The art of setting up a dining table

The guests are coming in an hour, and you need to set up the table for a family gathering. But where do you begin? What is the plan? How will you set it up? Where should the centrepiece go? Which ceramics set is right for this group of guests? What is the occasion?

All of this cannot be rushed in the space of an hour. Setting a table requires forethought, taste, and a touch of creativity, something that deserves at least a month of planning if done right.

Setting up a table is an underrated art form. People focus on the food that is served, but it is the right crockery and cutlery that bring everything together. A well-laid table elevates even the simplest of meals, turning an ordinary gathering into an experience to remember.

Zannatul Nayeem, an account manager at a real estate company, understands this deeply. Beyond her professional life, she is known among friends and family for her love of hosting gatherings. For her, entertaining guests is not just about cooking or serving; it's about creating an atmosphere. Each party, event, or family dinner requires a different setting and a distinct arrangement of the dining table.

One of Nayeem's favourite occasions is  Pohela Boishakh when she hosted a special gathering for her family. She began her preparation weeks in advance, with a clear vision in mind. To set the mood, she chose a Jamdani-printed runner, rich with the textures and motifs. 

She paired it with clay crockery, a deliberate choice to honour the rustic essence of the festival. The spread she prepared was a vibrant display of deshi cuisine: bhortas, rice, fish, and seasonal vegetables — each dish presented in handcrafted clay bowls, mugs and plates.

"The bhorta served in clay dishes and the green juice poured from a clay jug felt more authentically Bangali than they ever could in glass or porcelain. The textures of the tableware, the earthy tones of the clay, and the intricate Jamdani pattern came together create the traditional atmosphere I wanted," Nayeem shared.

Setting up a table, Nayem believes, needs a vision of its own. Every element must complement the occasion. For a simple Thursday dinner with friends, the approach is more relaxed, but still purposeful. She might choose a monotone table runner with coordinated placemats for each person. A medium-sized vase with fresh flowers serves as the centrepiece, surrounded by flameless tea lights to create a warm and inviting glow.

On one side of the table, she arranges chafing dishes filled with finger foods and a few main dishes, allowing guests to help themselves. 

Drinks are served in wine glasses and crystal jugs;  one for mocktails, another for chilled water. The idea is not extravagance, but elegant.

A simple table setting can still feel grand. 

"Start with a table mat for each guest. Place the dinner plate at the centre, with the napkin either to the left, topped with a fork, or folded neatly in the middle of the plate for a more decorative touch. To the right of the plate, place the knife (blade facing inwards), and just above it, slightly off the mat, the water glass," Nayeem explained.

For a casual three-course dinner, include a salad or appetiser plate and a dinner plate, with small bowls if a soup or broth is part of the menu. The dinner fork and salad fork sit on the left, while the knife and soup spoon rest on the right. 

In more relaxed settings, the fork and knife can be placed together, but for a formal arrangement, keeping them separated maintains refinement.

This is the foundation of any table setting. From here, one can adapt, adding or removing elements based on the nature of the occasion. A festive dinner might call for coloured glassware or patterned napkins, while a formal one might favour crisp white linens and polished silverware.

When choosing materials, clay crockery works best for homely events with traditional food, it feels grounded and warm. For larger meals or occasions that feature western cuisine, ceramic sets tend to work better, providing a more polished and versatile backdrop for the dishes.

The centrepiece need not be extravagant. A vase of fresh flowers adds natural beauty, while electronic lanterns or scented candles create ambience without overwhelming the space. 

It's often the smaller touches — the placement of a napkin, the gentle glow of a tea light, the scent of jasmine or sandalwood — that leave a lasting impression.

Beyond the tableware, the lighting plays a crucial role. Warm, soft lights enhance the setting, while overly bright or harsh lighting can ruin the mood. A few decorative tissue boxes, scented candles, or a pop of colour in the runner or placemats can make the entire dining space feel cohesive and thoughtfully arranged.