Party Hints for a Dinner Table Setting

Many parties involve sitting down and eating. If you don't want your guests wandering around with plates of food, set up a table before the party. The way you set up the dining settings depends on the type of party you throw. For example, a formal dinner setting wouldn't be appropriate for a Super Bowl party.

Child's Party

A child's table setting doesn't need to look as formal, and should cater to the age of the diner. Paper, plastic or foam items work well with children. This way, they are less likely to break a dish. Disposable tableware comes in a variety of colors and themes, making it easy to coordinate with virtually any party theme. For example, for a Christmas party, use red and green or blue and white cutlery for the children's place settings. It's also important to provide plenty of napkins in case of spills. When planning a table setting for toddlers, keep in mind that their small hands may not hold cups and silverware well. Use larger, kid-friendly cutlery and provided lidded cups. You can also use lidded cups with straws for older children if you are concerned about spills.

Casual Dining

Casual dining at parties does require some basic items for a smooth meal. Each place setting should have a knife, fork, spoon, napkin, cup, plate and bowl (if needed). Arrange the silverware and napkin neatly onto the plate. If you use a bowl, place it on top of the plate or next to it. At most casual parties where people sit wherever they want, provide plenty of seating. If possible, provide at least four table settings per table to allow guests to sit in varying group sizes.

Formal Dining

Formal dinner parties require the proper table settings. Start the setting with a placemat. Set a plate on top of the center of the placement. Arrange the silverware around the plate in order from largest to smallest, with the knife and spoon on the left and forks on the right. Do not use more than three of each item. You also need glasses and mugs. The type of glassware needed depends on what type of drinks you serve. For example, if you serve coffee or tea, you need mugs.

Themed Items

Some party hosts like to incorporate some type of themed item or favor with their dining settings. The item reflects the overall idea of the party. For example, if you throw a Valentine's Day dinner party, scatter rose petals onto the table before setting it. Other items to use include candles, water globes, vases and fishbowls. You could even put a small fish in the bowls.