How to Set a Formal Dinner Table: A Saudi Host's Guide

LAZADO Team
2026-04-06T11:58:12+03:00

Setting a formal dinner table in Saudi Arabia blends international dining etiquette with local hosting traditions. Whether you're preparing for a special family gathering, hosting business associates, or celebrating an occasion, a properly set table communicates care and attention before anyone takes a bite. Here's a step-by-step guide tailored for Saudi hosts.

Start with the Foundation

The Tablecloth

A crisp white or ivory tablecloth is the safest choice for formal settings. It should hang 25-30 centimeters over the table edge — long enough to look elegant, short enough not to land in guests' laps. Iron it before laying — wrinkles undermine the entire presentation.

The Charger Plate

A charger (also called a service plate or presentation plate) sits at each place setting as the base layer. It stays on the table through the first courses and gets removed before the main course. Gold, silver, or colored chargers from your dinner set collection add visual depth without competing with the food.

Place Setting Layout: The Classic Arrangement

Plates

Working from the bottom up: charger plate, then dinner plate (removed if you're doing a plated first course), then soup bowl on top if soup is being served. The dinner plate should sit about 2.5 centimeters from the table edge.

Flatware (Right Side)

Knife closest to the plate (blade facing inward), then soup spoon to the right of the knife. If you're serving fish, the fish knife goes between the dinner knife and soup spoon. Place them in order of use — outermost first.

Flatware (Left Side)

Dinner fork closest to the plate, salad fork to its left. Again, outside-in order of use. Forks should be tines-up in Western settings.

Above the Plate

Dessert spoon and fork go above the plate, horizontally. The spoon handle points right, the fork handle points left. Some hosts skip this and bring dessert flatware with the dessert course instead.

Glassware

Water glass directly above the knife tip. Additional glasses (for juices, jallab, or other beverages) angle to the right at a 45-degree line. In Saudi formal settings where alcohol isn't served, you might have a water glass, a juice glass, and possibly a tea glass.

Adapting for Saudi Dining Traditions

Communal Dishes

Many Saudi meals include communal platters — kabsa, mandi, or mixed grills served family-style. For a formal table that accommodates this tradition, leave ample center space for large serving dishes. Use a quality tableware collection that includes matching serving platters.

The Bread Situation

Saudi bread (khubz, samoon, or regag) doesn't always fit Western bread plate conventions. A small side plate to the upper left of the setting works, or some hosts place bread baskets at intervals along the table center.

Coffee and Tea Service

Arabic coffee and tea are often served separately from the meal — either before dinner in the majlis or after dinner while relaxing. If you're incorporating them into the table, place cups and saucers above the dessert flatware.

Napkin Placement

The napkin goes on the charger plate (or where the plate will be) before guests sit. A simple rectangular fold or a classic pyramid is more elegant than elaborate origami. For very formal occasions, napkin rings add a polished touch.

Centerpiece and Decor

Keep centerpieces low enough that guests can see each other across the table — maximum 30 centimeters high. Fresh flowers, low candle arrangements, or decorative bowls work well. Scented elements (candles, flowers) should be subtle enough not to compete with the food aromas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the table. Leave enough space between settings (at least 60 centimeters center-to-center) so guests aren't bumping elbows.

Mismatched quality levels. A premium dinner set next to plastic serving utensils creates a jarring contrast. Keep everything at a consistent quality level.

Forgetting serving utensils. Every communal dish needs its own serving spoon or tongs. Don't make guests improvise.

Over-decorating. The food is the star. Table decor should frame it, not compete with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many courses should a formal Saudi dinner include?

A typical formal Saudi dinner might include appetizers or salads, soup (optional), a main course with rice and meat, and dessert with Arabic coffee. Three to four courses is standard without being excessive.

Should I set the table differently for a Ramadan iftar?

Yes. For iftar, place dates and water at each setting for breaking the fast. Soup bowls should be pre-set since lentil soup (shorbat adas) is traditional. The overall layout follows the same principles but prioritizes quick access to the items needed first.

What's the right dinner set size for formal entertaining?

A 12-person set is practical for most Saudi households that entertain regularly. This allows for a full table plus spare pieces for serving. Invest in a quality set from brands like Vista Alegre that offer matching expansion pieces.

Do I need different flatware for different courses?

For a truly formal dinner, yes — each course gets its appropriate utensils. For most home entertaining, a good dinner fork, knife, soup spoon, and dessert set are sufficient. Quality matters more than quantity.