Entertain in Style with Round Table Linens!

For entertaining, we need to add the accessories or table settings for the occasion. This includes the table linens and tableware-china, stoneware, flatware, stemware. The table setting should complement the room and express the feeling or mood of the room. This is made possible by selecting the appropriate style and color to enhance your room while giving you the mood for the particular occasion you are planning.

You may want to have a variety of table linens and tableware to accommodate the different types of entertaining you will be doing, be it formal or casual. You probably already have dinnerware for each type of occasion. If so, more than likely it will fit the style you created in your dining area. You can dress it up or down by selecting table linens that suit the occasion.

Tableware

There are many styles of china, stemware, and flatware to select for your entertaining needs. There is fine china for formal and elegant meals, stoneware or earthenware for more informal and casual meals. For stemware, there is crystal to basic glassware and for flatware; there is sterling silver, silver-plated and stainless steel, listed from formal to casual.

You will want to make sure that all the elements have the same look and feel. Select exquisite stemware and flatware to go with your fine china, and casual glassware and flatware to go with your stoneware or casual china. Ornate china patterns usually look best with highly detailed flatware. If your china and stemware are more understated, a simple, modern design might be appropriate. Of course, your budget will dictate what you select. Remember the lesson on harmony. Each should have the same level of quality and feel so make your purchases accordingly.

It is essential that all these elements along with your table linens create a well-balanced table setting. With all the choices in the market today you should be able to find the perfect accents for your dining table.

Setting the Table

One question we are often asked is, "How many table settings do I need?" There is not a standard answer, but there are a few things you should consider-the size of your family, the type of entertaining you do (formal seated dinners or buffets), and your menus (are they complex?).

The recommendation is:

* China--12 five-piece place settings (dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, cup/saucer), and may have dessert plates
* Stemware/Beverage: 12 pieces for each type of beverage.
* Flatware-12 five-piece place settings, which should consist of dinner knife, dinner fork, salad fork, soup spoon and teaspoon/dessert spoon.

You should have the same number of table linens as you have settings for your tableware to have a complete look. Of course, it depends on whether you select a tablecloth, table runner, table topper or placemats. Whatever style you choose, make sure you have enough dinner and cocktail napkins to go with each setting.

The table setting should be given as much consideration as the meal being served. Once the menu has been selected, the table setting becomes apparent.

Flatware:

Flatware is placed in the order it is to be used, starting from the outside and working toward the center. All flatware is placed 1"-1 ½" from the table's edge with handles lined up and even with the plate. No more than 3 pieces should be laid out on each side of the plate. The number of pieces to use is determined by the type of meal that is being served.

For an informal three-course meal, use the following guide:

Forks: There are two forks used for this type of meal: a dinner and a salad or appetizer fork. Both are placed to the left of the plate. Place the salad fork left of the dinner fork if it is needed for an appetizer or salad served as the first course. If the salad is served after the main course, then it is placed to the right of the dinner fork, next to the plate. If a dessert fork is used, it can be placed next to the plate on the left or above the plate (below the dessert spoon facing right).

Knives: Place the dinner knife to the right of the dinner plate, blade facing the plate.

Spoons: Spoons go to the right of the knife. If soup is being served then the soupspoon is placed to the far right of the knife, with the teaspoon or dessert spoon, closest to the dinner knife. The dessert spoon can also, be placed above the center of the plate facing left.

Formal meals are basically the same as above with a few exceptions:

You may need other utensils like a fork for shellfish, which is usually small and two-pronged. This goes to far right of the dinner knife, next to the soupspoon or teaspoon. If you have other courses that require another fork or a small knife remember there should never be more than 3 utensils on each side of the plate with the exception of the shellfish fork. The dessert spoon or fork should then be brought out with the dessert.

Dinnerware:

Each place setting should have 20"-24" of table space with the dinner plate in the center, 1" from the table's edge. The bread and butter plate is placed above the forks (the butter knife is placed diagonally across the edge of the plate with handle on the right side). The salad plate is at the lower left, next to the forks. The soup bowl is placed on the dinner plate.

Stemware:

The water goblet is at the tip of the knife blade. The wine glass is to the right of the goblet and slightly forward in a diagonal.

Napkin Placement:

For informal dinners, the napkin is placed left of the forks. For more formal occasions, it rests in the center of the dinner plate or in the water goblet. Place cards are on the top of the napkin or above the plate.

We have given you just a few basic guidelines for table setting. You will need to adapt your table settings to the type of entertaining and meal you are having, but this gives you an idea of what you will need for most meals.

Centerpieces

We have one last thing to discuss and this is the centerpiece for the table. Centerpieces should accent or enhance the overall look of the table. It is the finishing touch for the beautiful table and room you have created. Like everything else we have discussed, the centerpiece should complement the room, your décor, and/or your table setting.

You may have a centerpiece that is always on the table when you are not entertaining. This should be treated like any accessory in the room. When entertaining, the centerpiece may be fresh flowers and candles, etc. Something that enhances the type of entertaining you are doing, formal or casual. One thing to keep in mind; it is important that your guests can see each other to be able to converse comfortably.