How to set a table for formal dinners, casual meals and decadent desserts

Knowing how to set a table — especially a formal one — can elevate any meal. Be it a simple pasta supper or a festive roast with loved ones, the right combination of tableware, glassware and serveware makes all the difference to the culinary experience.

If you're building your wedding registry, now’s the ideal time to think about the table you'll share for years to come. Whether you're curating your perfect table from scratch, or adding to your existing collection, this guide will help you pick the best wedding gifts for you. In it you'll find expert advice from our Wedding List Advisors, each of whom are dining etiquette experts. They'll take you through how to set a table, step by step, course by course. They'll start with formal dining and explain how place settings change as you move through the meal, from soups and salads to desserts. Then they'll describe how to adapt these principles to more casual dining scenarios and big special occasions too. Just want advice for a particular kind of dining experience? Use the quick links below to jump to the relevant section of the article.

Our Wedding List Advisor, Clemmie Jones, explains that the key distinction between formal and casual table settings is complexity. "A formal table setup typically involves much more focus on detail and includes several more components than a casual table. The cutlery is arranged with precision, and often tailored for multiple courses. Alongside this, you’ll usually find neatly folded napkins, placemats, a variety of dinnerware for each course, and specific glassware for water, wine, or other drinks."

In contrast, a casual table place setting is far more relaxed. "You’ll probably just use your main knife and fork, a dinner plate, a water tumbler, and maybe a single wine glass — if you're feeling fancy," says Clemmie. "There’s no need for multiple utensils or layered plates, and the overall mood is intentionally lowkey."

As your guests take their seats, your table setting should subtly anticipate the courses ahead. When complete it should look like this:

1. Begin with placemats

A formal table should be set before guests are seated. Lay one placemat per guest to define each setting and protect the table surface. Laura recommends choosing refined styles that bring texture and warmth to the table. She particularly likes using Rebecca Udall scallop rattan placemats or similar as "they soften the edges.”

2. Add a charger plate and napkin

Place a charger plate at each setting and top it with a neatly folded napkin. The charger serves as the foundation for the courses ahead and will be cleared once napkins are placed on laps. For napkins, Laura suggests, “I like to keep it simple and use white hand-embroidered napkins from SARAH.K as they easily complement most tablecloths.” She also notes a common mistake when trying to set a formal table: “The starter plate should not be on the table when guests first sit down; it will be brought out with the starter course.”

3. Arrange cutlery in order of use

To arrange the cutlery in order of use, follow our Wedding List Advisor's guideline, working from left to right:

Left side (forks):

• Fish fork
• Main fork
• Salad fork

Right side (knives & spoons):

• Salad knife
• Main knife
• Fish knife
• Soup spoon (if applicable)
• Cocktail fork (optional): either to the far right or nested inside the soup spoon for a compact setting

4. Set the bread plate and dessert utensils

Position the bread plate above the forks, slightly to the left, with a butter knife placed horizontally across it. Lay the dessert spoon and fork horizontally above the charger plate — spoon above fork, or vice versa, depending on the dessert. “If the dessert is a pudding or something that requires a spoon, place the spoon above the fork. If it’s a cake or tart that’s eaten with a fork, the fork goes on top,” explains Laura.

5. Set the glassware

Finally, arrange the glassware above and to the right of the charger. “The water glass sits directly above where the dinner knife will be placed, with the white wine glass to its right and the red wine glass positioned slightly above and between them,” says Laura.

The soup bowl should be placed on a service plate or underplate to protect your table and catch any potential drips. Wedding List Advisor Lucy Scudamore confirms this approach, adding, “A side plate for bread should be positioned to the left of the setting, often with a small butter dish placed on it.” "I love using the Nicholas Mosse butter dish with rose motifs," says Lucy, "it’ll instantly become a talking point of the table.”

In terms of cutlery, the soup spoon should be positioned at the outer right of the place setting. If a knife was used for the starter, it remains; however, soup usually doesn't require a knife. "A bread basket should be placed within easy reach of the guests, encouraging them to help themselves," advises Lucy, who particularly appreciates Neptune's Ashcroft basket as "it will add a rustic touch to a table."

To serve salad, individual salad bowls can be placed directly in front of each guest, or a wooden board or larger salad platter can be positioned in the centre of the table for sharing. We like those from Penny Morrison, the statement lobster platter from Amuse La Bouche, or a cabbage-inspired platter from Bordallo Pinheiro.

Clemmie also advises keeping essential condiments like pepper and salt within reach: “Always have a pepper grinder and salt shaker nearby for seasoning. And if you're serving salad family-style, provide dedicated serving spoons alongside the platter or bowls.” She adds a personal recommendation: “I love the pair of knot-inspired serving spoons from Culinary Concepts — they’re timeless but still full of character.”

