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

Knowing how to lay a table — especially a formal table setting — can elevate any meal. If you're building your wedding registry, now’s the perfect time to think about the table you'll share for years to come. Whether it's a simple pasta dinner or a festive roast with loved ones, the right mix of tableware, glassware, and serveware makes all the difference. With expert advice from our Wedding List Advisors, this guide walks you through setting the table course by course — from soups and salads to desserts. You'll find practical tips, etiquette, and wedding gift list ideas for creating a table that works for everything from casual lunches to special celebrations.

So, whether you're curating your perfect table or upgrading your collection, read on or skip to the sections to learn how to set a table for each course.

From cosy weeknight suppers to celebrating your first Christmas together, mastering the art of setting a table for any occasion is key to great hosting. To help you understand the difference between a formal and casual table set-up, our Wedding List Advisor, Clemmie Jones, sheds light on the key distinctions: "A formal table setup typically involves much more focus on detail and includes several extra components. 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."

In contrast, a casual table setting is much more laid-back. "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, adding, "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 of Lucy's tips for a beautiful 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: 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 personality 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: Ensure your guests have easy access to refreshments. As our Wedding List Advisor Lucy says, "Adding a tumbler and water jug is a must for a relaxed dining experience!" A simple 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 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 bud vase of wildflowers or a couple of delicate candles can elevate the setting without feeling overly formal.

If you're looking to style a formal table setting that feels both elegant and inviting, our Wedding List Advisor Laura has plenty of expert tips to help you get it just right. Whether you're planning a special dinner or hosting a more classic celebration, her top suggestions will make it easy to create a setting that’s sure to impress your 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, 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 elevate any formal dining experience," she explains and adds, "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, our Wedding List Advisor recommends "matching water tumblers and wine glasses to keep the table looking smart." However, for couples who appreciate a bit of 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. 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.

As your guests take their seats, the initial table setting should anticipate the courses to come. To set a formal table properly before the first course is served, begin by placing placemats for each guest. Senior Wedding List Advisor Laura Godfrey-Fausset suggests using Rebecca Udall scallop rattan placemats or similar as "they soften the edges.”

Next, place a charger plate at each setting and lay a neatly folded napkin on top. The charger plate serves as the formal anchor for the courses to follow and will be cleared once the napkins are unfolded onto laps. Regarding napkins, Laura advises, “I like to keep it simple and use white hand-embroidered napkins from  SARAH.K as they easily match the tablecloth.” She also highlights 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.”

Now, arrange the cutlery in order of use, working from the outside in. On the left side of the charger, place the forks for the starter, fish, main, and salad courses. On the right, set the knives for the salad, main, and fish courses, with blades facing inward. If soup, pasta, or another spooned first course is being served, include the appropriate soup spoon to the right of the knives. If a cocktail fork is required, it can be placed to the far right or nested inside a soup spoon for compactness.

To set a formal table with proper etiquette, position the bread plate above the forks and slightly to the left, accompanied by a small butter knife placed horizontally across it. Dessert spoons and forks are laid horizontally above the charger.

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,” says Laura.

For a casual table setup, the rules for placing tableware and glassware are much more relaxed. While you can still follow a similar layout to a formal setup, our Wedding List Advisors recommend simplifying things by using fewer utensils and glassware. The focus here is on keeping the setting simple, comfortable and inviting, while still ensuring a pleasant dining experience for your guests.

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."

Make sure each guest has a napkin readily available— classic linen napkins from Issy Granger are an excellent choice, according to Lucy, especially when paired with a matching tablecloth for a more cohesive look. For serving the soup, Lucy suggests having a ladle available with the tureen or bowl to allow guests to serve themselves. "The stainless steel soup ladle from Sambonet is a great choice if you want to add a simple refinement," Lucy notes.

Following proper soup etiquette, after finishing the course, the spoon is placed across the upper right-hand corner of the plate — once a utensil touches food, it should never touch the tablecloth again. Only clear the soup bowl, plate, and spoon after all your dinner guests have finished.

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 serving spoons from Culinary Concepts — they’re timeless but still full of character.”

For salad dressings, Clemmie suggests offering a variety in smaller vessels so guests can customise their plates. “I like to place a small carafe or a pretty jug for the dressing — my favourite would be the splatter jug from Hot Pottery. Pair it with elegant oil and vinegar drizzle bottles, such as those from Sophie Conran for Portmeirion.”

Once the salad course is complete, the salad plate and fork, along with the bread-and-butter plate, butter knife, and wine glasses, are cleared, leaving a clean table setting that is ready for the next course.

When setting the table, Agatha recommends placing a white wine glass just above the dinner knife, slightly to the right, to complement the wine traditionally served with fish.

She also encourages adding subtle personality to the table with themed accessories: “I love to introduce a coastal charm with a simple enamel jug, serve fish on the iconic Amuse La Bouche lobster platter, or use a fish-themed bowl from Culinary Concepts for mussels.” Staying true to the theme, she adds, “Everything from the plating to the ambience should feel fresh and inviting, creating a sense of ease and joy that elevates the dining experience without overwhelming it.”

Once guests have finished, they should place their cutlery diagonally across the plate — handles pointing to 4:20 on a clock face, with the knife blade facing inward — signalling that the fish course is complete.

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."

In terms of serving style, Laura advises considering the format of the meal. "If you’re setting a table for a buffet, ensure you have the appropriate serveware and ample table space to accommodate all the dishes." If the main course is served plated and hot, she recommends preheating the plates before serving, as "this simple step helps keep the food warm for longer, allowing your guests to savour every bite."

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. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer; it all depends on your lifestyle and space. If you love entertaining or anticipate hosting larger gatherings, 12 settings are ideal. For smaller homes or more relaxed hosting, 8 settings may be perfectly enough, especially if you’re registering for both everyday tableware and formal china. As Wedding List Advisor Laura Godfrey-Fausset often tells couples in during their appotintments 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 add serveware — generous platters, stylish bowls, and practical utensils — to round out your wedding registry collection. A well-curated table isn’t just about the number of plates; it’s about setting a scene that feels intentional and inviting.

When choosing glassware for your wedding registry, start with the essentials like water glasses, red and white wine glasses, and champagne flutes — these will cover most meals and occasions. "Having a variety of glassware ensures you're prepared for everything from casual dinners to celebratory toasts," says our Wedding List Advisor, Lucy Scudamore. "Think about the drinks you enjoy most and make sure you have the right glassware for them. If you love cocktails, for example, consider adding martini glasses, highball glasses, or elegant tumblers for mixed drinks," she adds. Don't forget to include durable, everyday glasses that are easy to clean and dishwasher safe, so you're fully equipped for casual dining. For timeless appeal, Lucy recommends the LSA International collection, or for something a bit more unique, the delicate Issy Granger glasses or the Late Afternoon tumblers — perfect for cocktails too.

Let us help you create the perfect table setting with beautiful wedding gifts from The Wedding Present Company. Tick off another important step in your wedding planning timeline and book a private appointment with the lovely Wedding List Advisors at our Chelsea showroom. They’ll be with you every step of the way, offering expert guidance on how to create your wedding gift list. Explore our stunning collection of tableware, glassware, and serveware, and take advantage of mixing and matching pieces in a real setting 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.