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Selecting the perfect glassware for your event is one of the most important steps you’ll take in creating an elegant, cohesive experience. Glassware is more than functional. It’s a design element, a statement piece, and a core component of your guest’s experience. Curated Events offers the options you need to elevate your next event.

Common Glassware Rentals for Luxury Events

Depending on the type of event you’re planning, you may want to offer a range of beautiful, carefully curated glassware options for guests. Consider a few of the most commonly found options for elegant events.

• TIP: Don’t underestimate the importance of your glassware. After all, your guests will likely have one in their hands the entire event! 

Long-stem Glassware

Noted as a requirement for any fine dining experience where red and white will be served, long-stem glassware is a critical choice.

Flute Glassware

Flutes are even more elegant, often for a more sophisticated dining experience. They are an ideal (and necessary) glassware option for sparkling wine and champagne.

Cocktail Glassware

There’s nothing quite like enjoying the perfect martini or Cosmo in a cocktail glass. The beautiful shape of these glasses helps any drinks served “up” to be enjoyed fully.

Rocks Glasses

Smaller in stature but just as important, rocks glasses are necessary whenever you plan to serve liquor or anything that’s served “on the rocks.”

Pilsner Glassware

Pilsner glasses are an essential choice for any event serving beer. These tall, larger glasses have a refined shape, perfect for beer.

Short-Stem Glasses

Most often, your table setting will include a short-stem glass at each place setting. These are typically used for water or tea, or other types of non-alcoholic drinks.

Coffee Mugs

After a long night of dancing and having fun, there’s often the need for some coffee. While you may not consider coffee mugs a must for your glassware needs, they are going to be used by your guests.

Need advice on which one is best for you? At Curated Events, we make the entire process as easy and refined as possible. Let us answer your questions and create a successful event.

Fabulous Glassware Goes Further

While each of the glassware options listed here offers a specific function, the glass itself can be as unique, ornate, or simplified as you need it to be. Consider, for a moment, the need to elevate your event. A simple champagne flute may seem elegant enough, but adding some bit of uniqueness to it will further elevate the experience.

• Choose a style that you love – whether a simple round look or a dazzling crystal style
• You can choose colored glasses. A bit more edgy and unique, there’s something special about these, especially when they coordinate with your theme or color scheme
• Specialty glasses take things a bit further with ornate patterns and colors

What Special Glasses Will You Include for Your Event?

Let your creative style come through in the classes you select. Here are some ideas to help you personalize your experience.

Footed Goblet Glasses – Sophisticated, but Historical

Goblets are the perfect choice for water glasses, tea, and even some types of beer and liquor. To elevate this just a bit, consider footed goblets, which offer more of a statement piece.

French Tumblers

Sipping from a French tumbler creates a bit more of a special feel to any drink. You’ll love the fine crystal-like detailing often on these glasses.

Stemless Glasses

If there’s a risk your guests may spill a bit more often, or you want a bit of a more refined look, consider stemless glasses perfect for their lower center of gravity. They’re more modern than your average flute.

Rimmed Glasses

Pair your gold or silver-rimmed glasses with your plates and serving items for an exceptional look. These glasses help to bring the elegance of refined glassware to the event.

Cut Crystal

Perhaps the highest level of sophistication comes from the use of cut crystal glassware. Quite the sparkling choice, it has a luxe look that’s hard to beat.

How Many Glasses Do You Need for Your Event?

Having enough glasses is critical. There’s no one in the back to wash and prepare them for a second use. That’s why you need to have plenty.

Most of the time, it’s best to have no less than 1.5 glasses per person for the first hour of the event. Then, you should have another 1 glass per person for every hour after that.

Let’s say your event will have about 200 people. For the first two hours, you’ll need to have 300 glasses. Your event will go on for three additional hours. That means you’ll need to have 600 additional glasses. That means you’ll need about 900 glasses for the event.

Unsure of how many glasses and which type to purchase? That’s where Curated Events can help you. Reach out to us for guidance based on the type of event you’re planning.

