Gathering your loved ones around the dinner table over a delicious meal is one of the best feelings in the world. Every hostess dreams of entertaining a perfect evening of laughter, merriment, and making memories that last a lifetime. With a classic table setting and coordinating dining collection, you're sure to impress your guests with an unforgettable dining experience

What Does a Table Setting Consist Of?

The type of table setting you choose depends on the type of event you're hosting and the number of courses you will be serving. For example, there are different settings for casual dining, formal dining, buffet-style dining, and even a special setup for breakfast dining. Also, the number of dinnerware items depend on how many courses you're serving. Are you serving three courses or up to seven courses? Make sure you have a separate piece for each one. A traditional 8-10-piece casual table setting includes a serving plate, water and wine glasses, flatware such as forks and spoons, a bread plate, and a napkin. A 12-15-piece formal table setting will include these items and additional wine glasses, flatware, mug and saucer, and place card.

What is in a Dining Collection?

A dining collection includes the traditional table setting as well as additional drinkware, decor, linens, coasters, pitchers, vases, serving trays, etc. Choosing your dining collection is an exciting opportunity to showcase your unique taste and personal style. It's a chance for you to add fun elements to your table settings in order to make the overall dining experience memorable for you and your guests.

Choosing the Best Dining Setting for Your Home

From small flatware to large statement serving pieces, choosing your very own table dining settings is a fun experience that allows your creative juices to flow. Showcase your style with sparkling crystal or natural element dishware and incorporate your favorite colors with napkins and cocktail glasses. Consider the overall aesthetic of your dining room and match accordingly, adding flare and statement pieces where you want.

How to Arrange Your Dinner Table Setting

Now that you have your place settings for dinner decided upon, you'll want to display them on lovely table linens and placemats and arrange them according to traditional setting rules. Place the dinner plates in the center of each seat. On top of the plates, lay the napkins, either folded neatly or with a decorative napkin ring. To the left of the plates, arrange the forks in the order they will be used, from the outside inwards. On the left is the salad fork, in the center is the dinner fork, and to the right (closest to the plate) is the fish fork. On the right side of the plates, place the knives, with the blade facing inward, and the spoons to the right of the knives. This order should be the dinner knife closest to the plate, then the fish knife, and soup spoon on to the outermost right. Above the dinner plate, the dessert fork and spoon lay horizontally above the plate. To the top right of the plate, place the drink sets. This includes the water glass and/or red and white wine glasses. To the top left of the plate is where the bread plate and bread knife go. Place the bread knife on top of the bread place horizontally. Finally, add any decorative centerpieces or place cards if desired.