Our Table Settings Guide

Pull UP A Seat

Whether for a special occasion or a casual weeknight at home, these essentials prepare a place to slow down and savor memorable meals together. Explore tabletop tips, plus all the dinnerware, serving pieces, and recipes you need to turn the everyday into a celebration—just because.

Steps to Setting a Table

  • 1. Start with Inspiration

    Anything that cues your creativity.

  • 2. Add In Layers

    Table linens, dinnerware, serving pieces, and more.

  • 3. Finish with Details

    Little accents that make a big impact.

The Inspiration

Before you begin, ask yourself: “What sparks a sense of joy?” Maybe it’s a floral arrangement, your favorite dinner plate, or even a color palette you’ve been loving lately. Take a moment to scan your space and find one thing to create around.
  • An overhead styled table setting featuring a scalloped gold charger plate with a green and white patterned dinner plate, a cream eyelet napkin tied with a gold napkin ring, and gold flatware on a wooden table.
  • A styled table setting featuring a round woven straw placemat, a white ceramic plate, a folded light gray linen napkin with tan edging, silver cutlery, and a green-and-white checkered tablecloth.
  • A styled table setting featuring a scalloped ceramic plate with a sepia-toned architectural landscape design, layered over a white charger plate and a striped beige and brown napkin on a dark wood table, with silver forks nearby.

The Layers

Now you can weave in table linens, dinnerware, and more serving pieces that play a supporting role. Feel the freedom to mix and match, as long as each addition pairs well with your source of inspiration.
LAY THE FOUNDATION

Linens provide a pretty backdrop. Consider choosing a tablecloth for a clean and simple scene, a runner for a hint of color down the middle—or one of each! Runners are well-suited for casual, layered looks, while a tablecloth can accompany more formal gatherings.
  • An off-white cotton eyelet tablecloth with embroidered floral and geometric patterns draped over a dining table, styled with plates and glasses, with a wicker chair in the foreground.
  • A cream-colored table runner with brown stripes and a leafy vine border, draped over a rustic wooden table.
SHOP TABLECLOTHS + RUNNERS

Anchor the setting

Placemats and chargers do more than protect a table surface—they define each place with purpose and intention. If you’re using both, put the placemats down first, then the chargers on top. Round out your collection with these versatile designs...
  • A styled table setting featuring a woven round placemat, layered with cream plates, a striped linen napkin with fringe, and a small leaf sprig garnish, on a white embroidered tablecloth.
  • A set of three ceramic plates with a cream glaze, decorated with green floral and dotted border patterns, styled on a green fringed placemat on a wooden table.
SHOP PLACEMATS + CHARGERS

BRING IT TOGETHER

Then come the plates, glasses, and flatware. Arrange cutlery from the outside in, and organize plates by size. This makes it easy to clear the table as courses continue! There are many ways to style these, but here’s an option to reference:

Next: napkins! Drape, shape, tie, and customize textiles to dress things up. A few of our go-to folds are below. We also like tucking a napkin under a plate or tying it with twine and a sprig of greenery for organic texture while keeping the fabric secure.
  • Gold flatware with a matte finish, including a knife and fork, arranged on a folded cream linen napkin with a rust-red embroidered border, set on a rustic wooden table next to a gold and white ceramic plate.

    Fold into a rectangle under flatware.

  • An olive green linen napkin with a dark floral pattern and gray border, folded and held in a gold ring on a white plate over a woven placemat.

    Gently pull through a napkin ring.

  • A coral pink embroidered cotton napkin tied in a knot, displayed on a place setting with white patterned plates, a gold charger plate, silver cutlery, and a white tablecloth.

