How to Set a Beautiful Table?

In France, setting and decorating the table is almost as important as the food served! We are talking here about table art. Whether for everyday use or for a special occasion, the art of setting a beautiful table is highly appreciated. In this guide, you will find ingenious ideas and practical tips for preparing a beautiful table without spending a fortune. 

Everyday Tableware

When choosing your tableware, it is important to consider a few practical aspects:

• How many people usually eat at your table every day?
• Do you have children who might be a bit rough when handling their plates?
• Do you frequently host guests?
• Do you use a dishwasher, or do you prefer to wash dishes by hand?

Different Types of Tableware

There is a wide variety of materials for tableware, such as porcelain, stoneware, earthenware, glass, and slate. Here is an overview of the characteristics of each to help you choose which one best meets your needs.

Porcelain: Often perceived as fragile due to its aesthetic delicacy, porcelain is actually very resistant to shocks and temperature changes. It is difficult to scratch, which earns it the nickname "white gold." Practically speaking, porcelain is dishwasher safe, and most models are microwave safe.

Stoneware: Appreciated for its robustness and its ability to withstand shocks as well as temperature fluctuations. It can be used in the oven and microwave. Once considered rustic, stoneware has been modernized thanks to technological advances and the creativity of designers. It is also dishwasher safe.

Earthenware: Affordable, earthenware is popular for daily use. It is easily washable in the dishwasher. However, it is fragile and prone to breaking easily if bumped or scratched.

Furthermore, there is glass tableware, known for its sturdiness and affordability, as well as slate plates for a sophisticated touch. Finally, for a more original style, there are plates made of ash wood or waxed mango wood.

Tableware: Shape, Color & Pattern

Once the practical aspects are covered, let's look at the aesthetic side. Your choices in terms of shape, color, and pattern give your table a rustic, classic, or modern style.

The plates come in a variety of shapes: round, square, rectangular, triangular, asymmetrical, etc.

The round plate, traditional and even classic, remains the most common. For a more contemporary touch, the square plate is ideal for elegant meals. Conversely, rectangular, triangular, or asymmetrical models can be less practical for everyday use.

Regarding colors, white remains timeless and easy to match with the rest of your table decor. It is therefore a safe choice. For those who like color, warm shades are recommended. For example, red brings a luminous touch to your table.

Decorated plates, whether featuring poppies, pebbles, or zen bamboo, are also very popular. For a rustic chic style, do not miss the country collection with hen motifs or the slate plates.

Before making your final choice, ensure that the selected patterns integrate well with your interior decor. For example, if your home, particularly the dining room, has a very contemporary style, avoid rustic tableware. It is important to maintain some coherence in the decor while avoiding excess. Balance is essential.

Glasses & Cutlery

After selecting the plates, remember to harmonize the rest of the tableware as much as possible: mainly the glasses and the cutlery.

To bring a touch of vitality to your table, opt for colored glasses or ones adorned with patterns. If you prefer an elegant effect, favor fine and sleek lines.

Did you know that for elegant meals, each guest should have 4 glasses, one for each type of drink: red wine, white wine, sparkling wine, and water? The bottles do not stay on the table.

The traditional silver cutlery used by our grandmothers has been replaced by stainless steel cutlery: solid, durable, and easy to maintain.

The cutlery made of stainless steel is available with or without handles. Models with plexiglass handles add a touch of whimsy with their wide range of colors and patterns, such as polka dots or gingham. Cutlery without handles offers a slightly more refined look.

Before choosing your cutlery, ensure that it harmonizes well, or at least coordinates, with your plates.

Plastic Tableware

An alternative to ceramic tableware can be (reusable) plastic tableware.

Designs have evolved considerably, with trendy models and entire coordinated ranges (plate, glass, carafe).

Lightweight and shock-resistant, plastic tableware is easy to handle on a daily basis, especially for children. It is also ideal for picnics or outdoor meals.

We particularly appreciate the two-tone and textured models in bright and refreshing colors.

Disposable Tableware

To simplify your receptions with many guests or your picnics, opt for disposable tableware for single use.

You can find plates in plastic, cardboard, and even bamboo, poplar, or palm wood. These are the only disposable plates that can be heated in the microwave.

You can choose a color harmony or experiment with mixing, which is currently the decor trend. Green and pink go well together, as do orange and turquoise. For a table full of vitality, you can also assign a color to each guest!