different wine pairings—you’re more than welcome to add a little flair to your table. You may be tempted to opt for matching elements, but we encourage whimsy and bringing an eclectic feel to the setting. This can be achieved through vintage pieces, mismatching wares, and thrifted designs you’ve collected over the years. Just because it’s a formal affair doesn’t mean you can’t weave interest and originality into your table.

Formal Table Setting Instructions

• Opt for a tablecloth. The formal table setting is all about setting a strong, design-forward foundation for the elements to come. A single-toned tablecloth creates a clean landscape for the other components you’ll use to build your tablescape. And to be clear: there’s no need for a perfectly-starched tablecloth. We love the look of little natural texture brings to the table.
• Start with your centerpiece. If you’re using a longer table, go low and long with your centerpiece. Incorporate seasonal fruits, flowers, and herbs to bring color and interest to the table. We love adding a few tea lights for ambiance. The cardinal rule of centerpieces? Be sure guests can see over it and can speak to diners across the table comfortably.
• Lay a charger at every seating. A charger adds layered interest to the table design and creates a natural center point for the multiple plates and bowls a formal setting requires.
• Layer your plates. While you can certainly lay your bread and butter and salad plates to the left of the dinner plate, a formal gathering will likely mean more guests. If that’s the case, and if you want to create added dimension with height, layer your plates in the following order: the dinner plate, followed by the salad plate, the soup bowl (if serving a soup course), and then the bread plate on top.
• Lay a napkin to the left of the charger. To spread your setting horizontally, begin building it outwards by placing the napkin to the left of your dinner plate and charger.
• Add your flatware. Your dinner fork will go to the left of your plate, followed by the salad fork. To the right of your plate, place your knife, with the spoon on the outside. Lay your dessert spoon horizontally above the plates.
• Incorporate place cards. Place cards are a great way to use more of your creative flair. Opt for any seasonal or evergreen design you’d like or keep it simple by folding a small square of card stock in half and writing the guest’s name in legible script, placing it facing their chair. This is not only a great way for guests to find their seats, but to learn the names of those sitting around them.
• Finish off with drinkware. The same rules apply as with the casual table setting. Place the water glass above the dinner knife, with the white wine glass to its right and the red wine glass above, forming a triangle.

Casa Zuma Canyon Dinner Plate

Oversized stoneware plates add an understated elegance to a formal table. Inspired by Malibu’s rocky canyons, these plates come in three different colors to evoke the stunning complexity of Southern California’s natural wonders.

Canyon Dinner Plate, $38

Casa Zuma Oversized Linen Napkin, Set of 2

Woven of heavyweight linen, these napkins are as stunning as they are functional. Place a simple herb or floral sprig atop your napkin for an organic nod to the natural world.

Oversized Linen Napkin, Set of 2, $40

More Like This:

When I’m Hosting a Dinner Party, These Are the Recipes I Always Return To

Get ready for rave reviews.

250 Best “Never Have I Ever” Questions to Heat Up Game Night

Time to dig deep.

A Laid-Back Mother’s Day Brunch—3 Simple, Make-Ahead Recipes for Celebrating

Plus a stunningly simple tablescape.

“Good Company and Good Food”—The Couple Behind Scratch Restaurants Hosts a Backyard Dinner Party at Home

And can we talk about that steak?

How to set a dinner table no matter how formal the occasion

• Table settings will vary depending on the type of event and the food being served.
• Set up silverware and glassware so guests can work from the outside in and top to bottom.
• A floral centerpiece is a perfect way to complete any tablescape.

On the days you're not bringing your dinner to the couch, you may want to set your table to enjoy a meal with company. Whether you're entertaining friends casually, hosting a holiday party, or preparing a more formal dinner, there are rules to consider for the proper table setting.

"It's important to set a table properly so that you can create the best dining experience for, not only yourself, but also your guests," etiquette expert Elaine Swann says. This creates a welcoming environment so everyone feels comfortable and excited to enjoy their meal.

Not all table settings are good for every scenario, though, so if you're inviting people over for a meal in the near future, read on for Swann's professional tips on how to set a table for any scenario.

Basic table setting

"Your basic table setting is used for everyday living," Swann says. This includes daily meals, simple dining solo or with friends or immediate family, or other laid-back scenarios. In other words, the basic table is the low-maintenance setting you choose when you don't have to "impress" anyone or you're not celebrating a special event. Here's what you'll need to do:

Start with placemats. Since you typically won't use a tablecloth with a basic table setting, placemats are a must to protect your table, unless it's not a material that can easily be scratched like marble.

Gather the necessary dishes, glasses, and silverware. For the basic setting, you'll need a dinner plate, dinner fork, dinner knife, and water glass.

Arrange each item appropriately. In the center of the placemat, set up your dinner plate. Fold your napkin and place it directly to the left of the plate with the dinner fork on top. Place your dinner knife to the right of the plate (sharp edge facing toward the plate). Finally, place the water glass above the plate slightly to the right.

Casual or informal table setting

Holiday parties, baby showers, birthday brunches, or other celebratory festivities at home where guests are involved, Swann notes, will typically require a casual setting that's beautiful yet not intimidatingly so. For a casual table, you'll need to:

Choose a tablecloth and/or placemats. Though a tablecloth is not necessary for the casual table setting, it can certainly elevate a tablescape in a slightly fancier setting.

Gather the necessary dishes, glasses, and silverware. For the casual setting, you'll need dinner and salad plates, soup bowl, napkin, dinner fork, dinner knife, soup spoon, water glass, and wine glass.

Arrange each item appropriately. In the center of the placemat, set up your dinner plate with the salad plate on top and soup bowl on top of that. Fold your napkin and place it directly to the left of the dinner plate with the dinner fork on top.

Place your dinner knife to the right of the plate (sharp edge facing toward the plate) and your soup spoon directly to the right of the knife. Finally, place the water glass above the plate slightly to the right and the wine glass slightly to its right, slightly above it.

Dinner party or formal table setting

Whether you're hosting a fancy dinner party, setting up for an important business meal, or getting ready for a wedding, a proper formal table setting will go a long way to impress guests. To set the perfect formal table, you'll need to:

Choose a tablecloth and/or placemats. A tablecloth is a non-negotiable part of the formal dinner setting. Placemats can also be added if they fit your aesthetic, but they are not a necessity.

Gather the necessary dishes, glasses, and silverware. For the formal setting, you'll need a charger (a large, flat platter dish used to catch any food that falls during the previous courses — and/or as a plate for the main course), salad and bread plates, soup bowl, cloth napkin, salad and dinner forks, dinner and butter knives, soup and dessert spoons, water glass, and both red and white wine glasses.

Arrange each item appropriately. In the center of the placemat, set up your charger with the salad plate on top and soup bowl on top of that. Fold your napkin and place it directly to the left of the dinner plate with the dinner fork atop it, closest to the charger, and the salad fork to its left.

