No matter the formality of your festive table spread, let no glass or spoon be out of place

When it comes to setting a table you don’t have to do it by the book. Be creative and try something different, opt for a splash of colour and different ways of folding napkins. There is also no rule for where your knife, fork and dessert spoon have to be placed. Play around and place them all on one side or on top of your dinner plate or tie them to a napkin with a ribbon.

THE SEMI-FORMAL
If you were hosting an elegant dinner party or luncheon, you would want to know how to set a table for this occasion. A semi-formal dinner table set-up doesn’t always mean that it’ll be a three-course meal; we have set a semi-formal table for just two courses, only a main and dessert will be served. The semi-formal table setting includes a couple of pieces. You need a tablecloth, dinner- and side plates, napkins, knives and forks, dessert spoons, water-, wine- and champagne glasses.

Set it up:
1. Lay an ironed tablecloth on the table.
2. Set down each plate and centre with a guest’s seat.
3. Place the side plate in the middle of your dinner plate.
4. For a quick and simple napkin design, take a napkin and give it a quick swirl so that it almost looks like a bread bun. Place it in the centre of the side plate.
5. On the right-hand side of your place setting, layout your cutlery starting with the spoon next to the plate, followed by the fork then the knife facing inwards.
6. Now for the glassware. Start by placing the water glass directly above the spoon. To the right of the water glass place the wine glass and to the left, the champagne glass.
7. Decorate your table using of a few small vases with a mix of greenery and flowers. This creates a soft look to complement the gold and white table decor.

THE BASIC
A basic table setting for an everyday dinner or a lovely brunch doesn’t require a lot. Each guest will need: a place mat, cutlery (fork, knife, spoon), a dinner plate, a wine glass, water glass and a napkin.

Set it up:
1. Lay the place mats down on the table.
2. Put a dinner plate in the middle of each place mat.
3. Lay a napkin flat then pinch the centre and pull it up to create a soft point. Place the napkin on top of the plate with the point facing the top.
4. Place the knife to the right of the plate (always facing inward), the fork to the left, and the spoon above.
5. Place the water glass directly above the knife, and the wine glass to the left of the water glass.
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