Set the table properly: Here's how

A beautifully laid table is an expression of style, personality and hospitality. Whether for a festive dinner, a cozy breakfast or an elegant coffee party: The art of setting the table properly creates an atmosphere that welcomes your guests and transforms your kitchen or dining table into a stage for culinary experiences. But how are the plates placed when setting the table, where is the cutlery arranged and where do which glasses belong?

In our Rosenthal guide, we answer all your questions about tableware and modern table design. We'll show you step by step how to set the perfect table - for a feeling just like in a Michelin-starred restaurant in your own home.

Handling the place settings during dinner: when to set the table?

A stylishly laid table should remain a harmonious overall picture during dinner. Nevertheless, there are clear rules on when and how to set the place settings.

As soon as a course is finished, the used cutlery should be placed on the plate at the same time. The so-called “20 after 4” position traditionally indicates in gastronomy that the plate can be cleared. The cutlery is placed on the right-hand side of the plate, with the prongs of the fork pointing upwards and the edge of the knife pointing inwards. The glasses and napkin remain in place throughout the entire dinner.

Choosing the tableware - the right style for your occasion

The centerpiece of every table is the tableware. Choosing the right collection makes a decisive contribution to the atmosphere and demonstrates the host's sense of style. Rosenthal offers a wide range of tableware collections with the right design for every taste and every setting.

Here are some examples of how you can set a table with the right tableware to create a special atmosphere:

Classically elegant with Rosenthal Maria: This timeless collection from Rosenthal impresses with its fine relief decorations and classic design language. Maria is ideal for special occasions where elegance and tradition are paramount. The iconic charm of the timeless porcelain gives this series room for other decorative elements such as fresh flower arrangements or gleaming silver cutlery.

Discover Rosenthal Maria

Modern and right on trend with a mix and match of stoneware and porcelain: those who prefer a more natural look will fall back on the organically inspired shapes of the stoneware collections. The Junto and Joyn tableware collections from Rosenthal combine porcelain craftsmanship with a modern, casual stoneware style and are ideal for a casual yet stylish table ambience. With their warm earthy tones, they harmonize particularly well with natural materials such as linen napkins and wooden elements.

Discover the Joyn collection

Mixing materials with Junto: A special tip is the mix of materials. The Junto collection plays with contrasting surfaces and colors - from porcelain and stoneware. This mix creates exciting accents and is ideal for modern and creative table designs that focus on individuality.

Discover the Junto collection

Timeless Bauhaus design with TAC: If you prefer a purist and elegant look, the Rosenthal TAC collection is the perfect choice. Inspired by Walter Gropius' Bauhaus aesthetic, this series brings clean lines and understated shapes to the table. It is ideal for lovers of modern elegance and goes perfectly with minimalist decorating ideas.

Discover the TAC collection

Setting a table correctly - combining style and personality

Setting the table perfectly is an art that requires a sense of style, attention to detail and the right choice of tableware. Rosenthal's diverse tableware collections allow you to create individual and stylish table settings - whether classic, modern or creative. Discover the Rosenthal design collections and let the Rosenthal design ideas inspire you to transform your table into a work of art.