Place your dinner knife to the right of the plate (sharp edge facing toward the plate) and your soup spoon directly to the right of the knife. Just above the charger, the dessert spoon should rest horizontally with the handle toward the right.

The bread plate should go above the forks and napkin with the butter knife laid horizontally across the center of it (sharp edge facing down and handle side on the right). Finally, place the water glass above the dinner knife, the red wine glass to its right, slightly above it, and the white wine glass below it in between both.

Tips and tricks for table setting

Before getting intimidated, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you set your table, particularly as you start to inch toward more formal setups.

• Work from the outside, in and top to bottom. When using utensils, glasses, bowls, and plates for various courses, work from the outside, in and top to bottom.
• Remember BMW. B read, M eal, W ater/ W ine, that is. Your bread plate and fork should go on the left, your meal in the middle, and your beverages on the right.
• Never forget the salt and pepper. No matter the table setting, you should always have salt and pepper on the table. Your salt shaker (the one with more holes) should be placed to the right of the pepper shaker at the center of the table in between any two opposite place settings.
• Chargers are not just decorative. In the formal table setting, Swann notes that chargers can be used as the dinner plate and should be removed before dessert. If the chargers are only intended to be used for decorative purposes, a dinner plate should be set on top of it, below the salad plate.
• Always use a tablecloth for formal table settings. Tablecloths for basic and casual settings are optional but they should always come first with a formal table setting.
• Floral centerpieces are a classic, elegant choice. This can work for any of the table settings, from basic to formal, and do not have to break the bank. Flowers from your local grocery store will do. Votive candles are another budget-friendly centerpiece addition, too.
• Coordinate your decor. Tablecloth, placemats, napkins, and centerpieces will be the focal point of your tablescape. Be sure they all work together without clashing.
• Place cards can bring it up a notch. Especially in formal settings, name place cards are a touch of personalization that can really act as the icing on the cake.

Insider's takeaway

Once you know what you're doing, party planning and table setting becomes a bit less stressful. Remember some of the simple tips above, save our table setting graphics for reference, and have fun. Your guests will feel welcome no matter the setup, so don't be afraid to mix it up a bit and add your own personalized touches, like place cards or fun napkin rings (to place the napkins on the plates as decor).

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Main content

Our range of over 180 online courses are fully accredited, trusted by more than 3 million learners and ideal for training you and your team.

• Food Hygiene
• Health and Safety
• Safeguarding
• Asbestos Awareness
• Fire Safety
• Mental Health
• Health and Social Care
• Business Essentials
• Team training

Welcome to the Hub, the company blog from High Speed Training.

Select a topic to find the most up to date, practical information and resources produced by our experts to support you in your professional life.

• Health & Safety

How to Set a Table: Basic, Casual and Formal Dining

Coming together at dinnertime can be a great family affair, and most people will be familiar with setting out knives and forks for their daily evening meal. But what about those times when we want to make dinner more of an event, celebrating being with our loved ones, especially during times like these?

Are you confident in table setting rules and etiquette? Do you know the difference between a salad fork and a dessert fork? Or which glass is used for which drink, and where they should be placed on the table? 

Our guide for how to set a table will show you the best ways to lay your table for different situations. Below we will outline some general rules for cutlery placement and look at specifics for the different types of table setting – basic, casual and formal. Enjoy our videos that will show you just how to set your table just right .

What are the Different Types of Table Setting?

As we mentioned earlier, there are general table setting rules and etiquette which can be applied to all types of tables and place settings. In addition to these, there are further requirements for more casual or more formal tables. 

It is important to set a table differently according to the type of event you’re hosting – you don’t want to confuse your guests by giving them too many options! Also, your table set up will be different depending on what kind of event you are hosting. Casual will be more relaxed compared to formal dining tables. Ultimately it is up to you to decide how you want it to look and feel. We will outline three different types of table settings below: basic, casual and formal. 

How to Set a Basic Table 

The basic table setting comprises the implements you would need for an everyday meal. You would use a basic table setting for a daily dinner, or perhaps a special brunch. 

To set your basic table, you will need a charger plate, a knife and fork, a water glass and a napkin. You can set your basic table setting up following the general rules above – there are no hidden extras here! 

Often with a basic table setting there is no dessert cutlery given as it is not expected that you would serve dessert. There also does not need to be a wine glass if you are not drinking wine – but a fancy brunch setting may well come with a champagne flute for bucks fizz! 

How to Set a Casual Table

The casual table setting is becoming increasingly popular at big events – such as at weddings – and dinner parties at home. It gives a special touch without feeling too stuffy or constrained. 

To set your casual table you will need a knife and fork for both the starter and the main course – or a soup spoon if this is the starter. You will also need a spoon and dessert fork, placed horizontally above the plate. Glassware will depend on what you are serving, but generally there would be a water glass and a wine glass placed above the knives in the top right. Napkins can be placed in the centre of the setting, or to the left. 

Casual table settings are a great place to play around with different looks. You might need to have a water glass, a wine glass and a champagne flute for each person, but you could mix up the styles and colours to make it unique to you. Charger plates are also a great way to get creative, you don’t have to use a plate, you could use a placemat, mirrored glass, or a piece of shaped wood if you are going for a rustic look.

How to Set a Formal Table

You often see the formal table setting used in traditional fine dining restaurants. Although a more modern trend is to remove plates and cutlery between courses and bring fresh utensils for each course served. At home, the formal style is most commonly used where there are more than three courses involved, or where the type of food served is more intricate. 

The main difference with the formal table is the variety of different foods which then require different implements, different plates and different glassware to accompany them. Often formal dining also uses a tablecloth, but this is optional and again more frequently reserved for traditional establishments.

To set your formal table, start with your menu and identify what your guests will need. Are you serving soup? You will need a soup spoon, and likely a bread plate too. Once you have identified what you need to set out you can follow the general rules as above. Remember forks go on the left, knives on the right, and the soup spoon will go on the right with the knives. If you are setting a bread plate out, this goes in the top left corner of the setting. Remember to point your knife diagonally down, so that it is not seen as threatening to any of your guests! Your dessert spoon and dessert fork will go above the plate, fork handle to the left, spoon handle to the right. 

When it comes to glassware for the formal setting you will have a water glass – usually the biggest glass on the table – a small wine glass for white wine and a larger, rounded wine glass for red wine. You may also decide to set out a cup and saucer for after dinner coffee, this would go underneath the glassware, to the right of the knives. 

Even though formal settings are a little more traditional, you can still make them unique and work them into the overall look for your table. Consider using napkin rings, or decorate individual place cards to wow your guests.

How to Set a Table Video

Our ‘How to Set a Table’ video demonstrates how you can set a basic, casual or formal table. Whether you’re looking for ways to brighten up family mealtimes, or brushing up on your professional knowledge, our video guide is easy to follow.

