How to Lay a Table — Wedding List Advisors' Expert Registry Recommendations for Formal and Casual Table Setting

From the simple joy of cosy weeknight suppers to the excitement of celebrating the first Christmas together, mastering the art of setting a table for any occasion is the bread and butter of proper hosting. Our Wedding List Advisor, Clemmie Jones, sheds light on the key differences: "Depending on the occasion, a formal setup typically involves much more attention to detail and includes several additional elements. The cutlery is arranged with precision, often tailored for multiple courses, such as a starter, main course, dessert, and sometimes even a cheese course. Alongside this, you’d usually find neatly folded napkins, placemats, a variety of plates for each course, and specific glassware for water, wine, or other drinks.

For a casual set-up, things are much 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,” explains Clemmie, ”There's no need for multiple utensils or layered plates, and the overall vibe is simple and easy-going." 

To help you achieve this relaxed and effortless style, here are five key tips for a beautifully casual table setting:

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 creates an immediate sense of ease.

2. Play with personality: 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 personality and makes the setting feel more relaxed and real," notes Lucy. Think mismatched napkins or subtly contrasting placemats.

3. Keep cutlery practical: For a casual meal, focus on the essentials for the dishes you are serving. Remember to "add your main [meal] knife and fork and either a dessert spoon or fork, depending on what you are eating," says Lucy. There's no need for extra pieces that won't be used.

4. Hydration is key: Ensure your guests have easy access to refreshments. As our Wedding List Advisor Lucy says "A tumbler and water jug are a must!" A simple jug of water placed on the table encourages everyone to help themselves.

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

If you’re looking to style a sophisticated and welcoming formal table setting that will impress your guests, draw inspiration from the top suggestions of our Wedding List Advisors:

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 always considering seasonal choices, noting that "With spring just around the corner, for example, a tablecloth like the Birdie Fortescue Bel in green is a perfect choice to welcome the season."

2. Showcase your finest tableware: You might not immediately consider a formal table setting when creating your wedding registry, but "Chinaware is a fantastic way to elevate a formal dining experience. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring out a special set that doesn’t get much use, making the occasion a distinct one," Laura highlighted. She also recommends, "Pairing this with matching serveware will elevate the experience even further," ensuring a cohesive and elegant look.

3. Coordinate your glassware: For a polished look, our Wedding List Advisors suggests ”matching water tumblers and wine glasses will keep the table feeling smart," However, for those couples who appreciate individuality, she note that "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 refined touch."

4. Introduce elegant cutlery: "I think cutlery is also 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 an elegant 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. Present drinks with grace: "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.

It’s important to remember, as Laura highlights, “The starter plate should not be on the table when guests first sit down; it will be brought out with the starter course.” To the right of the charger, arrange the knives for the starter and main course with their blades facing inwards, alongside any necessary spoons such as a soup, pasta, or even a dessert spoon if it's the first course requiring one. On the left of the charger, lay the forks for the starter and main course. If a cocktail fork is needed, it is traditionally placed on the right side, often nestled inside the soup spoon. Position the bread plate above the forks and slightly to the left, accompanied by its small butter knife.

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 the water and white wine glasses."

When it comes to cutlery, the soup spoon is placed to the right of the place setting. If a knife was used for the starter, it remains; otherwise, a knife isn't usually needed for soup. A bread basket, offering a selection of crusty rolls or sliced bread, should be placed within easy reach. “It should be placed within easy reach of the diners, encouraging them to help themselves,” advises Lucy, who particularly appreciates “Neptune’s Ashcroft basket as it adds a rustic touch to any table.”

Finally, ensure each guest has their napkin readily available, like the classic linen napkins from Issy Granger (which also come in a matching tablecloth). For serving the soup, Lucy recommends that a ladle be provided with the tureen or bowl, allowing guests to serve themselves. She suggests, “The stainless steel soup ladle from Sambonet will bring a simple refinement to any table.”

When it comes to salad dressings, Clemmie suggests “consider placing small carafes or an elegant jug for salad dressing, like a cute small splatter jug from Hot Pottery, accompanied by stylish oil and vinegar drizzle bottles, perhaps from Sophie Conran for Portmeirion, allowing guests to customise their salads to taste.”

Agatha recommends making the table accessories talking points, suggesting, "Bring in subtle coastal vibes with a simple enamel jug, serve the fish on the iconic Amuse La Bouche lobster platter, and present your mussels in a fish-themed Culinary Concept bowl." In keeping with the coastal theme, she explains that "everything from the plating to the ambiance should feel fresh and inviting, creating a sense of ease and joy that enhances the enjoyment of the fish without overwhelming the senses."

The placement of cutlery is fundamental: the dinner fork should be positioned to the left of where the dinner plate will be, and the dinner knife to the right, with the cutting edge facing the plate. “If a steak knife or other specialised utensils are required for the main course, these should be placed to the right of the dinner knife,” says Laura. 

Finally, consider the serving style. ”If you’re setting a table for a buffet,” explains Laura, “ensure appropriate serveware and ample table space”. If the main course is served plated and hot, she advises preheating the plates, as this "helps keep the food warm for longer," allowing your guests to savour every delicious bite.