How to Create a Simple Layered Table Setting

Let’s face it, the art of setting a table is fast becoming a forgotten art. Many of us sit in front of a TV to eat dinner these days. Even worse, we might eat on the run and not sit at all. Since moving to the farm, I’ve begun to make a concerted effort to set the table, especially when friends are coming over. They appreciate the extra effort and it doesn’t take much to lay the table in a pretty way. Now more than ever, with our entertaining curtailed on a large scale and being in big crowds not a good idea, having lunch with friends and family can be a special event EVERY weekend. Let’s make it that way. Let’s show others how much we care by going that extra yard or two at the table this season.

And, using things you have at home, you can create a simple layered table setting to wow your friends!

What You Need to Create a Simple Layered Table Setting

Well, obviously, you are going to need a table! That being said, I’ve set the kitchen island for lunch on a number of occasions since we made it. My guests love the informality and casual air to sitting at the island with the view of the paddocks out the window.

To create this simple setting for our verandah table, I’ve collected

• Two types of china. Mixing and matching creates a casual, thrown together look that makes your guests think you’ve got it all happening. There’s nothing more envy-inducing than that friend who just ‘throws a few things together’ and it looks wonderful!
• Placemats. I love woven placemats, especially these round ones. They accentuate the circle shape.
• A rustic runner. Mine is wood but use any runner you have. An alternative would be a long bread board, a tray, a linen tablecloth or even a large flat platter.
• A vase of carnations and camellia leaves from the garden. I bought the flowers at the supermarket. The cost was $9 and I’ve used the other half along our mantle.
• Cutlery. I got mine from Target last Christmas but use what you have to coordinate with your china. This simple setting is about the every day. We don’t want to have to buy new things.
• Fresh limes. I love how the colour of the limes blends with the blue of the china. They’re like a sunny, fresh zing, not to mention limes are a little different from the lemons we see on tables so often. (Plus, you can put them in a fresh gin cocktail!)
• Linen napkins. Mine are from Etsy but I also have some from Kmart. They cost around $2 each. I have three different sets I can mix and match because I no longer wish to use paper napkins. Linen napkins wash beautifully and add a touch of luxury to the table. As an alternative you could use linen tea towels. These look rustic and very vintage.

How To Create the Layered Table Setting

After setting the table runner in place, the rest of the setting is as easy as stacking from biggest to smallest. I like to mix the plates so that not all the same colour are in the same position. It gives an eclectic, collected feel to your setting.

Begin with a placemat if you are not using a cloth and then layer a large charger at the bottom with smaller plates on top as required. Chargers are not traditionally used in Australia but the make a lovely addition and come in all shapes and materials. Wood slice chargers give a rustic country air to the table. Bowls can be placed in the glass position, top left, if you need to use them. To create the table setting above I’ve tossed the napkins in placed the cutlery on top. In the one below I’ve folded the napkin to make a little pocket. Both are simple, though the black and white setting looks more formal. You could use this for a special occasion.

To Finish Off

I’ve finished my table with fresh leaves from our camellia bush and a bunch of carnations from the supermarket. I cut the bunch to size before tossing it in and the leaves bulk out the arrangement, making it look fuller. I also created a ‘square’ across the top of the jug with sticky tape to hold the stems in place. This can’t be seen from the front and gives the flowers a nice shape. (Though as you can see one side has less green because I put the vase on my mantle when I was finished here and I didn’t need fullness at the back.) I then added a bowl of limes for colour.

Why not try setting a simple table next time you have friends or family over? Put in a little effort and you’ll be rewarded!