What are the Table Setting Rules?

No matter what table you are setting, whether it’s for two courses or eight courses, there are certain rules to always follow. Each guest has a setting and this is in front of their seat at the table. Their table setting should have everything they need to enjoy their meal. 

Some general guidance on how to set a table are as follows:

• Cutlery is set in the order of use , working outside-in. Outer utensils are for the first courses with the innermost set reserved for the main course. 
• Forks always go on the left of the setting. The only exception is an oyster fork, which is sometimes used in a formal table setting and would be placed on the right, alongside the knives. 
• Knives always go to the right of the setting. The exception to this is if you have a bread plate.This is placed to the top left of the setting, with the butter knife on top of the plate. 
• Glassware is set above the knives. There are different glasses for different drinks but they are all grouped together in the top right corner of the setting. 
• If serving dessert, the dessert spoon and fork should be placed above the plate. The spoon handle should be on the right, while the fork handle should present to the left. This is so that the right hand can easily pick up the spoon, and the left hand uses the fork. 
• Napkins can be placed either to the left of the forks, or underneath the forks. If space is limited on your table, you can also place the napkin in the middle of the setting, or on top of the charger plate. 
• Use a charger plate. This is placed in the centre of the setting upon which other plates are set and it has multiple functions. It serves as decoration and adds to the aesthetics of the table. It ensures your guests’ setting is never empty during the dinner, and crucially it is a tool useful for hot plates where guests can adjust the charger plate without risking burning their fingers on a hot plate. The charger plate doesn’t have to always be a plate, it can be a traditional placemat, or something more contemporary, for example a piece of slate, or wood. 

Each implement on the table has a function – whether that’s glassware, cutlery or crockery. It is unlikely that you would set a table without knowing what you are serving to your guests, so take the time to plan your table as thoroughly as your menu. You may find it helpful to write out your menu and go through what cutlery and crockery you will need for each course.

For example, if you are serving soup, you need to set a soup spoon down. If you are serving a light meal with seafood, chances are you won’t be drinking red wine, and so you won’t require the large red wine glasses. Remember, you should only have on the table the things your guests will need. 

We hope our article has given you plenty of table setting ideas, and the videos have helped you with how to set a basic, casual, and formal table in your home.

Further Resources: 

• Online Food Hygiene Courses
• What is the Temperature Danger Zone? Free Food Safety Chart
• Washing Food: How & Why Should We Do It?
• Personal Hygiene Tips for Food Service Staff

Post Author

Her favourite article is How To Start A Café Business

By Audience

• Therapist Toolbox
• Teacher Toolbox
• Parent Toolbox
• Explore All

By Category

• Organization
• Impulse Control
• When Executive Function Skills Impair Handwriting
• Executive Functioning in School
• Executive Functioning Skills- Teach Planning and Prioritization
• Adults With Executive Function Disorder
• How to Teach Foresight
• Bilateral Coordination
• Hand Strengthening Activities
• What is Finger Isolation?
• Occupational Therapy at Home
• Fine Motor Skills Needed at School
• What are Fine Motor Skills
• Fine Motor Activities to Improve Open Thumb Web Space
• Indoor Toddler Activities
• Outdoor Play
• Self-Dressing
• Best Shoe Tying Tips
• Potty Training
• Cooking With Kids
• Scissor Skills
• Line Awareness
• Spatial Awareness
• Size Awareness
• Pencil Control
• Pencil Grasp
• Letter Formation
• Proprioception
• How to Create a Sensory Diet
• Visual Perception
• Eye-Hand Coordination
• How Vision Problems Affect Learning
• Vision Activities for Kids
• What is Visual Attention?
• Activities to Improve Smooth Visual Pursuits
• What is Visual Scanning
• Classroom Accommodations for Visual Impairments

Visual Noise and Learning

• Free Resources
• Members Club
• Free Resources , Functional Skills

How to set a table

Colleen beck otr/l.

• by Colleen Beck OTR/L
• January 4, 2022

Here, we’re covering the life skill of setting a table. When we teach a child how to set the table, the chore itself is one that kids can do on a daily basis. So, if you are looking for an executive functioning skill task that breaks down into steps, AND is helpful, setting the table is a great one!

Table setting as a life skill

Before discussing the “how” to set a table, we need to learn the “why.”  Why do we need to teach kids to set a table?  Life skills are important .  If a child does not have intellectual intelligence but has life skills, they can succeed. Of course there are manners, etiquette, and grace involved in setting a correct table placement, however, learning the basics of what needs to be on the table is most important.

In order to be ready to serve the Queen, one needs to know in which order the spoons and forks are placed (there might be seven or eight pieces), where all of the plates go, which side each type of glass goes on, and where the condiments are placed.  When visiting a five star restaurant, cruising, or eating an elegant dinner, you will encounter this type of place setting.  Serving and eating this way is a great lesson in etiquette to be familiar with.  You never know when you might be invited to dine with the Queen or eat at the Ritz!

In a typical family’s home, setting the table likely involves a child’s chore to set the utensils, plates, bowls, and drinking glasses. Setting a table as a chore is a great way to get kids involved in the family unit to help with dinner preparations.

As an adult you probably do this daily without thinking about it.  You know the basic pieces you need in order to have a meal; glasses, plates, silverware, condiments, and napkins.  Often extra pieces are added such as placemats, bread plates, dessert silverware, and serving dishes.

For a child, the command “set the table” may be daunting and confusing, before a regular schedule is established.  Adults often forget how challenging a new task can be, and become easily frustrated at having to give eighteen reminders during this one task. 

As a result, children become overwhelmed and shut down.  Shut down looks like standing and staring, not doing anything, or refusing to perform the task.  Of course it is easier for the adult to just do the task for the child, however, eventually you will want this child to leave the home or be able to survive outside of its’ walls.

Setting a Table: An Executive Function Task

Setting a table involves organization, working memory, visualization, sequencing, and task chunking.

• Organization: knowing which pieces need to come first, second, third.
• Working memory: remembering what parts are needed as the task is happening
• Visualization: being able to make a mental picture of the meal being prepared in order to get all of the correct pieces
• Sequencing: being able to bring out pieces in the correct order (placemat before plates)
• Task chunking: breaking the task down into chunks such as collecting all the silverware at once

The above skills are part of executive function, built in the prefrontal cortex, necessary for success.  Without using executive function; disorganization, inability to complete a task, procrastination, inattention to details, and increased time to finish the task can happen.  

Check out this article and FREE executive functioning skills course: Strategies to Help Combat Executive Function Disorder  

Executive Functioning Skills Course

Because the prefrontal cortex does not fully develop until the 20’s or 30’s, most children are going to need some assistance and modifications to complete basic tasks.

How to teach kids to set a table

There are different learning styles: visual, auditory, kinesthetic (learning by doing), and repetition.  Everyone learns differently. Visual picture cards are an excellent way to teach children any skill. 