Pair Your Glassware Choices with Your Event Style

Every detail of your event matters to you – and it should. With the ability to select from such a large number of glassware types and options, it can become a bit overwhelming to know what to rent and what to skip. It’s also easy to get a bit carried away.

• TIP: Too many glasses will just make storage difficult. Don’t overwhelm your bartender and servers with so many options they can’t keep things straight.

Some Glass Are a Must

Some styles of glasses are designed to provide a very specific purpose. For example, the unique design and shape of a martini glass are aimed at keeping drinks cold. The same applies, for the most part, to pilsner glasses. They actually enhance the temperature, helping to keep that tall beer from going flat. Flutes are a must for champagne because they allow for plenty of headroom.

Style Matters

When choosing glasses, make sure the overall style of your event comes through. For example, if your event is high sophistication, you don’t want colored glasses that take away from that feeling of elegance, but metallic-rimmed glasses will enhance it.

Matching Across the Board

Most often, you’ll want the style of glasses you use to be fairly matching. That is, choose the same style of glass for your flutes, wine glasses, and tableware when possible. For most people, this is easy to do. Even with the most elegant of events, simple, clear, high-quality glasses tend to be the popular option, even with a bit of etching or cutting into them. However, if you’re going to do colors or metallic rims, be sure to create a cohesive look across all styles.

How Much of Each Glass Do You Need?

Work closely with your staffing team to create a plan for drinks. It’s often hard to know what people will drink at events. However, those behind the bar have a good idea of what is requested the most often and can help you tailor that to your event.

There’s no doubt white wine glasses and red wine glasses (which really do not have to be different from each other) are going to be essential choices. You may also need a significant number of goblets for each table’s water glasses.

There’s no benefit to having more glasses of one particular drink than you have in servings. At the same time, you don’t want to run out of glasses and have a case of wine that’s ready to be used.

Create a Guest Experience They’ll Remember

As you consider the stemware and barware for your event, make thoughtfully curated decisions. Choose items that are meant to improve guest experiences, not make it more difficult for them to enjoy their drink.

Hard-to-hold glasses, such as those that are simply very large or those that are so delicate they break easily, do not work well in most events. Glasses that don’t fit what’s being put into them are also a turn-off. Something strangely shaped may make it more cumbersome to enjoy that cocktail. Get people talking about how lavish and luxe your event is right down to the glassware.

Expect the Help You Need from a Team That’s Passionate About Details

Who knew stemware would be just a big component of your decision-making process? At Curated Events, we work closely with you to ensure you have access to the very best materials. Every detail makes an impression on your guests.

Turn to Curated Events for the support you need in picking and planning each detail of your elegant affair. Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer.

Tableware includes the dishes, utensils, and drinkware used for serving and enjoying a meal. This covers items such as plates, bowls, cutlery, glasses, and serving pieces—each playing a role in the presentation and function of a dining setup.

Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner at home or planning a formal event, the tableware you choose helps set the mood and elevate the experience. In this guide, you’ll discover the main types of tableware, their specific uses, and tips for selecting the right pieces for any occasion.

What Is Tableware?

The term ‘tableware ‘encompasses all of the dishes, utensils, and vessels used in distributing and eating a meal. Also referred to as ‘crockery’ in the United Kingdom, these items come in sets that can be rented or bought for large gatherings involving food. 

They play both a functional and decorative role, as aside from enabling guests to enjoy fare offerings, they also add visual interest to a dining table.

List of Tableware Items By Type

Choosing the right tableware starts with understanding what items are available and how each contributes to the overall dining experience. This list of tableware items is organized by category to help you plan with clarity and purpose, whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a relaxed social gathering.

1. Dinnerware

• Charger Plates – Decorative base plates placed beneath dinner plates to frame each setting.

• Dinner Plates – The main plates used for serving entrees.

• Salad Plates – Smaller plates for salads or appetizers.

• Dessert Plates – Typically used for serving sweets after the main course.

• Soup Bowls – Deep bowls designed for hot liquids and broths.

• Bread and Butter Plates – Small plates used for rolls, butter, or condiments.

• Cups and Saucers – Often used with tea or coffee service.

