Setting up a formal table can be a truly special experience, one that elevates any gathering from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're hosting a grand dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply want to add a touch of elegance to your family meals, a well-set table can set the tone for the entire event.

From the choice of table linens and dinnerware to the arrangement of flatware and glassware, every element of a formal table setting plays a role in creating a memorable and sophisticated dining experience.

In today's special episode, I am thrilled to have Madina, the Founder of Cozy by Madi, as our guest. We'll take you through the steps to set up a formal table that will impress your guests, make you feel like a gracious host or hostess, and create an ambiance that will be remembered long after the meal is over.

A Background Story About How We Met

Though we had crossed paths at various celebrations and birthday parties through mutual friends, it was her Instagram page that truly caught my attention. Her table decorations and beautifully homemade meals spoke to my soul, prompting me to reach out and express my admiration.

As fate would have it, we met again that same week at a birthday party, and the rest, as they say, is history. Now, let us introduce you to Madina and hear her story firsthand.

Jamila: Medina, could you tell us a bit about yourself?

Madina: Thank you for having me. Our story began when you stumbled upon my Instagram page, where I shared my table decorations and homemade meals. We connected, and little did we know, it would lead to remarkable things. I'm grateful for that.

Jamila: Medina, you mentioned that I encouraged you to pursue your passion further. Could you share your journey from Instagram to your thriving business?

Madina: Absolutely. With the support of those around me, including you, I transformed my passion into a successful business. In just two years, my small Instagram page has evolved into a showroom where I hold master classes, collaborate with companies, and organise incredible events. It's all thanks to my dedicated team of eleven individuals who share our vision and radiate positive energy.

Jamila: Your journey is truly inspiring, Medina. What advice do you have for those aspiring to pursue their dreams?

Madina: Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your vision. Build a team that shares your passion and supports you. Love and a genuine connection within the team are vital. As a leader, foster a nurturing environment where creativity and initiative thrive. Together, you can achieve greatness.

Jamila: I noticed that you have a team of eleven, with ten of them being women. How do you empower and support working mothers in your workplace?

Madina: Empowering women is incredibly important to me. I believe that motherhood shouldn't hinder professional growth. That's why I allow my team to bring their children to work without shame or guilt. I want to create an inclusive environment where they can balance their roles and pursue their dreams.

Jamila: That's fantastic. How do you see yourself making a difference as a role model?

Madina: I see myself as a catalyst for change. Through my journey, I aim to inspire others to pursue their passions. I want to show them that with the right support and a nurturing environment, anything is possible. I also want to teach my son the value of supporting working women and embracing creativity.

Table Setup Etiquette With Cozy by Madi

For today's article, we will cover two different styles of table setups. Our first setup is in a classic style, where we'll show you how four different colours can perfectly combine with each other. The colours we'll be using are green, white, black, and gold. Let's start with the basics of table serving and move on to the details.

Tablecloth

The first thing to consider when setting up a table is the tablecloth. A white tablecloth is always a win-win position as it allows you to showcase everything on it, including the details and pieces of any colour.

From a design point of view, a white tablecloth is important because it matches perfectly with any kind of decoration or table objects, making the colours and ornaments stand out more. From an etiquette standpoint, a white tablecloth is the only one that is permissible for formal table setups, and it should be made of material, well-ironed, and well-bleached.

Plates

The main objects of table serving are the plates, including the dinner plate and salad plates. For a formal table setup, it's essential to place the plates about one and a half to two centimetres away from the table. In an informal table setting, the distance is not important, but it's always a good idea to follow this rule as it makes the table look more balanced.

Cutlery Set

The cutlery set is another essential element of table serving. The dinner spoon, dinner knife, and dinner fork are the main cutlery objects, while the dessert fork and spoon are used for dessert and placed above the plate. From an etiquette standpoint, the spoon is placed further away from the plate and on the right-hand side, indicating that the first utensil to be used is a spoon. The knife plate is facing inwards, so guests don't accidentally cut themselves while picking up their glasses.

Glasses

Glasses are an essential part of any table setup, and they include a water glass and a wine glass. It's common to place the water glass closest to the right-hand side of the guest, while the wine glass is placed next to it. However, it's also acceptable to place the water glass above the knife or the last utensil closest to the plate, and the wine glass next to it. You can also use the same glass for both red and white wine.

Napkins

Napkins are a great way to add a personal touch to your table setup. They can be folded in a variety of ways and even personalised with embroidered initials or family names. In formal dinner settings, the napkin is typically placed on the left-hand side of the plate. However, this can vary depending on the country and specific etiquette rules.

Decor

Candles are a great way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere at your dinner party. For formal occasions, it's best to stick to white candles to maintain a classic and elegant look. Candle holders can also be used as a decorative element. Gold candle holders with accents of greenery and flowers can create a stunning centrepiece.

Flowers are another crucial element of a formal table setup. Fresh flowers are preferred, but dried flowers can also be used for a more rustic look. When selecting flowers, it's important to consider the colours and how they match with the overall theme. In some countries, certain flowers are not appropriate for formal occasions, so it's important to do your research beforehand.

Lighting

Finally, lighting is an essential element of any formal table setup. According to etiquette rules, candles should be lit before guests arrive and only after the sun has set. This is to ensure that the candlelight has the proper effect and sets the right mood for the evening.

Setting Up a Table: The Bohemian Style

In the previous section, we walked you through the process of setting up a formal table. With the expertise of Madina, we'll take you through another table setup, this time with a bohemian-style twist.

Bohemian style, also known as boho style, is a popular trend in interior design and decoration, characterised by a mix of vintage and modern elements. For this table setup, we turn to the founder and entrepreneur of Cozy by Madi, Madina, for her expertise in bohemian style.

Madina's love for bohemian style stems from her childhood, where her father collected antique pieces that she now incorporates into her work. Bohemian style is all about antique pieces and bronze objects, which Madina uses for her table setup. She even incorporates antique bronze candle holders, vases, and glasses that resemble those from the Roman Empire.

When it comes to bohemian style, the colour scheme is very specific, with shades of brown, bordeaux, haki, black, gold, and vintage bronze. Bright colours are not typically used in this style. It's important to keep this in mind when selecting your table decor and surrounding interior design elements.

One of the key elements of this table setup is the combination of glitter and antique pieces. Madina uses glitter to add a touch of glamour to the table, while the antique pieces add a vintage feel. The rings on the table are from Turkish designers and complement the table's bohemian style.

Madina emphasises the importance of paying attention to the details, not just on the table but also in the surrounding interior design. In this setup, she adds brown colours to match the table decor, creating a cohesive and beautiful environment.