Table Setting Worksheet

In the resource below, you can download a step-by-step executive function worksheet designed to teach kids to set a table as a chore and life skill task.

The printbale resource also includes table setting visual cards. These Check out the picture cards on OT Tool Box for helping kids set a table.

These picture cards serve as a visual reminder and framework for a task such as setting a table. They can be laminated, colored, and/or Velcro can be added to the cards so they can be moved and placed as needed.

The table setting worksheet resource includes three parts:

• A task breakdown worksheet to break down the steps of setting a table
• Visual cue cards to help kids with the schedule and parts of setting a table.
• A visual schedule where the table setting task cards can be attached, to support with transition and routine building

Have your child look at the picture cards provided and decide what items are needed for their table setting.  Once this is decided, have them put the cards in order of what needs to be done first. 

There is some variability in setting a table correctly, however some items will need to come before others.  Here is an example of an order of operations for picture cards:

• Large plate, small plate
• Silverware – spoon, fork, knife,

Think about what variables work for your family or each particular student. Not everyone uses a placemat, has a bread plate, serves the food family style in dishes on the table, uses dessert silverware, or puts condiments on the table. 

Some children just need a visual reminder of what to include on the table.  Other children will need a visual picture of what the table should look like when completed.  They need to be able to copy a diagram.

This also can be colored, laminated, or customized to make an exact replica of the type of silverware and place settings a family uses.

The third type of lesson involves breaking down the task into chunks on a goal ladder .

A “setting the table” chore/goal ladder may look like this:

• Top of Ladder: Dinner time
• Rungs: set the table, fill water glasses, put food on table, eat

Table setting chore for kids

Once this task has been mastered in all of the broken down pieces, it can be added to the overall chore list.  

Chores are an excellent way to teach:

• responsibility
• task sequencing
• organization
• life skills
• time management
• independence
• overall executive function

In addition to teaching the above skills, chores are excellent for heavy work in order to organize the sensory system and arousal level.  Heavy work activates the proprioceptive system, which provides calming and organizing for the body. There is a reason the military has their staff do chores, exercise, and heavy work as a daily regimen.  It not only builds necessary life skills, but provides organization and focus of the sensory system.

To learn more about heavy work, check this out:

Heavy Work Activities

Daily visual schedule for setting a table and other chores

Check out this article by Colleen Beck of the OT Toolbox for more information on visual schedules:

Visual Schedules

Life skills: setting a table

Life skills build independence, responsibility, manners, and self-reliance. Teaching or learning a skill, such as setting a table, is not as easy as it might seem.  It involves breaking the task down into chunks or rungs on a ladder, adding visual picture cards as reminders for all the working pieces, sequencing the activity into the correct order, and finally adding it to the daily chore schedule. Activities will need to be graded (made easier or more difficult) depending on the needs of your learner, their skill level, and task mastery.

Use this system to teach any and all life skills tasks!  Dressing, bathing, laundry, cleaning, putting toys away, organizing, or any other task can be taught using picture cards, goal ladder, and visual schedules. 

*The terms, kids/children are used throughout this post for readability, however this information is relevant for students, patients, teens, etc.  The term “they” is used instead of he/she to be inclusive.

Free Table Setting Visual Cards and Worksheet

Set a table worksheet and visual cards.

Victoria Wood, OTR/L is a contributor to The OT Toolbox and has been providing Occupational Therapy treatment in pediatrics for more than 25 years. She has practiced in hospital settings (inpatient, outpatient, NICU, PICU), school systems, and outpatient clinics in several states. She has treated hundreds of children with various sensory processing dysfunction in the areas of behavior, gross/fine motor skills, social skills and self-care. Ms. Wood has also been a featured speaker at seminars, webinars, and school staff development training. She is the author of Seeing your Home and Community with Sensory Eyes.

More Posts Like This

• auditory processing , Development , Self Regulation

• Development , Executive Functioning Skills , Functional Skills

Laundry Skills

• Attention , Eye Hand Coordination , Fine Motor Skills , Functional Skills , Occupational Therapy Activities

Raccoon Craft for Math and Fine Motor

• Fine Motor Skills , Free Resources , Occupational Therapy , Visual Motor Skills

Coin Activities for Kids

Quick links, sign up for the ot toolbox newsletter.

Get the latest tools and resources sent right to your inbox!

Get Connected

• Want to read the website AD-FREE?
• Want to access all of our downloads in one place?
• Want done for you therapy tools and materials

Join The OT Toolbox Member’s Club!

Miss Manners: Older diner takes table of mean-spirited young people to task at restaurant

• Published: May. 10, 2024, 5:01 a.m.

You can send your questions to Miss Manners through her email, [email protected].

• Judith Martin
• Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: My friend and I had tickets for a show, and we thought we had allowed enough time beforehand -- nearly two hours -- to eat dinner at one of the casual restaurants near the theater. However, although it was a weeknight, every eatery nearby was packed. We waited at one establishment for 20 minutes until there was a table available.

The restaurant was situated in an old home, and we were finally seated in a side room. There was just one other table in the room, where 12 people were dining. These patrons appeared to be quite inebriated.

My friend’s back was to the other table, so he could not see them, but these people began snickering and jabbing each other in the ribs and pointing at us. My friend has a slight Southern accent, but other than that, I cannot imagine why they considered us so amusing. We were clean and neatly dressed. These people were young adults; we are seniors.

Nothing about our conversation could have possibly interested them, and yet, after several minutes, a young man at the table said, “Shh! Shh! Listen! Listen! Listen!”

I did not have to raise my voice in the ensuing silence. I said, “I wonder why the people at the other table have decided to listen in on our conversation.” After several beats, I added, “Perhaps they cannot think of anything to talk about among themselves.”

My friend appeared to be embarrassed. I think he was totally unaware of the shenanigans that had been going on behind us. Thankfully, we were able to enjoy the rest of our meal in peace. But I feel that I could have handled the situation differently.

There was no other table available at that restaurant, and we were too short on time prior to the show to go elsewhere. How should I have handled this?

GENTLE READER: Your impolite restaurant mates were also looking for a show, and you gave them one. If they could not better disguise their eavesdropping, then Miss Manners believes they got what they deserved.

The only thing to have done differently might have been to alert your dinner partner to what was happening -- and if asked, to have feigned ignorance as to what the source of the mockery could possibly have been. There is no way to be sure that the laughter was at your companion’s expense, in any case; mean-spirited and inebriated people will look for any excuse to laugh at someone.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: After finishing a game of pickleball, my partner and I thanked our opponents, whom we did not know. One of them said, “It was my pleasure.” What should I have said in return? I didn’t know, so I just smiled.

GENTLE READER: Add a nod and you may consider the transaction complete.

