8 Ways to Set a Non-Stuffy Dinner Party Table

Because it's never too early to start planning Friendsgiving

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Published Oct 15, 2015

The rules have always been the same: forks on the left, drinks on the right, conversation just slightly to the left of non-controversial.

Snooze.

Here, the eight best ways to switch it up in time for the holiday season.

Style Me Pretty

Skip The Tablecloth

Use brown butcher paper as a placemat for a rustic look with effortless cleanup. (Got a permanent marker? The mat can double as a placecard.)

Apartment 34

Play Mismatch

Don’t own a complete china set? No problem. Stack different and non-matching plates and bowls.

Paula O'Hara/Ruffled

Forget Ironing And Starching

Place a folded (OK, wrinkly) linen napkin between a full-sized dish and a salad plate.

Chloe Crespi/Eye Swoon

Cutlery Can Go On The Same Side Of The Plate

Who needs two forks, anyway?

A House in the Hills

Or Above The Dishes

For a more modern look.

Elsie Green

Or In A Jar In The Middle Of The Table

Everybody grab a spoon.

Inspired by This

Don't Fret Over Matching Wine Glasses

Mix and match like the eclectic lady you are.

Love in Photographs

And Don't Worry About Fancy Centerpieces

A sprig from the garden is all you need.

Roberta Fiorito

Director, Branded Content + Cohost, Royally Obsessed Podcast

As Director of Branded Content at Gallery Media Group, Roberta helps oversee the ideation and execution of sponsored content and experiential campaigns across PureWow and ONE37pm, including PureWow’s 24 in ’24. She began her career in editorial nine years ago, and has written and edited countless articles on news, trends, fashion, beauty and the royal family. She’s also cohost of the Royally Obsessed podcast, named one of the best royals podcasts by The New York Times and Town & Country. She cowrote the book Royal Trivia: Your Guide to the Modern British Royal Family.

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