There’s an art to setting a beautiful dinner table and meals always feel more special when set with attention to detail. If you’re like me and like hosting guests for a sit-down dinner, here are some tips for preparing a beautiful table.

Let’s start with the basics: I love my dining table so I don’t like to hide it with a tablecloth. Instead I use a linen table runner, plenty of options available depending on your table color; check out this one from Zara Home:

Zara Home: TABLE RUNNER WITH CONTRASTING EDGES

The plates are then placed around 2cm away from the edge of the table. To its right place the knife with the sharp edge toward the plate, then the fork and if needed add a spoon. A water glass goes above the knife. Place a linen (or paper) napkin on the left of the plate, or on the plate for a more casual setting.

For dinnerware and serve ware, the trick is to have a good balance of different materials, wood / steel / patterned ceramic.

I am a big fan of non-silver cutlery (especially gold!) – I feel it instantly modernizes the table’s look and feel. You can get plenty of options on Articuture’s website.

Now to take a step further; fresh flowers are always nice to have on the table, preferably on the edges, to not bother and keep the food accessible to everyone.

Add candlelight to your table with a selection of small glass votives and candlesticks. Remember to only use unscented candles, you don’t want the aroma of candles overpowering the incomparable smell of your home made meal.

When your guests arrive at the dining table, seeing the table neatly set out and sparkling clean will reassure them that the food to follow is going to be decent!