Stories by Judith Martin

• Miss Manners: College roomie demands complete darkness, silence during day so she can sleep
• Miss Manners: Bothered by multiple dinner conversations, host wants to manage ‘wall of sound’
• Miss Manners: Readers get a dressing down for desire to comment on others’ clothing, grooming
• Miss Manners: Job applicant takes issue with false chumminess in business email
• Miss Manners: No lady would ask a gentleman to fool with her clothing, even this item

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com ; to her email, [email protected] ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Miss Manners: How would you advise ‘managing’ dinner table conversations?

• Published: May. 08, 2024, 3:00 p.m.

"Miss Manners" Judith Martin Courtesy Andrews McMeel Universal

• Judith Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: How would you advise “managing” dinner table conversations? At a table for eight to 10, I’ve found three to four conversations going on simultaneously, with cross talk creating a wall of sound. It’s rare if a single person can speak uninterrupted, even if he has enough self-awareness to be brief.

What could have been a pleasant exchange of ideas and information becomes an annoying and frustrating experience. This is, of course, irrespective of the subject matter, and only gets much worse with the usual no-nos (religion, politics, etc.).

GENTLE READER: A successful dinner party, Miss Manners would have thought, is one at which the guests enjoy themselves, possibly without doing permanent damage to the property or neighbors. She mentions this only to make the point that any management is presumably in furtherance of achieving this end.

She does not therefore understand the need to prevent multiple conversations, only to make sure that no one is excluded, which can be accomplished by the host drawing such individuals in.

(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com ; to her email, [email protected] ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

Latest Advice Columns

• Ask Amy: My wife and I help her father financially, must we support his new wife after he passes?
• Dear Abby: After my partner’s parents died, he shut me out
• Dear Annie: My retired father constantly texts me ... I mean all day long
• Hints from Heloise: Sending packages that smell good and restoring dark wood tables
• Andrea Anders’ birthday astrology and your horoscope for May 10, 2024

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

The 7 Best Fire Pit Tables to Cozy Up To

Host friends and family or enjoy the ambiance in solitude.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

For tiny backyards and patios, there are compact fire pit tables no bigger than a small deck box that still offer enough room around the edge to set down a couple glasses of wine. Larger options can serve as full-on coffee tables to pair with outdoor sectionals .

From pieces with a cozy-looking faux-wicker finishes to sleek concrete tables, these are the best fire pit tables we recommend, whether your decor is contemporary, modern, or somewhere in-between.

The Best Fire Pit Tables

• Best Overall: Outland Living Fire Pit Table
• Best Budget: Bali Outdoors Propane Fire Pit Table
• Best Modern Design: Orren Ellis Propane Fire Pit Table
• Best Natural Design: Real Flame Sedona Concrete Fire Pit Table
• Best Wicker Option : Best Choice Products Gas Fire Pit Table

What to Consider

Start by measuring your space to figure out the appropriate dimensions for a fire pit table. Make sure any model you’re eyeing has proportions that work with your existing furniture and overall outdoor setup. Also determine how you want to use your fire pit table. Are you planning for it to host a full-on dining experience or do you just want some space to set your after-dinner drinks?

Heating Capacity

Most fire pit tables are propane-fueled, though larger models can hook up to a natural gas line. All of the options on our list have at least 50,000 BTUs because it puts out a decent amount of heat, though don’t expect it to match your patio heater in the dead of winter. Fire pit tables are great for a chilly evening but mainly provide ambiance.

Fire pit tables have a hidden compartment in the base for the propane tank and larger options typically have a propane cover that’ll double as an end table and discreetly hide your propane tank. The glass wind guards you see in some product photos mean you can safely set a glass of wine on the table’s edge, though these are often sold separately. While fire pit tables are primarily used for warmth and ambiance rather grilling, there are a few options on the market that do both.

Check to make sure the one you buy is safe to use on your patio or deck material, or purchase a heat barrier to place underneath if you’re planning to put the fire pit table on a wooden deck.

How We Selected

To determine the best fire pit tables on the market, we scouted those with unique styles and a variety of features. We narrowed our shortlist down to a handful of high-quality pieces using what we learned from our own fire pit testing , as well as by combing through user reviews to ensure our options live up to the manufacturers’ promises of quality and durability. Our selection includes fire pit tables in a range of sizes across price points that work well in a variety of outdoor settings.

Outland Living Fire Pit Table

This popular fire pit table has an elegant design allowing it to blend in seamlessly with a range of decor, whether you choose the cool-tone slate gray or the warm espresso brown.

It has a powder-coated aluminum frame covered in an all-weather material woven to resemble wicker and supplies 50,000 BTUs of heat. There’s a black tempered-glass insert to place over the lava rocks, which creates a flat surface and turns it into a coffee table.

Bali Outdoors Propane Fire Pit Table

Here’s a fire pit table with a solid lineup of desirable features. A major highlight is the included lid that’s designed to sit over the lava rocks, creating enough space in the center of the table for a wine bottle, glasses, and a few snacks.

It’s constructed of iron with an antique finish and features decorative details on the base. The fire pit table is powder-coated to prevent rust, and although it’s on the smaller side, it kicks out 50,000 BTUs of heat, with a side door in the base that hides the propane tank.

Orren Ellis Propane Fire Pit Table

This slate gray concrete fire pit table with a distressed finish adds Brutalist vibes to your outdoor space. This model produces 50,000 BTUs of heat, can be used on a wood deck with a heat-resistant protective barrier, and the flame adjusts with a knob on the side.

It comes with lava rocks, a protective rain cover, and, like other higher-end options, includes a side table to store the propane tank. A huge plus—it comes fully assembled and includes lava rocks so all you need is propane to start enjoying. However, there’s no cover included.

Real Flame Sedona Concrete Fire Pit Table

This handsome rustic fire pit table is made of concrete, but has the look of natural stone. The table, which can be placed on a wooden deck as long as there’s a heat-resistant barrier underneath, is propane-fueled and delivers 65,000 BTUs of heat, with a removable panel to store the propane tank and a knob on the side to adjust the flame.

It also comes with a gas conversion kit—a major bonus—if you have a natural gas line hookup, and lava rocks and glass beads are included with the table.

Best Choice Products Gas Fire Pit Table

This fire pit table which match your wicker patio set or add some variety of textures to your setup. Its weather-resistant synthetic wicker resists mold and mildew so it’s great if you battle humid summers. The wicker is woven over a stainless steel frame all the way down to the legs for added durability and a uniform finish.

It comes with a lid and there’s a hook on the side to hang in when you want to light a fire for the night. Glass rocks are also included but don’t use all of them at once.

While generous, the amount of rocks is overkill and if you use them all, you’ll block the gas flow and have trouble starting the fire. The included lid will suffice but is a bit flimsy, though you can opt for a sturdier one later.

The fire pit itself is on the smaller side but it stills put out a solid 50,000 BTUs but this means you have extra space for your wine glasses, beer bottles, and small plates.

