Setting the Table

Whether it's a week-end, special occasion, or long day at the office, everyone likes seeing a nicely set table. So I've created a crash course in table setting for those who are perhaps a bit rusty, using the table I (quickly) created for Easter dinner. First, start with an empty table; perhaps a table cloth, floral arrangement, and/or candlesticks.

Then lay everything out. My rule of thumb is: if you lay it out, and it takes up more than half of the table, then it will seem cluttered when set (unless you are dining on a very small table). * TIP: if just building an entertaining repertoire, white plates are the ultimate failsafe, like our set of 'Claire' dishes from Crate and Barrel.

Start with simple: the placemat and dinner plate. * TIP: if you already have a lot of linens, look for the unusual, like these bluish-green faux-leather hexagons from English Country Antiques.

Layer in the napkins and salad plates or, if you like, soup bowls.

There are so many ways to place napkins. Between the plates for a modern look...
Under the flatware for a casual look...

Or like I did, on top of the plates with a napkin ring for a more formal look. The napkins I used are from the Elegant Setting in Southampton.

Layer in the flatware and glasses, and you've got a mighty fine table... quick, too!

Lastly, a well-dressed sideboard is always a plus. A good rule of thumb is to keep one constant in all of the pieces (in this case, silver), and to put two taller things on the ends, and something shorter in the middle for a symmetrical look (which I didn't do).