Simple Ways to Style Your Summer Table

When hosting at home, few things leave a better impression than a thoughtfully arranged table. No matter the reason for gathering, knowing how to set up the table properly helps create a cozy mood, puts your guests at ease, and encourages conversation. Here’s what you can do...

Pick a Style, Print or Color Theme

Having a clear idea to guide your table setting makes everything else like the decorations, dishes, flowers, or party favors easier to plan. A good place to begin is with the Molly Mahon line, which includes bold block prints. The latest range has eye-catching trays, melamine plates, placemats, and coasters.

How Should You Set Out Cutlery and Glasses?

At a standard formal table, knives are placed on the right of the plate, with the sharp edge turned in. Start with the main knife next to the plate, then the fish knife if you're using one, and the soup spoon furthest out. Forks go to the left the larger dinner fork nearest to the plate, then the smaller salad fork. Fork tines usually point upward.

For dessert, a spoon or spoon-and-fork pair goes above the plate, lying sideways spoon handle pointing to the right, and fork (if any) pointing left.

Glasses are placed in the top right area. The water glass sits above the knives, and wine glasses are placed slightly lower and to the right typically with red wine closer to the plate and white wine a bit above it, depending on the drinks being served.

Don't forget the bread plate it goes in the top left corner, with a small butter knife lying across it.

That said, sticking to tradition isn’t a must. Rules can be changed. If you want a more relaxed look, you can group the utensils together on the right side of the plate. And napkins? Cloth napkins can double as placemats or be rolled with cutlery on top, tied together with ribbon.  Our wooden utensils are perfect for kids’ tables, too.

 

Is It Fine to Combine Paperware and Real Dishes?

Yes! It cuts down on dishwashing and makes things feel light and cheerful. Layering paper plates and cups with real glasses works really well. You can mix paper cups with glassware, and even add flowers into them like vases. Mixing silverware, China, crystal, and special dishes is making a comeback. You’ll see all sorts now placemats, wine and water glasses it’s part of the fun.

What About Flowers, Candles, and Centerpieces?

One easy way to wow your guests is to run candles down the middle of the table. Ordering fresh flowers and greens from a nearby florist and using them alongside candles could be a great option. Small flower vases add color and make everything feel more alive. The tip is to try using Japanese flower frogs, or kensan, often used in ikebana. They allow you to create low, simple arrangements using shallow bowls great for trying something different and keeping things low-key.

 

Ideas for the Kids’ Table

Kids’ tables should be playful and keep them engaged. Coloring-in tablecloths are perfect for this, especially when you add surprise balls. Write jokes, tasks or messages and hide them under plates or along the table. It keeps them busy and adds fun. One of our color-in tablecloths is a sure way to keep little hands active.

Any Last Add-Ons?

Cake stands are great for setting out fruit, sweets or cheese. Name cards make the setting feel personal and help everyone find their seat. You will love putting a small bag of fancy chocolates at each place.

How to Add That Extra Bit of Fun

Stripes are always a good pick they can look both classy and fun. Use them for the tablecloth, napkins, party hats or cups or all at once for a bold look! And don’t forget to print our party checklist before you begin planning.