Legacy Heating Zeta 1 Propane Fire Pit Table

This stainless-steel fire pit table has an adjustable flame and automatic shut-off for the gas line if the flame blows out. It comes with a sturdy lid and lava rocks so you’re ready to light up in no time—especially since assembly is fast and easy.

The spacious fire pit produces a flame that puts out a decent amount of heat for chillier summer nights though the size of this fire pit table best serves groups of two to four people. It’s compact but weighs a little over 55 pounds so it won’t tip over. The fire pit is pretty shallow so you may have trouble on particularly windy nights but, overall, this is a solid bet for any small space.

Gymax Rectangular Fire Pit Table

This versatile fire pit table has a subdued look and a substantial amount of table space for your outdoor gatherings. The magnetic side door hides the propane tank and electronic ignition makes starting a fire simple and easy.

It comes with lava rocks so it’s ready to go once it arrives and a waterproof cover is included for storage—an upgrade from the standard lid that covers only the fire pit area. The footpads ensure stability and are adjustable up to a couple inches so you can set it at a preferred height.

Danny Perez is a Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men's style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men's shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.

Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics , where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend. 

.css-cuqpxl:before{padding-right:0.3125rem;content:'//';display:inline;} Home Entertainment .css-xtujxj:before{padding-left:0.3125rem;content:'//';display:inline;}

The Best Hot Tubs for All-Year Relaxation

The Best Frame TVs for a Sleek Display

The Best 4K TVs for an Immersive Watch Each Time

The 6 Best Air Hockey Tables for Fun at Home

The 7 Best OLED TVs You Can Buy Right Now

Our Pick of the Best 65-Inch TVs

The Best Cheap TVs for Upgrading Your Living Room

The Best Projectors Under $500

The Best Streaming Devices, No Matter Your Budget

The 8 Best Tower Speakers

The Best TV Mounts for Sleek Entertainment Systems

Advertisement

Supported by

A.I. Start-Ups Face a Rough Financial Reality Check

The table stakes for small companies to compete with the likes of Microsoft and Google are in the billions of dollars. And even that may not be enough.

• Share full article

By Cade Metz ,  Karen Weise and Tripp Mickle

Cade Metz and Tripp Mickle reported from San Francisco, and Karen Weise from Seattle.

Call it the end of the beginning of the A.I. boom.

Since mid-March, the financial pressure on several signature artificial intelligence start-ups has taken a toll. Inflection AI, which raised $1.5 billion but made almost no money, has folded its original business. Stability AI has laid off employees and parted ways with its chief executive. And Anthropic has raced to close the roughly $1.8 billion gap between its modest sales and enormous expenses.

The A.I. revolution, it is becoming clear in Silicon Valley, is going to come with a very big price tag. And the tech companies that have bet their futures on it are scrambling to figure out how to close the gap between those expenses and the profits they hope to make somewhere down the line.

This problem is particularly acute for a group of high-profile start-ups that have raised tens of billions of dollars for the development of generative A.I., the technology behind chatbots such as ChatGPT. Some of them are already figuring out that competing head-on with giants like Google, Microsoft and Meta is going to take billions of dollars — and even that may not be enough.

“You can already see the writing on the wall,” said Ali Ghodsi, chief executive of Databricks, a data warehouse and analysis company that works with A.I. start-ups. “It doesn’t matter how cool it is what you do — does it have business viability?”

While plenty of money has been burned in other tech booms, the expense of building A.I. systems has shocked tech industry veterans. Unlike the iPhone, which kicked off the last technology transition and cost a few hundred million dollars to develop because it largely relied on existing components, generative A.I. models cost billions to create and maintain. The cutting-edge chips they need are expensive and in short supply . And every query of an A.I. system costs far more than a simple Google search.

Investors have poured $330 billion into about 26,000 A.I. and machine-learning start-ups over the past three years, according to PitchBook, which tracks the industry. That’s two-thirds more than the amount they spent funding 20,350 A.I. companies from 2018 through 2020.

The challenges hitting many newer A.I. companies stand in contrast to the early business results at OpenAI, which is backed by $13 billion from Microsoft. The attention it has generated with its ChatGPT system has allowed the company to build a business charging $20 a month for its premium chatbot and offered a way for businesses to build their A.I. services with the technology that drives its chatbot, which is called a large language model. OpenAI pulled in around $1.6 billion in revenue over the last year, but it is unclear how much the company is spending, two people familiar with the company’s business said.

OpenAI did not respond to requests for comment.

But even OpenAI has had challenges broadening sales. Businesses are wary that the A.I. systems can generate inaccurate answers. The technology has also been troubled by questions about whether the data that supported the models infringed on copyrights.

(The New York Times sued OpenAI and Microsoft in December for copyright infringement of news content related to A.I. systems.)

Many investors point to Microsoft’s rapid sales growth as evidence of A.I.’s business potential. In its most recent quarter, Microsoft reported an estimated $1 billion in sales from A.I. services in cloud computing, up from essentially nothing a year ago, said Brad Reback, an analyst at the investment bank Stifel.

Meta, on the other hand, doesn’t expect to make money for years off its A.I. products, even as it increases its infrastructure spending by up to $10 billion this year alone. “We’re investing to stay at the leading edge of this,” Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s chief executive, said during a call with analysts last week. “And we’re doing that at the time when we’re also scaling the product before it is making money.”

A.I. start-ups have been challenged by that gap between spending and sales. Anthropic, which has raised more than $7 billion with backing from Amazon and Google , is spending about $2 billion a year but pulling in only about $150 million to $200 million in revenue, said two people familiar with the company’s financials, who requested anonymity because the figures are private.

Like OpenAI, Anthropic has turned to partnerships with large, established tech companies. Its chief executive, Dario Amodei, has been courting customers on Wall Street, and it recently announced that it was working with Accenture , the global consulting company, to create custom chatbots and A.I. systems for companies and government organizations.

Sally Aldous, a spokeswoman for Anthropic, said that thousands of businesses were using the company’s technology and that millions of consumers were using its publicly available chatbot, Claude.

Stability AI, which does image generation, announced last month that its founding chief executive, Emad Mostaque, had resigned , just a week after the resignation of three researchers who were part of the five-person team that built the company’s original technology.

It was on track to generate about $60 million in sales this year against about $96 million in costs from its image generation system, which has been available to customers since 2022, a person familiar with its business said.

Stability AI’s financial position looks better than those of language-model makers like Anthropic because developing image generation systems is less expensive, A.I. investors said. But there’s also less demand to pay for images, so the sales prospects are more uncertain.

Stability AI has been operating without the support of a tech giant. After raising $101 million from venture capitalists in 2022 , it needed more funds last fall but was struggling to show investors that it could sell its technology to businesses, said two former employees, who declined to speak publicly because they were not authorized to do so. It raised $50 million from Intel late last year but still faced financial pressure, they said.

