I love spending time with my family but with work, school and so many extracurricular activities, it can sometimes be challenging to spend quality time together. 

I’m sure many of you can relate to this feeling! 

In my home, I’ve decided that a good way to solve this challenge is to have a proper meal together every day. 

This simple tradition has quickly become a favorite in our home, for me because I find it relaxing to set the table, and for mine because they thoroughly enjoy my creations. 

As a bonus, my three children also learned proper table manners and etiquette from this daily family dinner. 

I always say that setting the table doesn’t have to be for special occasions only, and I truly live it every day. 

What you will need 

For your everyday tablescape, you don’t have to go overboard. You just have to have the basics in place, and a few simple accessories you already have at home. 

Before you start pause & think about your needs. 

For example: 

1. Do you need a salad plate or a dinner plate? Home meals tend to require just a single plate.
2. Should I give the kids water glasses or kiddie cups are better? It’s all about you and your family’s needs.
3. Will the food stay on the table while everyone serves themselves? Then a centerpiece is not necessary
4. For a Chinese set-up opt for wet towel as dishes served can be full of sauces that are sticky and can stain.
5. Whenever you can use dishware and chinaware from the same collection to create a clean look.

Now that you’re clear on what you need, continue reading to find the basic arrangement for each Western and Chinese table setting. 

Basic Western Tablescape

• Placemats / Table cloth / Table runner or a combination 
• Dinner plates needed
• Flatware 
• Water glass
• Napkins
• Centerpiece (optional)

Easy Chinese Tablescape 

• Table cloth
• Dinner plate 
• Rice bowl 
• Teacup 
• Sauce dish
• Chopsticks
• Chopsticks stand
• Soup spoon 
• Wet towel & towel tray 
• Centerpiece (optional)

Step by Step Set-up 

Since this is a basic table, I like to get my kids involved whenever possible. I thought my eldest two how to do this set-up and now they join me in the dining room every night to get the table ready for dinner.

It’s such a fun time we get to enjoy together and sometimes they even pitch their own ideas for various accessories and occasional centerpieces.

Western Tablescape Set-up 

1. Start by laying the tablecloth, placemats, or runner on the table.
2. Place the dinner plates in front of each seat. 
3. For a casual dinner, the fork, knife and spoons can be placed together and tucked in a napkin pocket fold.
4. Place the water glass in the top right corner, slightly above the plate.
5. Dress up the table with a centerpiece and accessories (optional).

Chinese Tablescape Set-up 

1. Start by laying the tablecloth, placemats, or runner on the table.
2. Place the dinner plates in front of each seat. 
3. Place the rice bowl on each dinner plate. 
4. Set the wet towel & towel tray to the far right of each plate. 
5. Add your chopsticks stand and chopsticks to the right of the plate. 
6. Add your soup spoon to the right of the chopsticks. 
7. Your teacup goes in the top right corner, slightly above the plate.
8. Finally, plate your sauce dish in the top left corner of the plate. 
9. Dress up the table with a centerpiece and accessories (optional).

Make it your own

Now that you have the basics down, get creative with your tablescape! You don’t need to get fancy every day but adding a few centerpieces can really elevate your table. 

Here are my favorite simple centerpieces I can use for an everyday table. 

• A simple flower vase with fresh flowers 
• Potted plants or succulents from around the house 
• Candles in candle holders 
• Accessories from around the home (such as seashells, vases, trays, baskets, etc)

Your everyday table setting is ready 

I always say that tables are the ideal canvas for keepsake moments and I truly believe it. 

When you make an effort to set the table, it’s an invitation for your loved ones to enjoy the moment with you. 

So why not do it every day? 

Subscribe to our blog to get a dose of inspiration and tips to set the perfect table, no matter the occasion.

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