    Tie into loose knot atop a plate.
SHOP NAPKINS

get ready to serve

As the glasses clink and plates are passed around, these are the things we reach for through each course. Fill in the gaps with serveware curated to share and savor.
  • Two small glossy ceramic salt and pepper shakers in a warm off-white or cream glaze, placed on a wooden surface with a softly blurred dining setting in the background.
    SALT + PEPPER SHAKERS
  • An irregular-shaped wooden serving board styled on a wooden dining table with a loaf of bread, blue cheese, a small bowl of nuts, and a metal pitcher with flowers, alongside three lit candles in black candlesticks.
    SERVING BOARDS + PLATTERS
  • A ribbed oval green ceramic casserole dish filled with cooked green beans and sliced almonds, shown on a wooden board with the matching lid and serving tongs behind it. A small bowl of salt sits nearby in a kitchen-like setting.
    BAKING DISHES
  • A clear ribbed glass dome cake cover with a small silver knob, resting on a scalloped wooden base, covering cupcakes on a wooden table in a rustic kitchen setting.
    CAKE STANDS
shop all serveware

The Details

Lastly, personalize the table with thoughtful accents. This could include florals, something vintage, or even handwritten place cards that ensure each guest feels
welcome—and awaited.
CREATE A FOCAL POINT

Flowers, real or faux, are a naturally beautiful centerpiece. This could be a sprawling bouquet in a low vessel or bud vases scattered about. Just take note of their size, giving guests a clear view across the table to enjoy conversation.
  • Artificial orange daisy flowers with green leaves arranged in a metallic rose gold vase on a dark table against a soft beige curtain background.
    SHOP FLORALS
  • A styled floral arrangement scene on a wooden table with multiple artificial flowers in vases. The central and most prominent item is a bouquet of cream-colored artificial flowers in a dark blue-gray vase, surrounded by peach tulips in a gold vase, white hydrangeas in a wicker basket, and additional flowers on a shelf above.
    SHOP VASES
SHOP ALL FLORAL + VASE PAIRINGS

mix in height (and light!)

Adorning the table with taper holders and other charming decor brings variety and visual interest. We like combining different candle heights for a collected display. Plus, flickering light will elevate any event or evening.

From Our Recipe Collection

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More Inspiration on the Blog

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About Our Table Settings Guide

Pull up a seat! In this guide, you can get inspired to prepare a place for special occasions and casual weeknights alike. Discover classics like scalloped dishes, etched drinking glasses, rattan decor, vintage flatware, and more timeless tabletop pieces you’ll use again and again. These essentials help turn the everyday into celebration—just because. There are also go-to recipes from Joanna Gaines and Magnolia, like Layered Arugula Salad, as well as blogs for how to use table linens and other styling ideas.

We’re answering a few questions around how to set a table too. For example, flatware should be arranged from the outside in—meaning what you reach for first (like a salad fork or soup spoon) is the farthest from the plate. The dinner knife should always be closest to the plate on the right side, with the sharp edge facing the plate. Additionally, we’re looking at ways to decorate a table. We like creating a focal point with flowers in a short vase and at least three taper candles of varying heights. Including table linens (like a tablecloth), chargers, and a few personal details can help set the scene for a more elevated soirée.

We believe when guests arrive and their place is prepared, the intention is clear: They are welcome. Each thoughtful element reveals an attention to detail that extends beyond the meal itself. So here’s a toast to whatever the season brings—from brunches to dinner parties and everything in between. At the table, we’re encouraged to sit back, stay awhile, and revel in the joys of good food and company.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you set a table correctly?

A proper table setting begins with a tablecloth or placemat, with a charger layered underneath the dinner plate if desired. Place forks to the left of the plate and knives and spoons to the right, arranging flatware in the order it will be used throughout the meal.

Where do forks, knives, and spoons go when setting a table?

Forks are placed to the left of the plate, while knives and spoons are placed on the right. The knife blade should face the plate.

How many glasses should be on a table setting?

For everyday meals, one water glass is typically sufficient. For entertaining, you may include additional glassware for wine, cocktails, or other beverages depending on the menu and occasion. Drinkware is traditionally placed above and slightly to the right of the dinner plate, near the knife.

How tall should a dining table centerpiece be?

Centerpieces should either be low enough to see over or tall enough to see under, helping preserve conversation across the table.

Candles, floral arrangements, greenery, seasonal fruit, collected vessels, woven accents, and decorative objects all make beautiful centerpieces.

What is the difference between a placemat and a charger?

A placemat sits directly on the table and helps protect the surface while adding texture and definition. A charger is a decorative plate placed beneath the dinner plate to create a layered, elevated look.

What are timeless tabletop pieces worth investing in?

Classic dinnerware, linen napkins, etched glassware, vintage-inspired flatware, woven accents, and versatile serving pieces can be used year after year.