As the start-up grew, its sales strategy shifted, these people said. At the same time, it was spending millions a month on computing costs. Some investors pressured Mr. Mostaque to resign, according to an investor, who declined to speak publicly about a personnel issue. This month, after his resignation, Stability AI did layoffs and restructured its business to put the company on “a more sustainable path,” according to a company memo reviewed by The New York Times.

Stability AI declined to comment. Mr. Mostaque declined to discuss his exit.

Inflection AI, a chatbot start-up founded by three A.I. veterans, had raised $1.5 billion from some of the biggest names in tech. But a year after introducing its A.I. personal assistant, it had almost no revenue, according to one investor. The Times reviewed a letter that Inflection had sent to investors saying additional fund-raising was “not the best use of our investors’ money, especially in the context of the current frothy A.I. market.”

In late March, it folded its original business and largely disappeared into Microsoft, the world’s most valuable public company.

Microsoft also helped fund Inflection AI, whose chief executive, Mustafa Suleyman, rose to prominence as one of the founders of DeepMind, a seminal artificial intelligence lab that Google acquired in 2014. Mr. Suleyman founded Inflection AI alongside Karén Simonyan, a key DeepMind researcher, and Reid Hoffman, a leading Silicon Valley venture capitalist who helped found OpenAI and is on Microsoft’s board.

Microsoft and Inflection AI declined to comment.

The company was steeped in talented A.I. researchers who had worked at places like Google and OpenAI.

But almost a year after releasing its A.I. personal assistant, Inflection AI’s revenue was, in the words of one investor, “de minimis.” Essentially zilch. It could not continue to improve its technologies and keep pace with chatbots from the likes of Google and OpenAI unless it continued to raise huge sums of money.

Now Microsoft is swallowing most of its staff, including Mr. Suleyman and Dr. Simonyan.

This is costing Microsoft more than $650 million. But unlike Inflection AI, it can afford to play the long game. It has announced plans for the staff to build an A.I. lab in London, working with the kind of systems the start-ups are hoping will break through.

Erin Griffith contributed reporting.

Cade Metz writes about artificial intelligence, driverless cars, robotics, virtual reality and other emerging areas of technology. More about Cade Metz

Karen Weise writes about technology and is based in Seattle. Her coverage focuses on Amazon and Microsoft, two of the most powerful companies in America. More about Karen Weise

Tripp Mickle reports on Apple and Silicon Valley for The Times and is based in San Francisco. His focus on Apple includes product launches, manufacturing issues and political challenges. He also writes about trends across the tech industry, including layoffs, generative A.I. and robot taxis. More about Tripp Mickle

Explore Our Coverage of Artificial Intelligence

News  and Analysis

As experts warn that A.I.-generated images, audio and video could influence the 2024 elections, OpenAI is releasing a tool designed to detect content created by DALL-E , its popular image generator.

American and Chinese diplomats plan to meet in Geneva to begin what amounts to the first, tentative arms control talks  over the use of A.I.

Wayve, a London maker of A.I. systems for autonomous vehicles, said that it had raised $1 billion , an illustration of investor optimism about A.I.’s ability to reshape industries.

The Age of A.I.

A new category of apps promises to relieve parents of drudgery, with an assist from A.I.  But a family’s grunt work is more human, and valuable, than it seems.

Despite Mark Zuckerberg’s hope for Meta’s A.I. assistant to be the smartest , it struggles with facts, numbers and web search.

Much as ChatGPT generates poetry, a new A.I. system devises blueprints for microscopic mechanisms  that can edit your DNA.

Which A.I. system writes the best computer code or generates the most realistic image? Right now, there’s no easy way to answer those questions, our technology columnist writes .

Find anything you save across the site in your account

32 Best Table Lamps and Bedside Lamps of 2024

By Kristi Kellogg and Sarah Madaus

Before you spin into a redecorating frenzy, consider the transformative power of the table lamp. The best table lamps provide a bold and bright impact to any room—and not just because of the light they shine. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can add them to a shelf on a bookcase , place them on a bedside table, show them off in an entryway, and get highly creative with their style. High-design lamps can also make a statement wherever you place them. While lamps with chrome or brass finishes serve as radiant and eye-catching accents, those made with marble, terracotta, or travertine can add texture to a sleek space.

Accent lighting has always been a thing, but lately, with the rise of anti-Big Light content on TikTok and Reels, the demand for cute, trendy lighting options is going way up. And we get it—relying on built-in overhead light fixtures feels cold and corporate, while smaller lamps create a warmer ambiance. They also provide a way to show off your sense of interior style.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: West Elm Ribbed Glass Table Lamp , $99
• Best Mid-Century Table Lamp: Schoolhouse Teig Lamp , $399
• Best Art-Deco Table Lamp: HAY Matin Table Lamp , $215
• Best Decorative Accent Lamp: Friend of All Tabletop Pyramid Lamp , $490
• Best Table Lamp for Small Nightstands: Urban Outfitters Ansel Glass Table Lamp , $79
• Best Industrial Style: Article Koepel Metal Table Lamp , $149
• Best Tech-Friendly Table Lamp: Yarra-Decor Dimmable Lamp With USB Port , $22

Whatever your design scheme or lighting needs, the best table lamps will flip the switch in your home, and practically remove the need to turn on the Big Light. Ahead, discover 34 of our favorites in a variety of styles that you'll add to your wishlist, too.

All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Ribbed Glass Table Lamp

This design-forward, white table lamp (which is inspired by a Japanese lantern) has us doing a double take thanks to its shape and subtle texturing.

Amelia Adjustable Table Lamp

Pottery Barn Kids

The refined gold stand and scalloped white shade makes the Pottery Barn Kids lamp perfect for anyone who likes to keep things classic, simple, and vintage-inspired—even if you’re an adult. Plus, you can adjust the height and make it up to 18" tall.

Chiara Table Lamp

Afternoon Light

The Flos Chiara takes “accent table lamp” to a whole new realm with its futuristic, vaguely alien-like shape. Designed by Mario Bellini in 1969, the Chiara features a sheet of steel folded into a cylinder base with a hat on top to hide the light nestled inside (which also happens to reflect and diffuse the glow). It’s giving Star Trek in the best way possible.

Koepel Metal Table Lamp

This stunning little lamp is made with hand-blown smoked glass, which offers a unique glimpse inside the base of the lamp. It’s available in brass and gunmetal (pictured).

By Kristi Kellogg

By Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar

By Erika Owen

Como Bedside Lamp

Serena & Lily

This lamp offers the best of both worlds: it’s simple, but still eye-catching with its basic shape and a base that offers an earthy pop of color, plus the natural rattan accent of the shade. We can see this right at home on a foyer table, lighting up your entryway for all to see.

