Menu cards are optional, but are a nice complement to formal table settings.
A white tablecloth is the most traditional table covering, although we prefer to experiment with other subtle but pleasing colors. In all cases, your tablecloth must have matching napkins of the same fabric. Your tablecloth should allow for approximately 18 inches drop from the table edges. Napkins should be at least 22 inches in size. We advise you to always use a table pad under the tablecloth because it will help keep the tablecloth in place, reduce the noise of the dinnerware moved around the table, and protect your table. Your tablecloth and the napkins should be perfectly clean and ironed—it is amazing how often this simple rule gets overlooked! It is always a good idea to re-iron the tablecloth once it is placed on the table. (The table pad is very useful to protect your table from the heat of the iron.)
A centerpiece is not a strict requirement for table setting etiquette rule, but we all know the perfect centerpiece can be a wonderful finishing touch to the well-dressed table. Your centerpiece can be a traditional choice like flowers and/or candles, but again the key here is elegant creativity—you might want to try a tasteful crystal sculpture or another discrete object appropriate to your event. If you choose flowers or fruit, be certain that they are fresh but also check that they do not have an overwhelming scent. If you use candles, be certain they are new and flawless (note: for a formal table, it is best to stick to white or ivory). If you choose to use candelabra, be sure to position them exactly halfway between the ends of the table and the centerpiece.
For the most formal occasions your flatware should be silver or at least silver-plated. You can mix and match silverware patterns—for example, knives with carved-bone handles can be used with any design of silverware—but the implements composing any table setting should match. Dessert forks and/or spoons may have a different design from the other silverware, especially when they are brought to the table along with the dessert itself and are not part of the initial table setting. Your plates should not feature overwhelming designs and, again, white or light ivory shades are preferred.
Stemware should be transparent and should be appropriate to the liquids that you will be serving. Within this broad requirement, however, there is lots of leeway to experiment with different textures and designs of crystal glasses. We like the sophistication of etched-crystal glasses, although simple, unadorned glasses are always appropriate.
