If it’s your turn to host a get-together for Thanksgiving or even Friendsgiving, we want to make sure you are well equipped to set the perfect table.

We hope this step-by-step guide takes some of the stress out of setting your holiday tabletop so that you can focus on more of the fun elements like decorating and entertaining.

Let’s begin with some of the basics as a starting point. Typically, the way that you set your table will depend on the number of people you’re hosting and the type of event the dinner is for. Since we are talking about Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving, we are going to focus on a casual dinner party setting.

As a reference, below is a diagram representing a typical Dinner Party setting.

For our table setting, we wanted to bring in the colors and elements of Fall that usher in this time of year. To do this, we chose our Fall Blessings Placemat that features lovely fall leaves and birds. We added an extra layer of texture by using the Woodbourne Charger. The rustic vibes from the charger layered with the leaves from the placemat, create the perfect Fall combination.

Next, you will want to position the dinner plate in the center of the charger and in alignment with the guest’s chair. You can either place the salad plate to the left of the dinner plate, or on top of the dinner plate as we have here. We chose the Antler Dinner Plate and Antler Salad Plate because of the pinecone details that lends itself so well to the rustic Fall look we are going for.

We are big fans of cloth napkins because of their functional and decorative purposes. You can save so much by reusing cloth napkins vs disposable napkins and they provide fun pops of color. To help with our rustic look, we chose to use two different patterned cloth napkins. The first napkin we used is our lodge looking Fireside Plaid Napkin. You will want to fold this napkin flat and place it on top of the salad plate. This creates a base layer of pattern and color for your next napkin. The second napkin we used is the coordinating Fall Blessings Napkin that matches our placemat. We paired it with our Woodbourne Napkin Ring . By combing these two napkins together, we have added a layer of texture and color to our table setting.

Now it is time to set your silverware. We went with the Copper Handle Silverware for the textured handles and bronze color. These features add to our rustic theme. When setting your silverware, the easiest way and the correct way is to place your cutlery in the order of use.

We started with the dinner fork, it sits to the left of the plate and then you will add the salad fork next to it. From here the knife should be placed to the right of the plate with the blade facing inwards. Next to the knife will be the soup spoon and if you are serving coffee or tea with the meal then the teaspoon will be positioned next to the soup spoon.

Once you have placed all the silverware it is now time to add the remaining pieces. You will want to put your mug at the top right, a few inches above the space between your plate and knife. We went with the Antler Mug that coordinates with our dinnerware. After you have placed your mug, it is time for the glassware. Your beverage glass should be placed to the left of the mug. We chose the Textured Glassware for the more organic glass elements.

Finally, the soup bowl completes the table setting. We went with the Antler Soup Bowl that coordinates with our dinnerplate and salad plate. The soup bowl sits to the left of the plate.

Traditionally when soup is served your guest will remove their napkin, place the salad plate to their left and then the soup bowl will take its place on the dinner plate.

To really complete our desired rustic look, we included the Fall Blessings Table Runner and Grain Scoop Treenware centerpiece. We then filled the treenware with fall inspired decorations like our Natural Fabric Pumpkin and other rustic elements we found around the house. Once this is done you are ready to celebrate in style this Thanksgiving with a beautiful fall table.

Enjoy!