How to Create 5 Different Table Settings with One Set of Dishes

You don’t need a cabinet full of dishes to create a table that feels fresh every time you entertain. With one set of classic white china, gold flatware, and a few simple changes to your linens and accessories, you can create five completely different table settings for every season and occasion.

One of the challenges of entertaining is how to create a different look and feel for your table without having to spend a lot of money on all new decor.

The good news is that by adding different table accessories, you can re-use the staples you already have (china and cutlery) and still create different types of looks for different events.

The trick is to use the colors and shape of your china and cutlery to help pick the right accessories (like place mats, table runners, chargers, napkins and napkin rings).

Adding the “jewelery” of the table will help dress it up (or down) depending on what type of event your are hosting.

Keep reading to learn how to create 5 different table settings with one set of dishes.

1 | The monochromatic table setting

For the simplest of all table settings, match all of your accessories to the background color of your china (in this case, white).

Here a white place mat, a white charger* with an interesting shape and texture, and a white napkin all create a monochromatic, serene setting that is super easy to put together.

Adding a napkin ring (like this gold one*) that is the same color as your cutlery ties everything together.

2 | The simple and elegant table setting

To dress up the monochromatic table setting a little, simply swap out the white charger for a metallic one that goes with your cutlery and napkin ring.

The metallic color automatically adds a little glamour to the look while still keeping it simple and elegant.

3 | The elegant with some pizzazz table setting

For more pizzazz, we’ll add a few more details.

A gold and white runner under the charger not only adds a layer but also introduces new lines that add interest.

The runner is laid all the way across the table, so it will go under the place setting on the opposite side as well.

Another easy way to add interest is to swap the salad plate out for an accent plate* that pulls in the colors of both the dinner plate and the cutlery. In this case, it also echoes the shape of the charger which adds uniformity.

And a flower-shaped napkin ring adds the final finishing touch.

4 | The holiday editing table setting

For festive holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, I like to use a little more glamour and shine.

The easiest way to do that is to put down a metallic place mat or table cloth (like the gold velvet one above).

And I often use clip-on Christmas ornaments as napkin rings (like the gold butterfly above).

They are relatively inexpensive and immediately create a different look for the table.

5 | The Elegant With Drama Table Setting

Or if you like more contrast and drama, swap out some of the white and gold accents for black.

In this case, I swapped out the gold charger for a black one* and used a black napkin instead of the white one.

The final touch is a napkin ring adds a bit of “bling”. In this case it is actually a chair sash pin*, but works equally well when pinned to a napkin.

There you have it…5 simple ways to set your table using the same set of china.

Have comments or questions about creating different tablesettings with one set of dishes? Tell us in the section below.