2. Serveware 

• Serving Platters – Wide trays used to hold and display main or side dishes.

• Serving Bowls – Deep bowls used for shared items like salads or pastas.

• Gravy Boats – Small vessels with spouts for serving sauces or gravy.

• Butter Dishes – Keeps butter neat and easily accessible.

• Sugar Bowls and Creamers – Common components of coffee or tea service.

• Cake Stands – Elevated platforms that display desserts or centerpiece treats.

3. Flatware 

• Dinner Forks – Standard forks for main dishes.

• Salad Forks – Slightly smaller forks used during appetizer or salad courses.

• Dessert Forks – Designed for cakes, tarts, and other sweets.

• Dinner Knives – Essential knives for general cutting and slicing.

• Butter Knives – Dull-edged knives used for spreading.

• Soup Spoons – Rounder, deeper spoons made for soups and stews.

• Teaspoons – Smaller spoons ideal for coffee, tea, or desserts.

• Serving Utensils – Large spoons, tongs, or ladles used to portion out shared dishes.

4. Glassware

• Water Goblets – Large, durable glasses primarily used for water.

• Wine Glasses – Available in styles for red or white wines, shaped to enhance flavor.

• Champagne Flutes – Narrow, tall glasses ideal for sparkling wines.

• Cocktail Glasses – Includes martini, highball, or rocks glasses depending on the beverage.

• Beer Glasses – Ranging from mugs to pilsner glasses for serving different beer styles.

• Stemless Glasses – Modern alternatives for wine or cocktails.

• Coffee Mugs – Used for serving hot drinks like coffee or tea.

Getting To Know Each Type Of Tableware

Tableware is an extremely broad word that covers a litany of dishes and utensils. Generally speaking, items can be broken into four main categories: serve ware, dinnerware, silverware, and drinkware. The following sections will review each type’s role in the dining experience.

Serveware 

Serveware, as its name suggests, is used for serving food. Anything that holds it or helps the distribution process can fall into this category, including serving platters, bowls, salad bowls, casserole dishes, soup pots, and teapots. Think of any item that you could use to present food to others.

While large dishes are usually the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of serveware, certain utensils like serving spoons, tongs, ladles, and pitchers can also be considered part of the family.

Dinnerware

Sometimes called crockery or china, dinnerware is where food goes as it’s portioned to individuals. The category comprises any items used to eat directly, from dinner plates and soup bowls to salad plates, saucers, and dessert plates.

Types Of Dinnerware

Dinnerware can come in various sizes, shapes, and forms to suit different dishes. Let’s take a closer look at some common types and what context each is used in.

Dinner Plate – Used to hold main courses, this is one of the most common pieces of dinnerware you’ll come across. Dinner plates are the largest on the table, measuring 11 or 12 inches in diameter.

Dessert Plate – Dessert plates are saucers used to serve smaller portions of food. They measure 18 cm across and are best suited for informal gatherings that don’t involve a full sit-down meal.

Bread And Butter Plate – Sometimes referred to as a side plate or quarter plate, these pieces serve as accessories to main dinner plates. Bread and butter plates are smaller in diameter at roughly 15 cm and hold items like bread rolls, butter, and small condiments.

Appetizer Plates – Appetizer plates are slightly bigger than the average bread and butter plate, with a length of 17 cm or more. Simple and slightly curved, they’re meant to hold smaller portions of food or snacks before a full dish is served.

Soup Bowl – Holding up to 16 ounces of liquid, soup bowls can come in various shapes and sizes, depending on the type of soup served. Usually, they are round and measure between 11 and 12 cm in diameter.

The Materials You Can Find Dinnerware In

Aside from size and purpose, dinnerware can also differ in the material it’s made out of. You can find dishes in various options to suit any occasion – the following are some of the most popular.

Melamine –  Melamine is a type of plastic that’s used to make dinnerware inexpensive and durable. It can be found in various colors and patterns, and is ideal for everyday use.

Porcelain – Porcelain dishes are made from kaolin and feldspar, resulting in a delicate yet strong material often used to make dinner plates and soup bowls.

