How I set an Elegant Christmas Table

I wanted to share how I set a semi-formal table.    I think more about what is functional and looks pretty rather than what the "rule book" says.

Most people set the bread plate and knife right at the top of the dinner plate.....  I prefer it on the left side.     I like the dessert plate,  fork and spoon,  and the after dinner coffee cup at the top....out of the way until we need them!

I like several glasses on the right side of the dinner plate for wine ....white,  red,  or champagne....or they can have a sip of each if they want to.     I put the water glass on the left side of the dinner plate. (most people are right handed,  so I put the water on the left because they probably won't drink as much water as they do wine.   Or at least my guests usually don't...lol! 

This is a more casual setting.    Dessert,  salad,  and entree fork on the left .......cutting knife, tea spoon and soup spoon on the right.    If the knife is sharp,  always turn the sharp edge toward the plate.     In this example,  I have the bread and butter knife at the top of the dinner plate as you would normally see it.

I want my tables to be pretty and functional.    I would rather a guest have too many glasses, forks,  or spoons as not enough.  

 I want to stress that I do not set the table like this when it is a family dinner with my grands!   I would set a table this way if I were having a special dinner for couples only! 

This setting works beautifully.......put the napkin in your lap,   set the soup bowl on your salad plate,  the soup spoon is on the right of the bowl.   When you are done with your soup,   set the bowl aside .   Your small salad plate will then be exposed and you are ready to have your salad......and the small fork for the salad is the first one on the left.

First and foremost,  I want my guest to be comfortable.    Also,  be sure there is plenty of space between your guests for all their dishes.    I have mine too close together so I could show you as many examples as possible.   I would  remove one of the settings from the side if  I was actually going to seat people at this table.
  I try to set a casual  tone for the meal at the beginning by telling my guests......you have plenty of glasses, forks and spoons,  just use what works best for you!     

Have fun with your tablescapes......

Use unexpected items in the setting.....

If the place settings are getting too crowded,  set the coffee cups and dessert plates somewhere else......

Don't be afraid to use your best "stuff" for adult dinners.     It's a whole different ball game when there are children at the table... then you will probably want to.use paper plates and plastic serving bowls!

I hope this post has given you some tips on how to set a pretty and functional table for your holiday dinners.

Merry Christmas


http://betweennapsontheporch.net/
http://addisonmeadowslane.com/2273-2/
http://www.bluewillowhouse.com/2015/12/17/vintage-charm-10/
http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/2015/12/christmas-creations-and-simple-sweet.html
http://www.artsyfartsymama.com/2015/12/artsy-fartsy-link-party-3.html
http://organized31.com/2015/12/this-is-how-we-roll-link-party-44.html
http://milaslittlethings.com/2015/12/idea-box-thursday-link-party-41.html
http://www.creationsbykara.com/2015/12/the-creative-exchange-thursday-linky-party-83.html/
http://livelaughrowe.com/holiday-snowman-fun/?
http://bloomdesignsonline.com/2015/12/lovely-little-link-party-56.html
http://www.graceandgoodeats.com/crafty-and-delicious-party-50/
http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2015/12/cute-christmas-coke-crate-candle-centrepiece.html
http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/2015/12/wicked-awesome-wednesday-237.html
http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2015/12/home-and-garden-thursday-127.html
http://jannolson.blogspot.com/2015/12/share-your-cup-thursday-177.html
http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.com/2015/12/treasure-hunt-thursday-233-highlights.html
http://www.lambertslately.com/2015/12/create-it-thursday-137-plus-features.html
http://katherinescorner.com/2015/12/16/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-219/
http://saving4six.com/2015/12/welcome-to-think-tank-thursday-1217-2.html
http://www.posedperfection.com/2015/12/creative-ways-link-party-and-features.html
http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/2015/12/its-party-241.html?
http://wearflowersinyourhair.com/2015/12/16/the-wednesday-showcase-28/
http://www.lemoinefamilykitchen.com/2015/12/the-wednesday-roundup-week-105/

http://www.mommyzoid.ca/uncategorized/ladies-collective-linkup-45/

http://www.mypapercraze.com/?p=5162

http://www.diyjustcuz.com/whw-link-party-19/

http://www.elizabethandcovintage.com/2015/12/be-inspired-features-and-link-party-190.html

http://homeremediesrx.com/2015/12/talented-tuesday-link-party-59/

http://ohmyheartsiegirl.com/

http://flusterbuster.com/2015/12/creative-muster-party-154.html

http://thenymelrosefamily.com/2015/12/whimsy-wednesdays-198.html/2

http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/2015/12/wow-us-wednesdays-252.html

http://www.ducksnarow.com/2015/12/wonderful-wednesday-blog-hop-154.html

http://knickoftime.net/2015/12/vip-218-creative-christmas-ideas.html

http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2015/12/wow-me-wednesday-236.html

http://www.craftyallieblog.com/2015/12/worthwhile-wednesdays-99.html

http://www.thenewlywedpilgrimage.com/moonlight-mason-jars/link-party-135-holiday-party-treats/

http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/2015/12/whats-it-wednesday-196.html

http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2015/12/make-it-pretty-monday-week-161.html?

http://www.kammyskorner.com/2015/12/trash-2-treasure-tuesday-link-party_14.html

http://justagirlandherblog.com/hit-me-with-your-best-shot-98/

http://thecraftyblogstalker.com/create-link-inspire-linky-party-107/

http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/tutorials/tutorials-tips-link-party-238.html?

http://www.loulougirls.com/2015/12/lou-lou-girls-fabulous-party-89.html

http://snapcreativity.com/show-195/?

http://cupcakesandcrinoline.com/2015/12/14/project-inspired-link-party-149/

http://www.kathewithane.com/2015/12/youre-gonna-love-it-tuesday.html

http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/inspire-me-monday-90/
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2015/12/296th-inspire-me-tuesday.html

http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/inspire-me-monday-90/

http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2015/12/tweak-it-tuesday-171.html

http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2015/12/show-and-share-no-292.html

http://blog.bernideens.com/2015/12/the-snowlady-tea-and-bttcg-blog-party.html

http://betweennapsontheporch.net/

http://www.pluckys-secondthought.com/cooking-crafting-j-j-link-29-features/

http://www.tumbleweedcontessa.com/blog/whatd-you-do-this-weekend-149/?

http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2015/12/christmas-in-texas-wrap-up-and-link.html#more