SOS GUIDE
Formal Table Setting Ideas from Chic Hosts
Special occasions call for a feast not just for the tastebuds but also for the eyes. They’re a chance to break out your most special pieces and put them together in a thoughtful and creative way to set a mood and delight your guests. While coordinated sets of china and crystal are wonderful, mixing and matching pieces can feel more modern and personal. But how do you know what works together? Create your own memorable tables time after time with these curated styles — dinnerware, linens, glassware and accessories that look great together without looking matchy matchy.
Overview of Formal Table Settings
Setting a formal table can be intimidating. The stakes are typically a little higher, whether it’s a special occasion or entertaining guests, or both. In addition to what to serve, you also have to think about how you serve it. You could argue the table setting is just as important, if not more important, than the menu (you could serve fried chicken and champagne in a formal table setting, and it would still feel elevated). Not to fear, the goal of this guide is to help you find formal table settings you like and create the look at home.
Image: Bellavista via T Magazine
Formal Table vs Casual Table
Here’s what differentiates a formal table setting from a more casual table setting.
It’s elaborate: A formal table setting is made up of more pieces. For instance, additional plates, flatware and serving pieces might be needed to serve multiple courses. Certain elements, like linens and other table accessories, are meant to dress things up in addition to providing a functional purpose.
It’s fancy: A formal table setting calls for using the nicest pieces, which are more fragile and less functional, but also so much more beautiful. Usually these items are not dishwasher safe, and they might require some additional elbow grease (eg: polishing silver). A small price to pay for a special evening.
It packs some drama: While you might grow tired of seeing bold and decorative pieces on a day-to-day basis, they can bring an X factor to a formal table setting. I say, go big or go home! Go for color, go for patterns, go for unique shapes.
Components of A Formal Table
The curated table settings below include the following pieces.
Glassware: wine and water glasses, and champagne for some
Dinnerware: dinner plates and smaller plates for salad and dessert
Linens: tablecloth, napkins and placemat (tablecloth is optional if you’re using a placemat and vice versa)
Serving: pitchers, platters (for water or wine), and large bowls
Decorative accessories: flower vases, candle holders, candles
Modern Glamour
Inspired by Venetian craft and gilded glamour put through a modern lens, this formal table setting features gold accented pieces, intricate glassware, and a palette of rich, dramatic colors like aubergine and chestnut. It’s elegant with a side of drama.
Image: Lauren Santo Domingo / Moda Operandi
Surrealist Dreamscape
The table of your dreams, literally. Unique handcrafted details and unexpected design elements recall surrealist imagery. This formal table setting is designed to surprise and delight. A palette of neutrals and earthy colors keep the table grounded in reality.
Image: @malaikalinens
Refined Pretty
This formal table setting feels pretty and feminine, without being too sweet, if you know what I mean. This is not a Barbie table. That’s because the pastel palette is softened by classical, refined design elements like delicate florals, scalloped edges and woven accents.
Image: Fabiola Beracasa Beckman
Regal Maximalism
‘More is more’ meets the table. This formal table setting combines bold stripes, a rainbow of saturated hues, and ornate patterns to create a regal display of maximalism. This rich tableau provides the ultimate backdrop to eat, drink and be merry.
Image: Luke Edward Hall
PRODUCT PICKS
Enchanting Pieces
From richly patterned linens to standout accents, here’s table decor to upgrade your tablescape.
