How to dress a dining table
Learn how to dress and style your dining table with our expert guide, so you're ready for any occasion.
Dining tables are the centrepiece of a dining room or open plan space. It’s a place for enjoying meals, get-togethers, and meaningful conversation. Aside from the delicious meals being served, it’s a great opportunity to get creative and style your dining table.
No matter what the occasion, dressing or styling a dining table doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a fun way to showcase your personality and make dinner parties at home feel a little bit extra and cosy.
Whether you’re feeling inspired to style your table for a casual dinner or want to go all out for a special meal, these tips will get your dining table ready for any occasion. Once you’re done reading our guide, browse dining tables to get started.
Decide on a table cover
The key to setting the vibe of your dining table is choosing the right table cover or tablecloth. The size and shape of your table are very important for this. A good tip is to measure your table and leave extra room for the cover to overhang. It’s normal to have about 6 to 12 inches of overhang on either side of the table.
If you’re dressing your table just for everyday meals, people tend to choose a shorter table cover to keep it casual. For formal events, a longer tablecloth will make it look more sophisticated. The type of table cover material that you choose is also important. Natural materials like cotton and linen are always a plus and are easy to wash if any spills happen.
Why the finish matters
Just like table covers, placemats should also match the ambience of your dining room. If you’re styling your table based on a theme, the placemats should complement this.
Here are different types of placemats you can choose from:
- Cotton or linen placemats
- Woven placemats
- Bamboo placemats
- Scalloped placemats
- Beaded placemats
If you want placemats that are ideal for everyday use or casual dining, cotton, linen or woven placemats are your best picks. If you’re decorating your table for a special occasion, scalloped or beaded placemats are the perfect opportunity to go all out.
Assigning dinnerware
When arranging tableware, make it feel stylish and inviting. Create a layered look by arranging plates from largest to smallest. This is a great idea, especially when you’re hosting a dinner party or when it’s a festive celebration.
Matching plates tie the look together, but if you want to shake things up, you can introduce an accent. If most of your bowls and plates have the same pattern and colour, bring in one small plate that is different from the rest. For example, if most of your plates are white with a green pattern, complete the look with a small green plate on the top.
Choosing cutlery
Whether you’re sitting down for a casual meal or entertaining for a dinner party, cutlery arrangement can instantly elevate your dining table. Here are a few tips when you’re arranging cutlery.
Basic cutlery placement:
- Fork on the left side of the plate
- Knife on the right side with the blade facing inwards
- Soup spoon placed on the right side next to the knife
- Dessert cutlery at the top of the place setting
For a more formal arrangement:
- Dinner fork on the left side of the plate, then a salad or fish fork if needed
- Dinner knife on the right side of the plate, then a fish knife or soup spoon if needed
- Dessert fork and spoon above the plate with the fork prongs facing right and the spoon facing left
Finishing touches
The finishing touches are what make a dining experience memorable. Having a centrepiece is what makes the dining table come together. Similar to a focal point in the living room, the table centrepiece should be the centre of the rest of the decor. This can be as simple as a vase of fresh flowers in the same colour palette as your placemats.
Depending on the season, you can style a centrepiece to match. Here are some examples:
- A Christmas cake at the centre of the table
- A carved pumpkin for Halloween
- Rustic branches with candles for autumn
- A decorated bowl of fruit for summer
- Easter eggs and bunny decorations for Easter
Besides the centrepiece, finishing touches like a personalised name card for each guest, folded napkins or scented candles complete the look. If you have a colour theme or a theme for a special occasion, the finishing touches should tie in with it.
FAQs
What should I put in the middle of my dining table?
If you’re decorating your dining table, a stylish centrepiece will transform your dining space. This could be a vase with a fresh bouquet, a decorative bowl of fruit, a decorative tray or a potted houseplant.
How to dress your dining table when not in use?
Keep it practical but stylish. You can decorate your table with a stylish centrepiece like a vase or with a chic table runner in the middle. Depending on the season, you can refresh your table with a cake at Christmas or a basket of eggs at Easter.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when decorating a dining table?
Not using the right tablecloth that is proportional to the table size. This can make the dining table feel too small or big. Another common mistake is to overcrowd the table with too many decorations. Leave some room for actual tableware and space for eating.
Do you leave placemats on the table?
It’s your personal preference to leave placemats out between meals. If you want to put them away, a good tip is to keep them nearby, like in a cabinet or drawer for safekeeping.
We hope you enjoyed reading our guide on how to dress a dining table. Looking for more guides like this? Check out our guide to dining room design ideas for more inspiration.
