Table Setting Guide: How to Set the Perfect Table for Any Occasion

By Lauren Rose Correa, July 25, 2025

Table Setting Guide: Colorful Tablescape

One of my favorite parts of hosting is creating a special tablescape for my guests. I love picking a color scheme, creating a centerpiece, and truly setting the mood for the evening. The tablescape really helps you to make your guests feel welcome, show them they were worth your effort, and help to evoke a feeling for the evening. If you want to up your game when it comes to creating a tablescape, this table setting guide is here to help you.

From knowing the etiquette behind your silverware placement to picking your linens, this is the ultimate guide to creating a pretty tablescape. I hope you find some inspiration that will help you as you host friends in your home.

Craft a Centerpiece

The focal point of any tablescape is the centerpiece! A classic centerpiece is a faux or real floral arrangement. It could also be a cluster of candlesticks, a bowl filled with glass orbs or moss, or a tiered tray of treats.

Plates with butterfly napkin ring holding bright napkin

Think About Linens

When it comes to linens, you could choose a tablecloth, fabric napkins, a runner, or a round placemat or doily for under your centerpiece. Linens add texture and dimension to your tablescape. Decide what types of linens you are using and make sure they play well together. My favorites are my round homemade placemats and my gorgeous madras plaid napkins.

Use Gorgeous Silverware

A pretty silverware set lends an extra special touch to your tablescape. I love my gold bamboo set from Amazon. They are always put to use when I’m having company for dinner. I also occasionally pull them out for my husband and I to make dinner feel special.

White Milk Glass Plate in place setting with gold bamboo silverware

Use Your Best Dishes

I love pulling out my special China and collected glassware for a dinner party. When you use pieces that you don’t use all the time it makes the night feel so special.

Choose Stunning Accessories

There are so many pretty accessories that you can add to your tablescape. Think pretty place cards, candlesticks, pretty favors placed by each place setting, and more. Dip into your collection of home decor for unique things that could take your scape to the next level. Consider using porcelain figurines, ginger jars, and other knick-knacks for an unusual look.

Place Setting Guide: Casual Place Setting Diagram

Place Setting Guide: Formal Place Setting Diagram

Get the Placement Right

When arranging your plates, cups, and silverware, there is an etiquette to follow. Your glasses, silverware, and plates should all follow a specific placement. Check out the charts above, which you can use as a handy guide. You may not be using every single element depicted in the charts, depending on what you are serving. If you don’t need a specific item, it’s okay to skip it!

Table Setting Guide: Liked This Article?

If you loved this article, you may enjoy the other articles in our Entertaining Category. You’ll find tablescape inspiration, party ideas, tips for hosting, and much more!

If you create your own tablescape, please share your photos by tagging @LaurenMagazine on Instagram.