The New Year's table differs from the rest of the year's tables in three ways: there are more glasses per setting, there are more courses, and the evening is long. So plan the space before the decoration. Set the glasses up in the order they're used, keep the table decorations low, and use candlelight at height — it's the cheapest way to make the table festive.
Contents
New Year's Eve is the one evening the table has to last for many hours. Several courses arrive, glasses get changed a number of times, and guests sit for longer than usual. That calls for different things than the Christmas table, where everything goes on the table at once. Here's what's worth thinking through.
Start with the space, not the decoration
With three or four glasses per setting plus plates for several courses, the table fills up quickly. Measure up before you decorate: a setting with several glasses needs more width than you'd think, and if there's too little space, the glasses go.
If you've got a narrow table, move the serving dishes away from the centre of the table and put them on a sideboard or side table instead. That gives room for decoration in the middle, without a fight for space when the food comes in.
The glasses and the order
The glasses are placed to the right above the knives, in the order they're used — from the outside in, just like the cutlery. The champagne glass typically stands outermost or at the back, and the water glass closest to the plate, because it's used all evening.
We've got the order in detail in how glasses should be placed on the table. If you need to work out the number, this helps: how many glasses are in a bottle of wine and champagne.
Only put out the glasses needed for the first two courses. The rest can come in along the way — it keeps the table clear and turns the change into a little show.
Candlelight at height
New Year's Eve is the evening when candlelight at height gives the most. Several candlesticks at different heights down the centre of the table lift the table, and because the flames sit above the decoration, they don't block the view. Crystal and glass throw more light than matte ceramics and suit the evening well.
Reckon on roughly one candlestick for every 30-40 cm of table centre, and light them half an hour before guests arrive, so the flame burns steadily. Keep them below a seated guest's eye level.
Table decorations that can last a long evening
Fresh fir and flowers dry out in a warm room over many hours. So choose decorations that last: artificial stems, dried branches, glass ornaments or simply more candles. Disco balls and glass in the table centre throw light onward and suit the evening without requiring upkeep.
Keep the colours to two plus the tabletop. Gold and white is the obvious choice, but silver and muted blue or black and brass work just as well and look less standard.
Napkins and place-setting details
A folded cloth napkin does more for the place setting than anything else that costs so little. For New Year's Eve it can hold a place card, a sprig or a small figure — and because there are more courses, fabric is more comfortable than paper.
See how to fold napkins for the folds that are quick enough to make for twelve place settings.
Afterwards
There'll be candle wax and wine on the table on New Year's Eve. Let the wax set completely before you touch it, and soak the tablecloth in cold water before washing. We've got the method in how to remove candle wax from a tablecloth, candlestick and table.
The basic table setting — the candlesticks, glasses and plates — can stay put well into January. It's only the accents that are New Year.
Frequently asked questions
How do you set the table for New Year?
Start with the space: more glasses and more courses mean more width per place setting. Set the glasses out in the order they're used, keep the table decorations low, and use candles for height.
How many glasses should there be at each place setting on New Year's Eve?
One glass per drink served, plus a water glass. You might only put out the glasses for the first courses and bring the rest in as you go.
Where does the champagne glass go?
To the right, above the knives, typically outermost or at the back of the row, while the water glass sits closest to the plate, as it's used all evening.
Which table decorations last a whole New Year's Eve?
Artificial stems, dried branches, glass ornaments and candles. Fresh fir and flowers dry out in a warm room over many hours.
Which colours suit the New Year's table?
Gold and white are classic, but silver and muted blue or black and brass work just as well. Stick to two colours plus the tabletop.
Summary
The New Year's table calls for different things than the rest of the year's tables, because there are more glasses, more courses and a long evening ahead. Plan the space first, set the glasses out from the outside in, in the order they're used, and move the serving dishes to a sideboard if the table is narrow. Build height with the candlesticks rather than the decorations, choose decorations that won't dry out, and stick to two colours plus the tabletop. The basic table setting can stay put well into January.
Read also
- How should glasses be arranged on the table?
- How many glasses are there in a bottle of wine – and champagne?
- How do you fold napkins?
- Cocktail glasses and drinkware: Make your home bar festive
- Table decorations: how to build the centre of your table
- Christmas table setting: how to set the Christmas table
Ready for the evening? See New Year's table, champagne glasses and candlesticks.
