In India, there’s a saying, “Atithi Devo Bhava”, which means “The guest is God”. This age-old tradition of hosting isn’t just about the sumptuous food or the vibrant decor; it’s deeply rooted in making guests feel treasured and at home. Our dining rooms are the heartbeats of our celebrations, gatherings, and heartfelt conversations. In this blog, let us understand how to transform space that reflects our culture, traditions, and, most importantly, our love for those we invite into our homes.  

• The Dining Table: Begin by clearing off any existing items on the table. Use a gentle cleaner suitable for your table’s material, whether wood, glass, or marble. Wipe down the surface, ensuring no smudges, food particles, or stains. Pay attention to the edges and the underside, as these often get overlooked. 

• Chairs: Start by wiping down the backrest, moving to the armrest (if your chairs have them), and finally, the seat. If your chairs have upholstered cushions, consider a quick vacuum or a gentle brush-down to ensure no crumbs or dust have settled into the fabric. A damp cloth will remove any accumulated dust or stains from wooden or metal chairs. Check underneath for any cobwebs or dust lurking in the shadows. 

• Windows: Using a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water, spray the window panes and wipe them down with a lint-free cloth or newspaper. The aim is to achieve streak-free clarity, letting in as much natural light as possible. If you have curtains or blinds, consider giving them a freshening up as well – either by vacuuming, washing, or just airing them out. 

• Floors: Pay extra attention to the areas under the table and chairs, as these spots accumulate more debris. If your dining room has hardwood, tile, or any other hard surface, begin by sweeping to remove loose debris. Follow up with a mop, using a floor cleaner suitable for your specific flooring type. Ensure the floor is dry before setting up to avoid any slip hazards. 

• Foundation: 

• Tablecloth: Depending on the occasion, choose a fabric and colour that complements your dining room decor. For formal occasions, crisp white or subtle pastels are timeless, while bolder colours or patterns can be reserved for more casual or festive dinners. 
• Table Runner: A runner adds a layer of texture and can act as a focal point, especially if the tablecloth is plain. It runs lengthwise in the centre and is especially useful if you have a centrepiece. 
• Placemats: These are individual mats for each setting. They protect the table, define individual spaces, and can be a canvas for personal creativity. They can be used with or without a tablecloth. 

• Dinnerware:  

• Charger Plates: These large plates act as a staging area for the plates used throughout the meal. They add depth to the table setting and are often decorative. 
• Dinner Plates: Placed on top of the charger (if you’re using one), this plate is used for the main course. 
• Salad Plates: These are smaller and can be placed on the dinner plate if salad is served with the main course or separately if served as an appetiser. 
• Soup Bowls: If soup is on the menu, bowls can be placed on the dinner plate or brought out separately when it’s time for the soup course. 
• Dessert Plates: These are brought out after the main meal, usually accompanied by a dessert fork and spoon. 

• Cutlery:  

• Forks: On the left of the plate, starting from the outside, you’d typically have the salad fork followed by the dinner fork. 
• Knives: To the right of the plate, with the blade facing inwards. If you’re serving a meat course, ensure a steak knife is included. 
• Spoons: Placed to the right of the knives. 
• Dessert Spoons/Forks: These can be placed horizontally above the plate or brought out with dessert. 

• Glassware:  

• Water Goblet: Typically the largest glass and placed above the dinner knife. 
• Wine Glasses: If serving both red and white wine, the red wine glass (larger bowl) is placed to the rear of the white wine glass. 
• Champagne Flute: Flutes can be added if champagne or sparkling wine is served. 

• Central Chandelier or Pendant Lights: The diameter should be about half to two-thirds the width of the table so it doesn’t overshadow it. Ensure a clearance of 28-34 inches between the bottom of the light fixture and the table surface to avoid obstructing views. 
• Adding wall sconces or lamps on a buffet table can balance the central light fixture and provide softer peripheral lighting. These can be used for both ambient and accent lighting. They illuminate larger dining rooms and highlight wall art or architectural features. 
• Never underestimate the power of candles. They offer a warm, flickering light that can create an intimate and cosy atmosphere. When combined with electric lights, candles can add a touch of romance and elegance. 
• Warm White light is Ideal for dining rooms. It creates a cosy and intimate atmosphere. Brighter and more alerting light is more suitable for spaces where tasks are performed. 
• During the day, make the most of natural light. Whether streaming through large windows or filtered through sheer curtains, natural light offers a refreshing brightness that no artificial source can replicate.  

• The temptation to add more chairs can be high, especially for large gatherings, but more tables can be needed to improve the dining experience. Each guest should have at least 20-24 inches of table space. 