Glass – Glass dinnerware is great for special occasions like weddings and corporate events, as it adds a sense of elegance to any table setting. Glass comes in various shapes and sizes, with transparent and colored options available.

Stoneware –  Stoneware is usually found in earthy tones like cream and brown. It’s a heavy material that makes great dinner plates and soup bowls, and is ideal for outdoor use.

Earthenware –  Earthenware is a type of pottery that’s been fired at low temperatures. It has a porous, matte finish and can be used to make various items, from cups to plates.

Silverware And Cutlery

Cutlery includes any implements used to eat food, from knives and forks to spoons and specialty utensils. This type of serveware can be made from various materials like stainless steel, silver, wood, and plastic.

Like dinnerware, cutlery encompasses many different sub-varieties, each of which can be used for a specific purpose.

Forks – are commonly used to spear, cut, and hold food on a plate. They come in varieties such as dinner forks, salad forks, and dessert forks.

Spoons – Spoons are used to scoop up liquid or solid food. They range from soup spoons to teaspoons, tablespoons, and finally, the dessert spoon.

Knives – Knives are used for cutting and spreading items such as butter and cheese. They have sharp blades and come in different lengths, from the small steak knife to the larger dinner knife.

The pieces that make up a cutlery set can differ depending on the occasion and menu, but typically you’ll find one of each type for an informal setting. From there, you can add more utensils as the occasion and complexity of dishes demand.

Drinkware

Drinkware comprises all items from which one can drink, such as cups, mugs, and glasses.  As with dinnerware and cutlery, the drinkware you choose will depend on the occasion and menu.

Types Of Drinkware

There are countless varieties of drinkware out there, all of which can be broken down into two main categories: stemware and tumblers.

The first, stemware, refers to any glass with a thin and elevated base. Common examples include the martini glass, wine glass, brandy glass, Champagne coupe, cordial glass, Champagne flute, and Sherry glass.

Tumblers, on the other hand, look more like conventional cups and have a flat-bottomed design. The family includes glasses like tumblers, shot glasses, beer glasses, beer mugs, rock glasses, water glasses, Collins glasses, and tall glasses.

While the majority of drinkware that you’ll find at a formal event will be glass, several plastic and ceramic options are available for different budgets and beverage temperature levels.

Choosing The Right Tableware For Your Event

With all of the varieties out there, it can be difficult to know what type and style of tableware fits a particular event. These guidelines will help you discern what options make the most sense for your occasion.

Consider The Nature Of Your Event

The context of your gathering can help you determine the most suitable tableware to select. A casual outdoor barbecue will naturally call for more relaxed, picnic-style plates and cups, while a more formal indoor affair might require more structured pieces, such as traditional dinnerware or elegant china.

Think About The Number Of Guests

The number of people attending your event will also determine the type and amount of tableware you need. If you’re hosting a smaller gathering, you may want to opt for individual place settings. A buffet-style set up with shared plates and serving ware may be better if you expect a larger crowd.

Keep The Menu And Courses In Mind

When deciding on tableware, you’ll want to consider the menu. Multi-course meals will inevitably require more types of plates and utensils than small receptions. Formality comes back into play here as well; generally speaking, the more formal an event is, the more intricate you’ll want to get with place settings.

Tableware is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to hosting a successful event, yet at the same time, it can be incredibly impactful. With the right combination of items and careful consideration for quality, style, and material, you can create a dining experience that exceeds expectations and leaves a lasting impression.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Tableware and Flatware?

Tableware refers to any type of dish or plate used during a meal, while flatware is a collective term for cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, and other utensils).

Should I rent or buy Tableware?

Renting tableware is often the most cost-effective option for large events, while buying them is usually more practical for smaller occasions. Call on Curated Events for all of your table setting needs- it is our specialty! 

What is tableware?

Tableware refers to the dishes, utensils, and drinkware used for serving and consuming food during a meal. It includes plates, bowls, cutlery, glasses, and serving accessories that contribute both function and style to the dining experience. Whether at a casual family dinner or a formal event, tableware plays a vital role in how a meal is presented and enjoyed.

What are the main types of tableware?

