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4 Common Mistakes You Could Be Making When Setting the Table

Published by GreenerGrassDesign on 24th Sep 2021

The season of holidays is almost upon us, which means ‘tis the time to gather around the dinner table with your loved ones and enjoy a delectable spread of steaks, wines, and pies. But preparing for the holiday dinners can often be quite overwhelming, especially when it comes to setting the table. Although it sounds like a fun job to be assigned, setting the dinner table can trigger an onslaught of emotions, from the nostalgia of holidays past to the panic of not remembering which piece goes where. And whether you are the host or someone helping out the host, you need to put in the effort to do it right so that you don’t do a disservice to the delightful meal that will be laid out. A beautifully set table doesn’t just set the tone of the dinner but also makes everything taste so much more delicious.

To take the guesswork out of setting the table this holiday season, we have made a list of a few mistakes you should avoid to take your tables cape style and functionality up a notch.

1. Overcrowding the table

Yes, the holidays might be the perfect occasion to put your finest dinnerware on display. But if your table is on the smaller side, you might want to cut back on the number of plates and bowls you put out. An overcrowded table can make the meal uncomfortable. Unless you are doing a multi-course meal with several wine pairings, you don’t need to clutter the table with huge plates and glasses.

2. Using the wrong linen

The linens make for the foundation of a well-set table. From the tablecloth to the placemats, you should pick linens that fit the size and shape of the table as well as the vibe of the dinner. For instance, a general rule of thumb for table runners is that the drop should be 10 to 15 inches on either side for a formal setting and 10 inches for an informal meal.

3. Forgetting the basics.

Just because it is the holidays doesn’t mean you need to bring out every piece of silverware you own. The basics are much more important. For instance, if you are serving salads, a salad fork is a must in addition to the regular dinner fork. Similarly, for soups, you need to have soupspoons. The same goes for dessert spoons. You should also pay attention to the serving ware.

4. Going all out with the centerpieces.

Huge centerpieces obstructing conversation with the people you are breaking bread with kind of defeats the purpose of the whole dinner. If your guests can’t see each other over the centerpieces, you need to remove them or choose lower arrangements. When you add the finishing touches to the table, sit down to check if you see can beyond them.


For unmatched elegance and sophistication at the dinner table, choose Hasami Porcelain dinnerware. At Greener Grass Design, we offer an extensive selection of products from the brand, including Hasami plates, tall bowls, round bowls, Hasami mugs, and so much more. Shop now.