Tips for table dressing
Table setting ideas from intimate dinners to big events.
Since 1994, Mud Australia has created elegant and timeless porcelain homewares.
The original Mud Australia store opened in Woollahra in 2007. Since then we’ve opened 10 stores globally.
Book a design consultation with our experienced team or plan your own gift registry online.
We believe styling your table with Mud Australia can be a fun and rewarding pre-dinner party activity. And it doesn’t need to be difficult.
Here are some simple ideas to create the perfect table by adding a few extra accessories to transform your table from every day to elegant, in a matter of minutes.
Step 1. Linens
Nothing says 'special occasion' more than crisp linen table mats and napkins. Our 100% French washed linens from Linge Particulier are a great addition to add texture and soften the table. Linens are also a great way to add a pop of colour or tonal details depending on the porcelain dinnerware you choose.
When it comes to styling napkins, there are no hard and fast rules. Experiment - fold a napkin in half and place it to the left of the plate, underneath your cutlery, or fold napkins and place in the centre of the dinner plate.
Step 2. Dinner Plates
The dinner plate anchors your setting so we recommend making this your first selection when choosing porcelain pieces. We offer three sizes; Flared Plate Small, Flared Dinner Plate and the Dinner Plate. The flared silhouette hints at a more classic shape, while the Dinner Plate has a more contemporary profile with a flat base and a lip around the edge.
When setting the table, place the dinner plate one in front of each seat. Plates can be placed on a charger, a placemat, directly on the tablecloth or table surface depending on the look you’re going for.
Step 3. Side Plates
If you’re serving bread or side salads then pairing your dinner plate with a side plate can instantly elevate your table settings. Our range includes a classic Salad Plate with a gentle lip if you’re using dressings or oils for dipping and our Bread Plate featuring a flatter, smaller surface.
Step 4. Cutlery
To perfect your place settings we recommend choosing refined, perfectly weighted and durable cutlery. Mud Australia offers cutlery options from David Mellor, Kostick and Cutipol, all handmade using traditional techniques to either bring a unique, classic or modern feel to your table.
Consider specialist cutlery if you plan on serving something a little different eg. bread knife, chopsticks, oyster forks, soup spoons, dessert spoons, dessert forks.
Styling tip: Place your cutlery on the table in the order of use, starting from the outside and working inwards with each course. Place dessert forks and dessert spoons above your dinner plate, with the fork prongs facing right and the spoon bowl facing left.
Step 5. Glassware
Make every sip special and add texture and light with beautiful glassware. Hand blown in heritage workshops in the region of Aomori, on the northern tip of Japan’s main island, Mud Australia’s Tsugaru Vidro glassware is simple and elegant.
Based on the silhouette of our porcelain Beaker, the Large Tumbler Glass is perfect for long drinks and cocktails. Its little sister is the Tumbler Small, a staple for water.
Step 6. Finishing touches
Bring personality and finishing touches to your table with water jugs, carafes, salt and pepper vessels and vases in a variety of colour. Choose single stem flowers so they don't get in the way of conversation or large bouquets to add a ‘special occasion’ atmosphere.
Fun fact: our Water Jug was specifically designed with a narrow opening to ensure sparkling water retains its fizz for as long as possible.
