Table Setting Rules of Etiquette or an Art of Self-Expression?

Is it possible to make every meal special? In Maria Jarko’s view, it is absolutely essential. A professional table-set designer, Jarko shares the fundamentals of a well-set table.

How did your professional interest in table setting begin, and why, in your opinion, does table culture hold such importance?

My interest in table setting was formed in childhood, passed down by my grandmother. In her home I could find French crystal, family silver, and beautiful Kuznetsov and Gardner porcelain. In that atmosphere, my passion arose naturally, along with a love for mixing and matching. Meals in our household were never merely breakfasts, lunches, or dinners; they were moments for conversation and togetherness. For my grandmother, living in harmony and beautiful surroundings was essential.

Today, working with renowned French and Italian manufacturers such as Saint-Louis Cristal, Ginori 1735, Schiavon, and Vis-à-vis, I encounter daily how objects on the table can influence the energy of a gathering. Table culture is inseparable from the culture of communication itself. As François Rabelais once said: «Food is a necessity, but knowing how to eat is an art». It is precisely this art that sets the tone of conversation, helping one to feel both confident and at ease. Table setting is a language through which we express respect and affection for our guests—and indeed for ourselves.

Where does the creation of a harmonious table composition begin?

Every gathering begins with an idea, which shapes the entire composition. Whether it is an intimate dinner for loved ones or a grand reception, the ambience you create defines the experience. Once the number of guests is determined and the menu conceived, attention turns to the geometry of the table.

Next comes the foundation—a tablecloth or runner, which sets the tone and provides the backdrop. From this base, balance emerges: porcelain and silver, crystal and glass, with decorative accents adding refinement and emphasis.

What is meant by the «geometry» of a properly set table?

The «geometry» of a table refers to carefully measured proportions, comfortable distances between guests, and the precise placement of each object. Visitors may not consciously notice it, yet a sense of order is always perceived instinctively. Everything has its place, and merely by looking at the table, one can often get an impression of the menu that awaits.

What are the main types of table arrangement, and how do they differ?

Two principal setting types can be distinguished as everyday and formal. Everyday is practical, yet carefully considered. It teaches us to cherish even the simplest of meals, offering the opportunity to express love and attention towards both our guests and ourselves. Formal, on the other hand, is ceremonial and refined, governed by the rules of etiquette, where every object has its precise place and significance.

Once the essentials are in place, the rest is shaped by imagination: a single touch or detail can transform the table and imbue it with personality.

Which elements are key to a properly set table?

The core items are a tablecloth, tableware, cutlery, and glasses, all chosen in accordance with the menu. Cloth napkins are a must. Everything else becomes a matter of decoration—even the simplest touches, such as flowers or candles, can elevate an evening setting.

Which details are most often overlooked or forgotten?

In contemporary trends, it is often forgotten that napkins should be made of fabric and measure at least 40 cm. When one is familiar with the rules of table setting, it becomes difficult to overlook any detail.

How have historical traditions influenced modern table-setting rules?

Our history and the evolution of civilisation have profoundly shaped contemporary table-setting practices, alongside the development of good manners. In earlier times, people ate lying down or directly from their hands—the hand being the ancestor of both spoon and plate.

As the Age of Discovery brought porcelain and exotic ingredients to Europe, new vessels and tableware followed: teapots, coffee pots, chocolate pots, sugar bowls, and cream jugs, as well as lidded cups. Yet the true art of formal dining emerged in the eighteenth century. The term «table setting» derives from the French couverts, referring to covered dishes, a practice born of the fear of poisoning.

Over time, presentation styles evolved, giving rise to three main traditions: French, English, and à la russe.

Many rules of table etiquette and setting were codified within European aristocratic and bourgeois households, leaving a legacy that continues to influence interiors and dining rituals today.

How relevant is strict adherence to classical rules today?

It remains justified at formal and state occasions. However, etiquette has become more flexible in everyday life, where creating an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality takes precedence. Nevertheless, knowledge of the rules remains essential—it provides confidence and the freedom to experiment with style.

Are there any elements that could be considered outdated or no longer relevant?

The fashion for elaborate and sculpted napkin folds has lost its relevance since the pandemic. Interestingly, the world witnessed similar trends in the early twentieth century after the Spanish flu. The focus shifted to touching napkins as little as possible. Yet even so, a table can be arranged so that even these seemingly outdated elements bring charm and character to the setting.

Which details deserve attention, even in an everyday dining display?

Every meal and drink engages the senses, so paying attention to the quality of tableware is essential. We perceive not only the aroma, taste, and appearance of food, but also the texture of the objects that touch our lips. Water sipped from a crystal glass is experienced differently from that in a plastic one. For this reason, it is worth attending to the details, as they have the power to set the mood for the entire day.

Which trends in table presentation are most noticeable today?

In recent years, the dominant trend has been to mix and match. Thoughtfully curated combinations of styles, colours, and textures bring variety and delight, adding a sense of playfulness and individuality to everyday life.

How organically do modern trends fit within traditional rules?

In 2025, tableware manufacturers began producing sets in muted shades of grey, beige, and brown, inspired by the colour palettes of contemporary interiors. Table setting is always a balance between history and modern demands. Above all, one should never lose the desire to connect, share treats with friends, and let imagination flourish.

 

Step into the luminous world of Saint-Louis at the ARCHIDECO showroom in Riga. Crystal as you’ve never experienced it before.

 

Photos courtesy of Saint-Louis, Maria Jarko private archive