How to Lay the Perfect Table for Festive Entertaining

Christmas is a time for gathering with family and friends, sharing delicious meals, and making lasting memories. Whether you’re hosting a cosy get together or a more formal Christmas dinner, laying the perfect table can elevate the entire dining experience. 

Here’s our Dara Maison step-by-step guide to help you lay a table perfect for festive entertaining.

Choose a Theme

For a traditional Christmas look, go for rich reds, deep greens, or gold accents.  For a more modern feel, sleek metallics, neutral tones, or if you want a winter-themed design use winter foliage or pinecones to set the perfect mood.  

Think about the different colours and textures you want to include when dressing your table.  If your dining table features statement materials like the Samantha Dining Table in Pandora Marble, consider what colours and materials will draw attention to and complement these.

Decorate the Table

Lay the foundations of your tableware with a tablecloth or runner that fits your theme. Use placemats to add a touch of sophistication and elegance – choose woven or linen for a more relaxed or rustic feel, or opt for luxe velvet or silk for a more formal vibe. 

Charger plates (large decorative plates) under each dinner plate add extra elegance and can be used to make a bold statement. 

A well-thought-out centrepiece is the key to pulling the table together.  Think about your chosen  theme – a traditional Christmas centrepiece might include a large candle arrangement, a statement vase or coloured glass vase filled with winter foliage and pinecones, whereas a more contemporary theme might include a few elegant candlesticks or a modern decorative bowl such as a glass fruit bowl filled with seasonal fruits or ornaments. 

When choosing your centrepiece, consider the shape of your table – a round table such as the Ragne Round Table will suit a circular centrepiece, whereas a longer table such as the Samantha Dining Table will suit a more linear centrepiece.  Ensure the centrepiece is not too tall, as it should allow guests to converse easily across the table. Keep it low and elegant for a welcoming atmosphere.

Napkins are an easy way to add charm and sophistication to your table. Whether you choose cloth napkins or fancy paper ones, there are endless folding techniques to try. A simple, classic fold placed neatly to the left of the plate can look chic. Or, for extra flair, try folding them into a festive shape, such as a pocket to hold a sprig of rosemary or a small ornament.

Choosing and Laying Dinnerware

Think about the size, colour, and finish of your plates, bowls and other dishes when bringing them together – make sure if you are using an assortment that your table feels put together without being matchy-matchy.  Use a variety of colours or patterns that complement each other, we like to use dishes in two tones, alternated around the table for example. 

Use serving platters, plates and bowls to fill space at the table and allow guests to help themselves to extra helpings.  Keep in mind the size of the table to ensure it doesn’t become too crowded.

Cutlery

For formal dining, cutlery placement can be an art. Follow the rule of "outside-in" to arrange utensils in the correct order.  The salad fork should be placed to the left of the plate, and the dinner fork goes directly to the left of the plate (closest to the centre). The dinner knife goes to the right of the plate, with the blade facing inward toward the plate. If you’re serving soup, a soup spoon goes to the right of the knife. If you’re serving dessert, the dessert spoon or fork typically goes horizontally above the plate, with the handle pointing to the right. Steak knives, if appropriate, should be placed just outside the dinner knife or along the top of the plate.  

For more relaxed gatherings you may prefer to opt for the “less is best” approach and stick to a dinner knife and fork.  This might be less intimidating for your guests and helps avoid the table looking crowded.

Glassware – A Glass for Every Drink?

Traditionally, a well-set table should include glassware for wine, water, and possibly even champagne or cocktails, however nobody feels comfortable at an overcrowded table so bear in mind the size of your table and how many guests will be seated.  

Keep additional glasses accessible should your guests require a different glass and ensure there is at least a water glass at each place setting, with a pitcher of water on the table to keep your guests hydrated.  A neutral or glass design pitcher will work well with most styles of dinnerware.

Personal Touches

You may wish to add personal touches to your table setting that reflect the season or your style, for example you could use place cards, or add favours such as mini bottles of wine, chocolates, or mini ornaments.  

Festive entertaining is about more than just the food—it’s about creating an experience for your guests, and making special memories. A well-laid table is the perfect way to welcome everyone to your home. With thoughtful touches, creative flair, and a little bit of planning, you can set a beautiful table that will make your gathering even more special. So, get creative, embrace the season, and enjoy the process of making your table a visual feast for the eyes and the perfect backdrop for cherished memories.