Crystal stemware and candles add elegance to a formal dining table.
Decorating a formal dining table need not be a lost art. While in 2010 we tend to be an eat-on-the-go society, it is nice to gather the family around the dining room table for holidays. Dinner parties are also making a comeback. Breaking out the good china and silver makes an ordinary dinner extraordinary. Turn on some nice quiet background music and you have the makings of a dinner to remember in your formal dining room.
Instructions
1. Drape the tabletop with a freshly laundered and ironed tablecloth large enough to extend approximately 8 inches down on all sides but not long enough to lie in the laps of guests.
2. Fold cloth napkins, of material and pattern that coordinates or complements the tablecloth, in a decorative display on the plate or in a goblet or simply lay under the silverware setting.
3. Arrange fresh flowers, when available, for a centerpiece on the table. When fresh are not available, substitute a nice, dust-free silk arrangement. Ensure the centerpiece is low enough for the guests to talk over and not obstruct their views.
4. Light candles to add a nice glow, and ambiance to the formal dining table. Be sure they do not interfere with normal activities around the table. Purchase nondrip candles to ensure they do not splatter the table linens.
5. Set the table with china place settings to add an air of elegance to the formal dining table. For an eclectic look, mix-and-match various patterns from setting to setting or within individual place settings. Depending on what you are serving, add formality by adding bread plates to the top of the forks and top the dinner plate, if you are serving a salad course, with a salad plate. Pull the whole look together with matching chargers under the dinner plate.
6. Add silver eating utensils for another layer of formality. Silver plate is an acceptable alternative and guests will never notice the difference. Use multiple patterns on the same formal table for a touch of character.
Arrange up to three forks to the left of the plate, with the first you will be using to the outside, followed with others required moving closer to the dinner plate. Knives are to the right of the place setting, following the same rule of use order. If using individual butter knives lay them on top of the butter plate. Spoons are set immediately to the right of the knives. Place the dessert fork or spoon on the table above the top of the plate or on the dessert plate when served at the end of the meal for an uncluttered table setting.
7. Using crystal glass and stemware adds sparkle to the table. Mixing patterns is acceptable. Do not overwhelm the table with stemware; provide a water goblet and wine glass, if being served, when setting the table. Add additional stemware at the end of the dinner, for dessert wines or aperitifs, when appropriate. Most importantly, make sure they are bright and sparkling clean.
Tags: dinner plate, formal dining, , dining room, dining table, dining table