Connecting with friends and family over a meal is a special time for all of us, but when it comes to planning something extraordinary, the presentation can be harder than the meal-prep itself. To make things easier, we’ve created a list of tips for setting a table that’s bound to impress your guests.

Dress the table

Special occasions call for a table cloth - keep things simple with a crisp and classic white covering like the Momento Hampton Tablecloth to really set off the rest of your table.

You can then brighten up proceedings with a fabulous centrepiece. Try a classic vase like the LSA Strand Cylinder or Globe Vases and fill them with gorgeous flowers. Just don’t go too high with the blooms – your guests won’t want to have to peer over the top of them to chat!

Next, think about placemats. The Momento Oro Placemat in Bamboo/Gold is a great option with gold on one side and bamboo on the other. Depending on how glamorous an occasion you’re throwing, you have the option of the two different looks – but the gold is especially striking on a white tablecloth.

Be sure to add cloth napkins to each place setting. More luxurious than a paper serviette, you can also pair them with napkin rings to really bring your table setting to life. Try a classic gold napkin ring like this one from the Momento range or add a little extra sparkle with the Momento Napkin Ring Star in Gold.

Prepare your plates

Of course, no table setting is complete without the dinner set and cutlery – and a dinner party calls for the best of both. A classic white dinner set is timeless and ideal for showing off the meal your guests are about to enjoy. The Momento Aspen Coupe dinner set is an elegant choice, while the Momento Como Fine Bone China Coupe dinner set presents a more contemporary option. A quality cutlery set, like this Momento Munich number, will also bring an extra touch of elegance to your table setting – and don’t forget to lay a dessert spoon and fork above each plate.

Set up your serving ware

Crisp white serving ware will also make your meal pop, so have your best bowls and platters at the ready for dishing out each course. The Davis & Waddell Loft Serving Bowl is a classic option, as is the Momento Aspen Serving Bowl. The Davis & Waddell Taste Loft Platter is also ideal for serving up a range of sweet treats at the end of the meal.

Don’t forget the drinks!

Finally, complete your table setting by ensuring each guest has the glasses they’ll need to enjoy a beverage or two throughout the meal. Place a water glass out for each guest, along with their wine glass. The Momento Jazz Wine Glass with its gold stem will make that sip of wine extra special.

If your table setting is starting to feel crowded, you can instead greet guests with a glass of bubbles as they arrive, keeping the dessert wine glasses on standby until the sweet course rolls around.