• Ergonomically designed chairs are pivotal for dining comfort, especially those with a slight recline, armrests, and provision for lower back support. Cushioning also plays an essential role, with padded seats offering heightened comfort, especially during prolonged dinners, compared to their more rigid counterparts.  
• While they can seat more people, benches may offer different comfort than individual chairs. They can be a great option for kids or casual dining setups. Combining chairs with benches or having different-styled chairs can break the monotony and cater to varied comfort needs. 
• Tables that can expand with leaf inserts are great for accommodating extra guests when needed, allowing flexibility in seating arrangements. Adding soft cushions or throws can enhance comfort, especially for wooden chairs. 
• Ensure that each setting is easily reachable and guests aren’t stretching uncomfortably to access their utensils, glasses, or plates. 

• DIY Food Bars: Set up a ‘Make-Your-Own’ station. It could be tacos, sushi, or even a gourmet sandwich station. Guests love to customise their food. 

• Cooking Together: Turn dinner into a fun cooking session. Whether making homemade pasta or assembling pizzas, shared experiences create lasting memories. 

• Themed Evenings: Have a theme-based dinner – from the 1920s Great Gatsby style to a futuristic meal, it can drive unique attire, dishes, and conversations. 

• Story Dice: Roll story dice and let everyone add a sentence. It’s a fun and unpredictable way to craft a shared narrative. 

• Playlists: Use apps that let guests add their favourite tracks to the evening’s playlist, ensuring everyone’s musical taste gets a nod. 

• Guest Speaker: Invite a guest speaker (or one of the attendees) to share insights on a topic – personal growth, a recent travel experience, or a new hobby.  

• Name & Menu Cards: Consider name and menu cards if you’re hosting a larger dinner. This can help guests find their seats and evening courses. 

• Choose the Right Setup: 

• Side Table: A side table can be repurposed as a beverage station if you have a spacious dining room. Look for one with multiple levels or shelves to segregate different types of beverages and glassware. 
• Bar Cart: A more versatile option, bar carts are mobile and can be moved closer to the seating area if needed. Many have dedicated spaces for wine bottles, glasses, and other essentials, making organisation a breeze. 

• Wine and Cocktail Selection: 

• Variety: Offer a range of red, white, and rosé wines to cater to varied preferences. If you’re serving cocktails, consider having 2-3 signature mixes that can be pre-made or assembled quickly. 
• Temperature: Ensure wines, especially whites and rosés, are served at the right temperature. Use wine coolers or ice buckets if necessary. 
• Accessories: Don’t forget essentials like a wine opener, cocktail shaker, stirrers, ice cubes and jiggers for precise measurements. 

• Non-Alcoholic Beverages:

• Water: Always have still and sparkling water available. Consider using elegant glass bottles or pitchers for a more sophisticated look. 
• Soft Drinks: Offer cola, lemon-lime soda, and ginger ale. These can also act as mixers for cocktails. 
• Mocktails: Prepare 1-2 signature non-alcoholic drinks that mirror the taste and presentation of cocktails. Fresh fruit garnishes, herbs, and decorative glassware can elevate their appeal. 
• Garnishes: Have a section dedicated to lemon slices, olives, cherries, or fresh herbs.  

• Seasonal Inspirations for Décor: 

• Spring: This season heralds a rebirth, with nature bursting into life. Reflect this in your décor with light pastel colours, fresh flowers from local gardens, and abundant greenery.  
• Summer: Consider using tropical fruits like pineapples or watermelons as centrepieces. Seashells can add a beautiful coastal touch if you’re near the coast. 
• Fall: Incorporate fall’s warm, earthy tones with pumpkins, gourds, and dried leaves. Corn stalks or hay bales can also be repurposed into beautiful arrangements. 
• Winter: Use plush, sustainable fabrics like organic cotton or wool to create a warm setting. Pinecones, evergreen branches, candles, and sustainable metallic accents can add a festive touch without compromising eco-friendliness.
• Dietary Considerations: If you know any guests with dietary restrictions, clarify these. Utilise markers, labels, or even different coloured dishes to indicate whether a dish is vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. Not only does this make the dining experience smoother, but it also prevents wastage due to uneaten food. 
• Farm-to-Table Dining: Partner with local farms or farmers’ markets to get fresh, in-season ingredients. This reduces carbon footprints due to minimised transportation and supports local economies. 
• Zero-Waste Vision: Instead of disposable decorations, invest in items that can be reused for multiple gatherings. Avoid plastic utensils or paper plates. Instead, opt for compostable options or, better yet, regular dishes that can be washed and reused.

As we have explored various tips to set up our dining rooms. It’s about creating a space that resonates with the harmonious blend of our rich heritage and contemporary styles, a testament to our evolving lifestyles yet unwavering values. Every corner of your dining room tells a story, with a metercube kitchen and tableware collection to host in style, with heart, warmth, and unmatched international quality.