Setting the table to set the mood
Everyone knows that we eat with our eyes first and that food appeals to all of our senses. Our culinary journey begins with a beautiful table. So get creative and be inspired by tips and trends – whether you want a table that follows etiquette or is fit for royalty, exciting or plain and simple.
Table setting made easy: what goes where?
Should your dining table be free-spirited or have royal charm? Setting the table is like cooking: you can be creative or follow a recipe. Those who prefer the latter and are expecting guests might wonder how to set out the cutlery correctly, position the plates and arrange the glasses.
According to German etiquette expert Knigge, the knife should be held in the right hand and so lie to the right of the plate with the blade facing the rim. To the left of the plate is the fork. The dessert cutlery is placed at the top with the handle pointing towards the dominant hand. What if someone is left-handed? Then you can set the cutlery and glasses the other way round for them. Golden cutlery is suitable for celebratory occasions.
If you are serving several courses, the plates and dishes should be stacked in order of courses from top to bottom – with the plate for the starter on the top. The glasses all stand on the right-hand side: the red wine glass above the knives, the white wine glass slightly further in to the right and the water glass on the outside.
Table decorating trends and ideas
It is always advisable to set the table so that it reflects your (interior design) style or the menu you are serving. For instance, you can incorporate visually appealing ingredients like artichokes or pumpkins into your table decor. Surprises and experiments also have their allure.
Current trends opt for colourful table decor. Classic china and light-coloured designs are less in demand. Many people set the table according to the mix and match principle: colourful, creative and contrasting, with patterns that only go together at second glance, making them more exciting.
The decor often needs to correspond to the occasion. In the case of celebrations like Christmas, the table-decorating ideas flow freely: fir branches, candles and small baubles can already be found in most households. It’s a bit more complicated if you’re on a date.
Our tip: find out as much as possible about the other person’s design preferences and set the mood with pretty flowers and lighting.
Seasonal table decor: the ‘eattraction’ of spring
Table decor also varies according to the season. In spring, light pastel colours are the order of the day, as winter brought with it enough shades of grey. The following elements are also popular:
- crocuses, tulips and other spring flowers (but watch out as many of them are poisonous and should not come into contact with the cutlery or food)
- natural materials (such as wood, pebbles and sand from the surrounding area)
- plain ceramic and glass accessories (for example, bird or butterfly figures)
- light-coloured, easily creased tablecloths and linen napkins
Spring, summer, autumn or winter – no matter how much detail you like, we always say: less is more. Even in spring, the table decor shouldn’t be too ostentatious. The focus should be on your guests, the conversation, and having a laugh and meal together. This shouldn’t be disturbed by tall flower arrangements or towering candles.
