Set A Table Properly
How to set a table properly: your ultimate guide for any occasion
As an Aussie living in London, I’m fascinated by the British history of dining etiquette. But it’s far from a new concept for me. Back in Aus, my mother would throw lavish dinner parties, sometimes for as many as a hundred guests! We’d eat a delicious, fresh meal, often gathered around the pool. Of course, it was the sheer amount of effort she put in that made every event so special. It’s little wonder mealtimes have always seemed to me a unique opportunity to connect with others.
But how did she do it? Don't worry, I’m going to let you in on some of my mother’s best-kept secrets on how to set a table properly for any situation!
1. Making supper special
Sometimes it’s sharing a casual easy meal that creates the strongest bond with your family. Why not take supper at the kitchen counter rather than the dining table? As a more communal, fluid environment, it’s great when you want to relax with a lighter, buffet-style meal that everyone can help themselves to. Consider platters of grilled seasonal veg, freshly caught fish, crisp salads livened up with edible flowers, plus a selection of exotic fruit for pudding. Although relaxed, it's still important that everyone has all they need. Keep the setting simple yet elegant with placemats, plates, knives and forks, and a handful of quality linen napkins (no grubby fingerprints here!).
2. Gorgeous garden parties
The simple garden party is perfect for a baby shower or birthday lunch. Ideally, situate your table and chairs under the shade of trees for comfort. Spring or summer is perfect, when the garden is resplendent with flowers, but you can improvise with an elegant bouquet of daisies or wildflowers. Try to coordinate their colours with your linens and use named place settings to eliminate awkwardness. Instrumental music is a great way to set the atmosphere. A simple saucer, knife and fork arrangement is fine for your finger sandwiches and cakes, with tea served in fine bone china. For something a little stronger, a pitcher of Pimms or a selection of rosé and white wines cooling in ice buckets is ideal, not to mention a jug of ice-cold water to cleanse the palate.
3. Awe-inspiring afternoon teas
This quintessentially English tea can be taken inside or out. It traditionally includes cucumber and salmon finger sandwiches, freshly made scones served with clotted cream and strawberry or raspberry jam, plus a selection of handmade cakes. Be mindful of your guests’ dietary requirements, however, and offer meat-free, dairy-free or gluten-free options. A delicate Darjeeling tea can be appreciated by any taste, while a fruity Earl Grey will complement a warm summer’s afternoon. Be sure to offer a range of dairy substitutes, including almond, coconut or oat milk, as well as mint or chamomile teas. Want to make a real splash? Stretch to a bottle of champagne, and serve up your delights on a tiered cake stand for extra presentation points!
4. The perfect picnic
Picnics are so relaxing, but eating while sat on the hard ground is not! Take along a foldable table and chairs and some blankets and cushions for reclining afterwards. The traditional red plaid is quite overpowering (and outdated), so opt for a dreamy pastel check. Forget the retro Tupperware or melamine picnics of the past and make your event special by carefully packing some china teacups and saucers, plus a few fresh flower sprigs to set the scene. You can preserve your cold meats,