There are four main types of tableware: dinnerware, flatware, glassware, and serveware. Dinnerware includes plates and bowls used for individual portions. Flatware refers to eating utensils like forks, knives, and spoons. Glassware covers all drink-related items such as wine glasses and water goblets, while serveware includes larger items used to present and distribute food, such as platters, bowls, and pitchers.

What should be included in a list of tableware items?

A complete list of tableware items typically includes charger plates, dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, dessert plates, bread plates, forks, knives, spoons, water glasses, wine glasses, coffee cups, serving platters, and utensils. The specific list can vary depending on the type of event, menu, and service style. Having a clear list of tableware items ensures you’re well-prepared to create a polished and functional table setting.

Can I mix different types of tableware at my event?

Yes, mixing different types of tableware is a popular approach in modern event design. For example, you can pair rustic dinnerware with sleek metallic flatware or combine vintage glasses with minimalist plates. The key is to maintain a cohesive theme or color palette so the mixed elements complement one another without looking mismatched.

How do I choose the right tableware for my event?

To choose the right tableware, consider your event’s theme, formality, guest count, and menu. Formal events typically call for a full place setting with multiple courses, while casual gatherings may only require basic items. Reviewing a detailed list of tableware items can help you identify exactly what’s needed based on how your meal will be served.

Do I need different types of tableware for each course?

For formal events with multiple courses, it’s recommended to use different types of tableware for each stage of the meal—such as salad plates, soup bowls, dinner plates, and dessert plates. Each item is sized and styled for its specific use, helping to enhance the presentation and experience of the meal.

The table setting is a time-old tradition that dates back centuries. It’s a way of formalizing meal time, adding flair, and giving gatherings around a table the respect they deserve. Yet, in the same breath, table setting has slowly become a forgotten art. Today’s world of casual dining and fast food has led to drastically lowered standards, leading us to under appreciate the true elegance that proper setup can bring to a dining experience. 

In this guide, we’ll discuss the basics of table setting, from the parts that make up a setting to best practices for different occasions.

Why Take The Time To Set Your Dinner Table?

The art of table setting has slowly declined in practice over the past decades. Once a common standard in households, it’s now only really seen at organized events and gatherings. You could blame this downfall on several things – like changes in eating styles, social norms, or a simple loss of interest in tradition. But whatever the case, the fact remains clear that few seem to appreciate it anymore. So why care?

Despite its relevance to everyday individuals, table setting remains an essential skill to know and practice. It teaches respect and gratitude, which are two important principles that will always be relevant in social life. Further, the table setting offers a sense of decoration and style which can add an extra touch to any occasion. It shows that you took the time to consider the event and care about the people there.

The table setting is also an important part of etiquette, which can set the tone for dinner. It can be a way to set boundaries and expectations for the evening’s food, people, and atmosphere. When practiced correctly, it can help to make dinner more enjoyable and memorable.

Table Setting: The Fundamentals

The table setting is seldom taught in schools, so it’s completely okay to feel a need for direction when planning your event. The process is actually quite simple; all it takes is some knowledge of the basics to get started. We’ll review them piece by piece below.

The Parts Of A Place Setting

First, let’s go over the items you’ll find in a traditional table placement. 

Regardless of the occasion, place settings should always consist of the following:

Plate – This is the main item that will be used to hold food throughout the dinner. Plates can come in various varieties, including appetizer, salad, entrée, and dessert plates. Charger plates are a larger accessory that can underlayer the regular plate and add an extra touch of style.

Bowls – Bowls are often used for soup or other dishes. Typically, the soup bowl is placed on top of the dinner plate.

Glassware – A standard place setting will include at least two glasses: a water glass and a stemmed glass for wine.

Utensils – This includes the knife, fork, and spoon. Depending on your occasion, multiple types of each can be used for different meal courses.

Napkin –  This item is included to wipe your hands and face while eating. Most events opt for fabric varieties, which can be styled with the table’s overall décor. 

Best Practices

While it’s important to note that these rules can vary with context, there are some basic protocols everyone should follow when setting the table for an event.