Dimmable Lamp With USB Port

This Amazon bestseller is one of the most popular products purchased by our readers in 2021. It turns on simply by tapping the base, is dimmable, and has a USB port. It comes in more than eight colors (including teal, pink, blue, black, and gray). An LED light bulb is even included with your purchase, so you’ll be ready to go as soon as it arrives!

Flowerpot V9 Rechargeable LED Portable Table Lamp

Anthropologie

Not only is the Flowerpot Lamp, designed by Verner Panton, a modern design staple–it’s also a portable lamp with endless versatility. Need a little more light during transitional hours? How about an extra glow for your outdoor dining table? This LED table lamp can be recharged with a micro USB cable and a charge lasts up to ten hours.

Schoolhouse Teig Lamp

Schoolhouse

This little task lamp is such a cutie we had to include it. The petite pick is perfect for small surfaces that larger lamps could overwhelm. Pop one onto your accent table or end table and it will give you fantastic light without taking up a lot of room. Shop the lamp in ash, industrial yellow, and alder green (pictured). 

Ceramic Table Lamp with Rope Shade Brown

Boho queen Justina Blakeney brings her signature touch to this adorable ceramic table lamp. The sculptural base of this decorative light is topped with a natural rope tapered drum shade for a distinct look.

Neko Table Lamp

Quirky lamp base? Check. Cute linen shade? Check. Will look good on just about any nightstand? Double check.

Caldas Table Lamp

This tripod table lamp perfectly meshes a Scandi silhouette with midcentury-modern materials. You can purchase the lamp individually to serve as your new desk light or as a set of two and use them for matching bedside table vignettes. Either way, it’ll lend a refined and bookish look thanks to the deep walnut wood and gold.

House of Hackney Scalloped Lamp Shade

If you’re a fan of mixing patterns and maximalist boho spaces, this House of Hackney lamp with its floral patterned lamp shade, textured base, and antique brass finishes is just for you.

Estelle Table Lamp

Although the colors on this lamp from Banana Republic's new home line are muted, the piece really makes a statement with is uniquely base that features some fun shapes.

Ansel Glass Table Lamp

Urban Outfitters

You’ve likely seen this small viral lamp on Instagram or TikTok. Available in six different colors, the Urban Outfitters bestseller will serve perfectly as an accent lamp on a bookshelf or bedside table. Try it stacked on top of some of the books in your ever growing TBR pile.

SIUP STUDIO Yellow Noodle Lamp

For the food lovers who also have a taste (pun fully intended) for quirky design, this noodle lamp will land right in your alley. It comes with a dimming bulb, but the lamp will shine whether you have it powered on or off thanks to the noodle-laden base.

AllModern Gareth Metal Arched Lamp

Why buy a lamp with a regular bulb when you could get this futuristic shape that looks like it belongs in a spaceship? It makes for an ideal desk lamp or for a side table bordering your couch.

Joy Clay Table Lamp

Crate & Barrel

Give this thick clay lamp a home at your bedside, on your desk , or on your bookshelf. It keeps things minimalistic yet still stylish with a simple yet fun silhouette and bright pop of color.

Celeste Table Lamp

The Celeste lamp takes an already distinct silhouette and elevates it even more with contrasting materials and colors. It features a white marble base and a black lamp shade, but the golden aluminum peaking out from inside the shade really steals the show. It’ll add even more of a glow to your space thanks to its reflective surface.

Freeport Rattan Table Lamp

Looking for some living room table lighting with a touch of coastal grandma style? Look no further than this rattan lamp from Serena and Lily. Measuring at 33 inches tall, it can fill up any empty space you need it to while perfectly illuminating it.

Friend of All Small Tabletop Pyramid Lamp

A small profile doesn’t mean you can’t have a big impact. Case in point: This tiny, stained glass pyramid lamp is a nod to Tiffany lamps of yore. We like it perched on a windowsill in the bath (if you're lucky enough to have one of those).

Walden Table Lamp

If you’re shooting for full-on Scandi-style, then this wood table lamp from West Elm is for you. With an adjustable height and angle, the wood material and exposed cord inspires thoughts of long nights of work bathed in the lamp’s warm glow—making it an ideal piece for your desk.

Large Matin Table Lamp

Design Within Reach

This fabulous pleated shade sits atop a sleek polished brass base. It’s available in two sizes. The large version stands 20.5-inch tall and the small version stands 15-inch tall. Find it in deep red, bright red, gray, white, mustard, and green (pictured).

Pao Portable Lamp

We love how the patterned glass shade casts a mottled, warm glow on its surrounding surfaces. Prefer a lighter shade? It’s also available in cream and blue or pearl.

Asymmetrical Ceramic Table Lamp

Another of the best bedside lamps (or side table lamps, for that matter) is this West Elm find with a subtle asymmetrical, modern design that’s available in black, moss, rust, gray, and white (pictured).

Studio Ceramic Table Lamp

This lamp stands tall at 16 inches or 21 inches with its white ceramic base, but the matching pleated white shade is what really stands out to us. It makes it versatile enough for a credenza in a relaxed beach house or as a bedside table lamp in a cozy primary bedroom.

Apollo Table Lamp

Banana Republic Home

Although the colors on this lamp from BR Home’s new home line are muted, this piece really makes a statement with is uniquely shaped base and cut-out.

Loftie Smart Lamp

MoMA Design Store

If you like your accent lamps with a side of high-tech function, this bedside smart lamp from Loftie (which took home a 2024 Sleep Award ) fits the bill. The base acts as a sunrise alarm to wake you up gently. You can choose from preset sunset hues or create your own color palette. Regardless, the light emitted from Loftie adds a romantic, warm ambience to your bedroom oasis.

IKEA FADO Table Lamp

Don’t sleep on IKEA’s newer collections. The spherical FADO lamp has taken over TikTok because of its versatility with a number of different interior design styles. Our favorite tip? Use a smart lightbulb to change the color (say, pink or orange) for a tasteful pop of whimsy in your home.

HAY Neon Tube LED Light

Neon and bright LED strip lights are having a moment, and for the most part, the trend is a little tacky. But there are ways to do it right. Case in point: This tube light from HAY, which can be propped in an unassuming corner to add a pop of brightness to the space. It comes in a handful of colors—grab a few and create your own fixture.

Crate & Barrel Formosa Stone Table Lamp

Here’s a lamp that doubles as art. This stately, squat piece is made from a solid marble base and a burnished brass and stainless steel shade. It'll look handsome on a nightstand or side table.

Gantri Cerra Table Light

Inspired by the ways flowers open as the sun passes, Gantri’s porcelain, abstract lamp allows a peek of light to pass through the room. This is true accent lighting, so don’t expect it to be a reading light.

Anthropologie Sky Marble Table Lamp

This small empire table lamp is basically asking for you to snuggle up with a book (or your Instagram feed, if we’re being realistic). The marble base paired with the brass-finished shade is a surprising, yet delicate combination of industrial and minimalist styles.

By Nora Taylor

By Blake Bakkila