There’s one thing that’s common to humans that transcends history and geography, and that is gathering to share meals. However, the way we dine has changed significantly over the years. The history of table setting is filled with tradition, etiquette, and surprisingly, even politics! Today we are going through some interesting highlights from the centuries of dining evolution.
Archer placemats, Contempo napkins, and Pompom napkin rings.
The Humble Spoon
Long before forks and knives made their way to the table, spoons (often fashioned from shells) were the go-to utensil. As toolmakers, we later carved them from wood and metals like pewter and brass. For centuries, spoons remained the only utensil used at the table.
From Weapons to Tools
Knives were originally designed as weapons. In fact, Louis XIV famously banned pointed knives in the 17th century, ordering all tips to be rounded to reduce violence. This marked a pivotal moment in their transformation into the table knife we know today.
A Late Arrival
Even though bone forks have been found dating back to 2400 BC in China, their purpose was very different for the longest time. They were two pronged and used for rotating meat while cooking; not a dining tool, but rather a cooking one. It wasn't until the 18th century that forks became common at the table, thanks to the introduction of the curved, four-tined design developed in Germany.
“Setting the Table”
We didn’t always dine at tables. Meals were shared around fires and later from small personal tables. Communal dining tables eventually became the norm, but before permanent dining tables existed, planks were placed on trestles for meals and removed afterward. This is where the phrase “set the table” comes from, a literal action from medieval dining!
Tablecloth as Napkins!
Before individual napkins became the norm, tablecloths served a dual purpose. Not just as decoration or protection for the table, but also as a communal napkin! Diners would wipe their hands and mouths on the cloth during the meal, this was simply part of the shared dining experience. Over time, thankfully, the introduction of personal napkins brought a new sense of hygiene and elegance to the table!
Changing Service Styles
By the 18th century, French aristocracy popularized Service à la Française, lavish displays where all dishes were served simultaneously. It was less about practicality and more about prestige. This changed in the 19th century with the rise of Service à la Russe, introduced by Russian aristocracy. Courses were served sequentially, allowing for more elaborate tablescapes and giving each dish its moment. This service style laid the foundation for formal dining as we know it today.
The Rise of Formal Dining
The Victorian era brought a wave of rules and refinements for the table. Dining became a performance of manners and status. Elaborate place settings, crystal glassware, silver flatware, and intricately folded napkins all became hallmarks of a well-appointed table. Etiquette books proliferated, teaching hosts and hostesses how to properly ‘dress’ their tables by aligning cutlery, arranging courses, and even selecting centerpieces with precision, all in the pursuit of the perfect dining experience.
20th Century: Convenience Meets Style
The 20th century saw dining adapt to changing lifestyles. The mid-century modern era introduced sleek, functional tableware, often influenced by Scandinavian design. Post-WWII prosperity in the U.S. brought innovations like melamine dinnerware, TV trays, and the concept of casual dining. While formal dinners remained popular for holidays, daily meals grew more relaxed, with family-style service becoming the norm.
The late 1900s also saw a resurgence of interest in traditional table setting, with trends like vintage china, embroidered linens, and antique silverware making comebacks in curated, eclectic ways.
Modern-Day Table Trends
By the early 2000s, minimalism took center stage. Earthy tones, raw ceramics, and natural textures like linen and wood replaced the formality of past decades. The “tablescape” became an art form on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, where personality and storytelling guided table design. The rise of sustainable and artisanal products also shaped modern tables, with handmade pieces, ethically sourced, and environmentally conscious materials gaining popularity.
From shells to silver, trestles to tabletops, the way we dine continues to evolve, but the joy of gathering around a beautiful table remains timeless. Today, table settings are often a reflection of personal style. Whether that means Scandinavian simplicity, maximalist layering, or rustic charm, we have you covered! Feel free to browse through our wide range of collections to help you create the perfect table, just remember, tablecloths are no longer communal!!