Simplicity is key when setting the table for a fish course. Our Wedding List Advisor Agatha Davies explains, “When setting the table for a fish course, I always keep things minimal — just a tablecloth, charger plates, and the proper fish knife and fork.” Following formal table setting etiquette, the fish course is typically served on a midsize plate. Agatha continues, “Guests should use the designated cutlery, which is specifically designed to handle the delicate texture of fish — a short, broad fork placed at the outer left, and a dedicated fish knife at the outer right of the plate.” She also recommends placing a white wine glass just above the dinner knife, slightly to the right, to complement the wine traditionally served with fish.

When setting the table for the main course, the key consideration is the dish being served and the accompanying wine. Laura advises, “If it's a meat dish, make sure your red wine glasses are ready, and consider using a wine coaster, like the silver one from Classic Silverware, to prevent any drips on the tablecloth.” For lighter main courses, such as chicken or a vegetarian dish with a rich sauce, she recommends “making sure white wine glasses are prepared and the wine is ready to go.”

The arrangement of cutlery is crucial for proper table etiquette. When setting a table for a main course, the dinner fork should be placed to the left of the dinner plate, and the dinner knife to the right, with the cutting edge facing the plate. “If a steak knife or other specialised utensil is required,” Laura continues, “it should be positioned to the right of the dinner knife.”

If you're looking to style a formal table setting that feels both elegant and inviting, Laura has plenty of expert tips to help you get it just right. Whether you're planning a special dinner or hosting a classic celebration, her top suggestions will make it easy to create a setting that’s sure to impress guests.

1. Lay a foundation: "Start with a smart tablecloth to immediately elevate the atmosphere. It adds a formal touch while introducing a pop of colour," advises Laura. She suggests choosing one that suits the mood or occasion, adding, "If you're hosting an Easter dinner, a tablecloth like the Birdie Fortescue Bel Tablecloth, for example, brings a fresh and refined feel to the table."

2. Showcase your finest tableware: Setting a formal table is "The perfect chance to bring out a special set that’s reserved for unforgettable occasions, making the meal feel truly unique," says Laura. While you may not immediately think about a formal table setting when creating your wedding registry, "Adding chinaware to your list is a great way to level up any formal dining experience," she explains, adding, "Pairing it with matching serveware will further enhance the experience, ensuring a cohesive and polished look."

3. Coordinate your glassware: For a refined table setting, Laura recommends "Matching water tumblers and wine glasses to keep the table looking smart." However, for couples who appreciate individuality, she adds, "If you like a bit of variety, The Vintage List offers a range of designs — mix and match the patterns while keeping the shape consistent for a playful yet sophisticated touch."

4. Introduce elegant cutlery: ""I think cutlery is the perfect way to make a dining experience more formal,” says Laura. “Using a more traditional cutlery set, such as Glazebrook’s Fiddle set, is a great way to do this, as it adds a classic and timeless charm to the table," she points out. The weight and design of formal cutlery contribute significantly to the overall sense of occasion.

5. Perfect your drink service: "At formal occasions, you are often sharing a nice bottle of wine – a great way to present this and keep the table formal is through a decanter or wine coaster," advises Laura. These thoughtful table decor additions not only serve a practical purpose but also enhance the visual appeal and sophistication of the formal table setting.

To help you achieve this relaxed and effortless style, here are five of our Wedding List Advisor Lucy's top tips for creating a beautiful table setting for a casual gathering:

1. Embrace your everyday essentials: Don't feel the need for elaborate linens or tableware. As our advisors suggest, use "Your go-to tablecloth and napkins, or no tablecloth at all and just a few placemats." This instantly creates a welcoming sense of ease.

2. Play with personality: When it comes to casual dining, don’t be afraid to inject a bit of your own style. "A little clash of colours or patterns can actually be a lot of fun — it adds character and makes the setting feel more laid-back and authentic," notes Lucy. Think mismatched napkins or subtly contrasting placemats.

3. Keep cutlery practical: Setting a casual table should be simple and functional — focus on the essentials for the dishes you are serving. Remember to "Add your main [dinner] knife and fork and either a dessert spoon or fork, depending on what you are eating," says Lucy, adding, "There’s no need for extra pieces that won’t be used."

4. Hydration is key: Make sure your guests have easy access to refreshments. As Lucy says, "Adding a tumbler and water jug is essential for a relaxed dining experience!" A jug of water placed on the table encourages everyone to help themselves.