The first is how things are laid out across the table. It’s important to consider the gathering size and the number of people who can realistically dine from the same surface. If you’re expecting a large group, it’s worth spreading them out across multiple tables rather than trying to fit all of their places into one. Each guest should have at least two feet of space between them and the next person.

As for the dinnerware, pieces should be arranged in the same order for everyone. This includes the plate, napkin, utensils, and beverage glasses. They should also be spaced apart from each other according to their size and use.

Bigger items should be placed farther away, while smaller ones can be closer together. The layout can vary depending on how formal your event is, which we’ll get into next.

How To Set Tableware For Your Event Based On Formality

While the tableware setting generally follows a core set of conventions, the details that go into it can vary depending on the type of event you’re hosting. Some gatherings will require more details – and pieces – than others.

The following is a breakdown of the table setting types that exist for different event formalities.

Basic Table Setting

The basic table setting includes a plate, napkin, knife, fork, and spoon. It’s the most common type of dining arrangement and is appropriate for informal gatherings.

How to do it:

1. Place the plate a few inches from the table’s edge
2. Place the napkin to the left of the plate, or on top of it
3. Place a fork (tines facing up) to the left of the plate
4. Place a spoon and knife on the far right side of the plate, with the knife closest to it with the sharp side facing toward the palte

Special Considerations

This covers everything we discussed earlier regarding fundamental tableware. Nothing more, nothing less. However, step one can be skipped to allow guests to serve themselves if you are hosting a buffet.

Casual Table Setting 

Casual table spreads are intended for gatherings that involve some level of formality but need easy and fast rules. This type of table setting adds a few elements to the basics, such as salad and dessert forks, extra glasses, and side plates.

How to do it:

1. Place the plate two or three inches from the table edge
2. Place the napkin to the left of the plate, or fold it and put it on top of the plate
3. Place a salad fork and dessert fork (tines facing up) to the left of the plate
4. Place a knife to the right of the plate, facing inwards
5. Place a soup spoon on the far right side beside the knife
6. Place a dessert spoon above the plate with the handle pointing to the right
7. Place a drinking glass and/or wine glass on the upper right side of the plate

Formal Table Setting

Formal table setting involves going all out on a table’s presentation. Its surface, like the guests attending the event, should be dressed to look the part – affluent, cohesive, and elegant. This type of setting requires the most pieces, such as multiple glasses for champagne and wine, a soup spoon, and additional dinnerware for appetizers or desserts.

How to do it:

1. Place a charger plate two or three inches out from the table’s edge, layered with the dinner plate
2. Stack any and all additional plates and bowls in order of size on top of the charger plate
3. Place a folded napkin on the left side of the charger plate
4. Place a bread plate and butter knife on the upper left side of the charger plate
5. Place a salad fork and dessert fork (tines facing up) to the left of the plate, in order of small to large
6. Place a soup spoon horizontally above the plate with its handle pointing to the right
7. Place a knife to the right of the plate, facing inwards
8. Place a teaspoon on the far right side beside the knife
9. Place multiple glasses on the upper right side of the plate, including a water glass, wine, and champagne glasses
10. Add a wine decanter and butter dish to the top left side if appropriate

The table setting is an important part of any event, from casual to formal. Knowing how to properly set the table for every case is key to ensuring your guests have an enjoyable time. With the guidelines outlined above, you’ll be sure to impress guests of any type.

FAQs

What is a charger plate?

A charger plate is a large, decorative plate that acts as the base for the table setting. It adds an elevated aesthetic and is generally used to decorate the table while keeping it clean and food warm.

What is the difference between a formal and casual table setting?

The main differences between a formal and casual table setting are the number of pieces used and their placement. A casual table setting requires fewer pieces but still follows the fundamental rules for tableware placement. A formal table setting, on the other hand, requires more pieces and is much more intricate. It also often includes additional items such as wine glasses or decanters.

Where can I get a tableware set?

Intricate tableware sets are something only some have lying around, so they usually need to be purchased or rented. Curated Events has the most extensive inventory of tabletop ware, with both depth of inventory and breadth of designs and aesthetics. We can’t wait to create a custom tabletop look with you!