Are you aware of how simple it is to transform a table setting from casual to elegant?
It takes just 6 easy steps to transition your casual table setting into an elegant table setting.
Yep, that’s it.
6 easy steps!
Don’t let the idea of creating an elegant tablescape scare you. I know you can do it. You won’t be creating a brand new elegant tablescape. Instead, you will be building off what you have on your table and transforming it.
Just follow my simple instructions and you will easily impress your friends and family with your elegant table setting.
6 Simple Steps to Transform a Table Setting from Casual to Elegant
I’m starting with a simple casual table setting and will show you step-by-step how to transform it into an elegant tablescape.
Below is a casual dining room table setting.
As you can see, it consists of your standard casual place setting with a fork and napkin on the left and a knife and spoon on the right. Then there’s your dinner plate and water glass.
I’ve also included a vase with my diy snow-covered branches as a centerpiece.
It’s a pretty basic table setting.
Now let’s start the transformation…
Step 1: Add a table linen to your casual table setting
Most likely you set your casual table without any table linens, with the exception being placemats. You use your tabletop as the base.
The first step in transforming your casual table into an elegant one is to add a table runner or a table cloth as the base of your table setting.
In my example, I am using a table runner the length of my table. I placed the plates at the end of the table on the runner and put the centerpiece back in the center of the table.
You can see how a simple piece of fabric elevates the look of the tabletop. Your table linen doesn’t need to be super fancy, but it does need to be free of stains and holes.
Also, make sure it’s wrinkle-free before placing a table runner or tablecloth on your table.
Step 2: Charger plates transform a table setting from casual to an elegant
Once you have added a table runner or table cloth to your table, you need to add charger plates.
Charger plates have no functional purpose on a table other than to look pretty. You don’t eat off of them.
They’re on the table to enhance the look of your table setting.
Select a charger plate that will coordinate with your table linen and your table decor.
Since I started with white plates, a pink and white vase and added a red table runner, my elegant tablescape theme colors will be white, pink, and red. This is why I chose to use red chargers.
I knew they would look great next to the red table runner.
Can you see how much fancier this table setting feels already?
Step 3: Add additional dishes and silverware to your elegant table setting
Elegant meals typically have more than one food course, which requires additional dishes and silverware as part of your place setting.
Depending on what you will be serving (salad, soup, appetizer, etc…) will determine the additional pieces you need to add to your place setting.
I have added red salad bowls and salad forks to my elegant place setting.
Isn’t that pop of red from the bowls gorgeous!!
Step 4: Using napkin rings elevates the look of your tablescape
There is something about a napkin ring, no matter how fancy or simple it is, that elevates your table from casual to elegant.
Select a napkin ring that will compliment your tablescape colors and slide your napkin through it.
I decided to use a simple silver napkin ring that would look nice next to my silverware.
I folded the napkin into a point, slipped the napkin ring down halfway, and placed it over the bowl.
Loving it!
There are dozens of ways you can fold your napkin and show off your napkin ring at the same time. Have fun playing around with them.
Step 5: Wine glasses signify elegance and transform a table setting from casual to elegant
Whether you will be serving wine, or not, wine glasses immediately transform a casual table into an elegant one.
We associate wine with really nice and fancy dinners. So as soon as you see wine glasses on a table, you know it will be a nice meal. It’s an immediate connection.
Thus wine glasses and elegant tablescapes go hand-in-hand.
Add the wine glasses to the right side of your water glasses.
If you won’t be serving wine, then use them for whatever beverage you’ll be serving. It’ll be fun!
Step 6: Candlelight is a must for an elegant table setting
There is nothing more elegant than eating by candlelight. So adding candles to transition your casual table setting is a no-brainer.
Candles will instantly transform a casual table setting into an elegant one.
It doesn’t really matter what type of candles you use. I chose to add pillar and votive candles to my tablescape.
I do think that tall taper candles have a more elegant feeling than pillar candles. But these pink and white pillar candles worked perfectly with the pink and white vase I already had as part of my casual table setting. So I had to use them, lol!
You’re done! You’ve completed all six steps to transform your table setting from a casual to an elegant one.
Now wasn’t that SUPER EASY!
Are you ready to impress your friends and family? Then it’s time to start planning your elegant dinner party!!
Other Similar Posts
- How to Set Your Table for Any Meal
- 9 Important Elements of an Elegant Table
- 7 Ways to Add Bling to Your Table
- Table Setting Fails: 8 Common Mistakes Everyone Makes
- How to Make a Romantic Table Setting for Two
- How to Create a Centerpiece in 3 Simple Steps
- Top 5 Reasons People Stress About Entertaining
- List of 13 Must-Have Table Setting Pieces
- 7 Reasons Why You Should Use Napkins Everyday
