Table-setting-basics

Table-setting-basics on how many your table can accommodate

I usually limit my dinner parties to about 6 people, occasionally 8. I find that somewhere very soon after I start wishing I had a butler. And I don't.

Also, that is pretty much the limit of my dining table and space.

Here’s what table sellers tell us about how many people your table accommodates comfortably. Remember this is only a guideline, so don’t get hung up if your table is slightly different in size.

Table Sizes for Seating Up To 10 People at a Dinner Party

• A rectangular 6’ by 30” table seats up to 8 people
• A rectangular 8’ by 30” table seats up to 10 people
• A 48 “ round table seats 6-8 people
• A 60” round table seats 8 to 10 people.

There are some occasions where people expect and don’t mind being crowded, like a Christmas or family birthday dinner. It’s part of the whole tradition to squeeze in at every corner.

At other times, if you want to have more people than your table fits comfortably, consider having a buffet instead.

Placement guidelines for placing your silverware, plates, and glasses

• Place the silverware and dinner plate about an inch or a thumb’s width in from the edge
• Remember the rule of eat to your left and drink to your right. This tells you that little dishes like a bread or salad plate go to the left of the dinner plate, and water and wine glass or glasses go to the right
• Place the silverware in the order that you are eating the courses. If you serve salad before the main course, put the salad fork outside the dinner fork. If you serve soup, the soup spoon goes to the right of the dinner knife.
• Place the water glass above the knife, place the wine glass or glasses to the right.

Set your table with basic colors for the most versatility

Start with simple white flowers and unscented candles. Just make sure your flower arrangements are low so that guests can see each other across the table. Aim for an arrangement that is not higher than about 5 inches.

Change the napkins and flowers to a deep colour, and you can create a dramatic table-setting with hardly any added expense or effort.

Need a quick lesson in flower arranging? Get one here.

Timing is everything - try to set your table in advance!

Leaving it til the last minute is stressful, and it sets you up for problems – like discovering that two of your dinner plates are in the fridge with leftovers on them.

It's easy to set your table fast when you have a system and some basic table ideas.

Check out these ideas for ideas on fast ways to set beautiful tables

Besides, you have other last minute tasks that should be claiming your attention. You need to fill the water glasses, light the candles, put last minute dishes on the table. (Luckily these are great tasks for helpful guests who ask you what they can do.)

Convinced? We hope so. At our place we really get a lift out of passing a beautifully set table and feeling good because we got this important Table-Setting-Basics task out of the way 24 hours in advance.

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