How to create a beautiful table setting every time (2024)

Having guests round for dinner, or want to make your family meal a bit more special? Table setting and decorating is often overlooked but in our opinion, the way a table is set contributes to the ambiance of a meal just as much as the food and wine.

Setting a table and decorating it can be easy and a lot of fun to do. Kristina Lindhe, founder, designer and CEO of Lexington Company, and author of interiors book Living with Lexington, is a pro at putting together beautiful table settings.

She says 'you can easily change a small detail on your table setting and surprise people with something that at its core is actually quite similar each time'. She advises to keep your base simple (crockery, cutlery, glassware and silverware), but instead decorate with small details.

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For a beautiful table every time, here are 8 of her top tips:

1. Have a theme - this could either be an event (Halloween, 4th July or a birthday) or you could find inspiration by following the seasons.

2. Unify the table setting with colour – this doesn’t mean matching everything but try to avoid too many distracting or clashing hues. If using pastel colours use them in a more rugged fabric and against a white backdrop to avoid looking too cutesy.

3. Mix the old with the new, it adds charm and creates an ambience this can create a talking point. Also don't be afraid to bring the outdoors indoors – if you're lucky enough to be near the beach, try using (washed) driftwood and shells to decorate with.

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4. Avoid tall flowers and overly fussy floral arrangements. It looks artificial and guests need to be able to see one another across the table. Instead keep the flowers simple – and don't be afraid to just pick some wildflowers or even herbs for a more rustic and relaxed feel.

5. Candles are always effective to create a mood, but skip the fancy candlesticks (unless it's Christmas).

6. Change your table setting by dining outdoors – pick seasonal flowers and greenery and use an old jar as a vase. Straw or rattan placemats enhance the outdoor feeling.

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7. Layer your table – use your tablecloth as a base and then add seasonal decorations for a charming look. For Autumn you could use miniature pumpkins or even onions carrots, artichokes. Also think about the chairs, sometimes it’s good to throw a blanket on the back of a chair for guests to use if they get cold.

8. Simplicity is the best – use simple but good quality fabrics, crockery and cutlery and try to stick to one palette (or use complimenting colours). For a rustic feel, swap flowers for potted herbs, and swap a table cloth for newspaper when serving messy foods like shellfish – and then serve right on the table.