How to create a magazine-worthy table setting
How can we decorate the table for a special occasion without falling into an overly formal or serious style? In the article below, we provide you with a simple table-setting idea that's original, elegant and fresh. Don't miss these basic tips and get inspired by this decorative idea designed for six diners.
When we're hosting an event at home, we love to welcome guests and make them feel at home, right? For detail-orientated people, each element plays an important role – that's why we're always coming up with new surprises and ways to bring the atmosphere into perfect harmony. And what better way to do this than with a beautifully set table? Below, we show you an easy, affordable way to set a table with decorative elements in blue tones. Would you like to see it? Go ahead!
Items you'll need to decorate a table for six
As we mentioned, this option is designed for a lunch at home for six guests, but remember that you can easily adapt it to any number of diners.
In the following list, we've summarised all the items we selected to decorate this table. Below, we'll explain how to set the table step by step and how we chose each item to complement the others.
To replicate these place settings, you'll need:
- six chopping boards
- six normal plates, for salad and bread
- six sets of regular and dessert cutlery
- six water glasses
- six wine glasses
- one tablecloth, fabric to create another large tablecloth and a table runner
- old books
- flowers
- candles
1. Main theme and colours
When you're setting a table, no matter what the style is, the first step is to choose a colour palette to decorate it with. You can also use a specific theme to give it a distinctive, fun touch. In this case, our inspiration was a meal for book lovers.
Given the theme and that it's a lunch, not a dinner, we chose light colours, such as a neutral white with sky blue accents and some natural elements. We also gave it a creative touch with a few old books that continue these tones.
2. Table linen
To set the stage for your table setting, choose the fabrics that will go with it. The tablecloths will protect the table and the table runners will mark off the space reserved for each diner.
For the first layer, cover the table with a long tablecloth that hangs just above the floor. Then, add a standard-sized tablecloth. Finally, place table runners in your chosen colour on top to create a colour contrast.
Does it look too formal? You can remove the first layer to make the table airier and more casual. The result will look just as nice.
3. Tableware and cutlery
Let's move on to what we call "the heart and soul of the table". Here, we'll need to be very clear about the food we're going to serve and choose the dishes that best suit it.
For this part, start with the base (we've chosen a wooden chopping board to create a stronger contrast). Next, add the main plate, the salad plate, the soup bowl, the bread plate and the cutlery (for both the meal and the dessert).
To give it a nice, more personal touch, wrap a page from a book around the fabric napkins as if they were place cards and add a sprig.
4. Wine and water glasses
Are you worried about choosing the right pairing to accompany each dish? We believe that everyone should choose whatever they like best, so forget that old-fashioned rule that says you have to drink white wine with fish and red wine with meat. You make the rules!
Give each diner a water glass, a white wine glass and a red wine glass. If they don't want one of them, you can remove it.
5. An original centrepiece
Centrepieces are always a sure bet to give your table setting that finishing touch. In this case, we've proposed a highly original idea that's easy to make and extremely affordable: old books and natural sprigs.
You can use decorations that you already have at home or flowers you’ve picked from the garden. The important thing is that the centrepiece isn't too tall. Once everyone is seated at the table, you want to be able to see them perfectly, right? To create a balanced arrangement, group the decorations in odd numbers. And so as not to interfere with the culinary experience, don't use aromatic candles or flowers with a strong scent.
What did you think? Get inspired and discover new ways to set the table for your lunches and dinners at home. Enjoy this special selection of ideas:
We love it when customers use our products in a creative way. Why not try to do something new with them yourself? But do remember, any modifications or changes that you make to IKEA products will prevent them from being resold or used for their original purpose, thus invalidating IKEA product warranties and your right to return them.