5. Add simple harmonious touches: While keeping it easy-going, you can still include subtle decorative elements. Lucy suggests you "Tie everything together by adding simple touches like flowers or candlesticks in similar tones to create a sense of harmony." A small bud vase of wildflowers or a couple of delicate candles can lift the setting without feeling overly formal.

When setting the table for Christmas or any special holiday meal, following a formal layout helps ensure everything feels considered and celebratory. Lucy shares a simple rule to keep in mind: “Start from the outside in.” This means placing your starter knife and fork on the outer edges of each place setting and working inward with each course. Using the appropriate cutlery and crockery for every dish signals care and attention — small touches that help a festive table feel truly thoughtful.

According to Clemmie, “Setting a festive table for Christmas, or any special dinner, is about more than where to place plates and glasses. Festive table settings creates a warm, seasonal atmosphere that reflects your and your partner’s style, and the new traditions you want to begin together.” She recommends starting with a clean, timeless base — such as classic linens or neutral crockery — then layering in festive details. “Add personality with tablecloths, placemats, napkins, and a unique centrepiece,” Clemmie says. “It’s also the perfect time to mix your wedding registry tableware with seasonal accents like holly sprigs, flickering candles, or floral arrangements to make the setting feel both special and inviting.”

Finishing touches often bring the whole table together. “Small tableware pieces like glass bowls for sauces — cranberry for Christmas turkey, or mint sauce at Easter — show extra care and help the table look polished,” says Lucy. “I particularly love the Fern bowl from the British brand William Yeoward Crystal — it’s so versatile. When it’s not serving sauces, it doubles as a lovely bud vase.”

Don’t forget your drinks setup, either. “Wine coasters are a must,” Lucy adds. “They protect your tablecloth from dreaded red wine rings.” Functional and elegant, they’re a simple way to enhance your festive tablescape with minimal effort.

Now that you’ve mastered how to set a table, it’s time to think about the pieces that will bring your own hosting style to life. As couples start building their bespoke wedding list, questions often come up around choosing timeless tableware, striking the right balance between style and practicality, and selecting pieces that suit everyday life as well as special occasions. We’ve answered some of our couples most frequently asked wedding gift list questions below. This is to help you feel confident in your choices as you curate your own wedding gift ideas.

When deciding how many place settings to include on your wedding registry, a good rule of thumb is to start with 8 to 12 full sets.

However, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer; it depends on your lifestyle and available space. If you love entertaining or expect to host larger gatherings, 12 settings are ideal. For smaller homes or more casual hosting, 8 settings may be sufficient, especially if you’re registering for both everyday tableware and formal china. As Laura often tells couples during their appointments in our showroom: “Twelve settings might sound like a lot, but once you factor in dinner parties, visiting family, or not running the dishwasher every day, it makes perfect sense. It’s about future-proofing your table.” She adds, “If you’re mixing everyday crockery with formal pieces, opt for 8 of each — that way, you’re ready for everything from casual brunches to elegant dinners.”

And don’t forget to include serveware — generous platters, stylish bowls, and practical utensils — to complete your wedding registry collection. A well-curated table isn’t just about the number of plates; it’s about creating a setting that feels thoughtful and welcoming.

When choosing glassware for your wedding registry, start with the essentials: water glasses, red and white wine glasses, and champagne flutes — these cover most meals and occasions. “Having a variety of glassware means you’re ready for everything from casual dinners to celebratory toasts,” says Lucy. “Think about the drinks you enjoy most and make sure you have the right glasses for them. If you love cocktails, consider adding martini glasses, highball glasses, or elegant tumblers, " she adds. Don’t forget to include durable, everyday glasses that are easy to clean and dishwasher safe, so you’re well-equipped for casual dining. For timeless style, Lucy recommends the LSA International collection, or for something a little more distinctive, the delicate Issy Granger glasses or the Late Afternoon tumblers, which are perfect for cocktails too.

Still unsure about what you need to host? Let us help you create the perfect table settings with beautiful wedding gifts from The Wedding Present Company. Tick off an important step in your wedding planning timeline by booking a private appointment with the lovely Wedding List Advisors at our Chelsea showroom. They’ll offer expert guidance on how to create your wedding gift list and what you need for the next stage of your life together. Explore our stunning collection of tableware, glassware, and serveware, and take advantage of mixing and matching pieces in a real life to design a table setting that’s uniquely yours — all with a glass of Nyetimber in hand.

The Wedding Present Company is a bespoke wedding gift list experience; couples come to us seeking the extraordinary. We offer a tailored and completely personalised wedding registry experience free of charge. Our team goes above and beyond to help you create a wedding list that is unique to both of you and full of items that you will love and use for a lifetime.