Setting a stylish and attractive dinner table is an art that is certain to make dinner guests feel that extra bit special. If you’re not artistically inclined the trick is to keep it simple.
Choose dinnerware that is durable and dishwasher proof. My personal preference is for all white crockery and stainless steel cutlery in a contemporary design. But, whatever your taste, you want your dinnerware to last for more than just one meal so be certain to check that the crockery is chip and scratch resistant.
Its important to find out if you will be able to get replacement items for your chosen dinner service or cutlery set. You can be sure that sooner or later a few of your plates and bowls will get chipped and cracked. It’s really good to be able to replace the odd item without having to buy a complete new dinner service.
This is equally important for cutlery. My husband will often use a table knife as a quick and handy screwdriver, although I have asked him not to. I’ve had to replace quite a few knives, forks and spoons that he has damaged in this way. Its clearly a good thing if you can buy replacement individual items.
Your choice of crockery and cutlery are important but there is much more involved in setting an attractive dining table. Glassware is also important and again I recommend simple, but stylish. Like your crockery, choose glassware that is dishwasher safe and make certain you have a good stock of glasses. I suggest that you make sure you have enough wine glasses and general purpose tumblers and maybe a few shot glasses or beer tankards if you like. And if you like a little bit of champagne then you will probably want to make sure you have a set of nice champagne flutes.
Some crisp table linen and table napkins are always better than paper ones. I recommend a set of practical place mats and coasters for daily use but then I choose a lovel crisp white table cloth with some matching napkins for dinner parties.
Set this off with a tasteful centrepiece and all you need to provide is the food and wine. But that is another story.