Should Your Dining Table Always Be Set? (Tips & More)
A dining room is used to entertain family members and guests, making it a common area for everyone to get together and enjoy a meal. The dining table also has to be well set especially if your aim is to give a good impression.
However, when the dining table is not in use, the biggest question is whether it should be set anyways.
The answer is quite simple.
No, your dining room table does not have to be always set except in certain cases. If the dining table will be used often, it may be a good idea to always have it set. However, having a dining table set all the time poses a few minor problems such as dust and dirt getting onto the tableware or if you have any cats, pet hair may be unavoidable, making things inconvenient.
This really depends on how often the table will be used and a few other reasons.
If you’d like to know more details to help you make the right decision, here are a few helpful factors that you can consider.
Below, you’ll also find helpful tips on how to set a dining table even when not in use.
Table of Contents
Things To Consider
Availability
The benefit to having a dining table set is that it’s always readily available. This means, at any time, you can sit down and have a meal in comfort and style.
You won’t have to necessarily start running around trying to make the table look good if unexpected guests come over either.
See also: How To Make Your Home Ready For Guests
Aesthetic purposes
Dining room tables that are set are pleasing to the eye and this can enhance the visual appeal of your decor.
If you’re someone who loves looking at a dining table full of beautiful items, centerpieces, and dishware, this might be the perfect option for you.
Dust and dirt
The downside to having a dining table always set is the potential risk of dust and dirt ending up on the table and dishware.
Not only can this be embarrassing if the table hasn’t been cleaned or the dishes have been sitting for too long, but it may also be a hassle to rewash everything and go through the effort of resetting the table on a continuous basis.
This is why it might be better to just set the table when you know it’s going to be used to avoid this issue.
Pets
This will probably be a big concern if you have cats who are fond of walking everywhere and it won’t be a surprise to find pet hair on the dishes and tableware.
Eventually, this might become really annoying if you have to change things up each time.
But if there are no pets around, then you’re lucky enough that you won’t have to be concerned with this issue.
How To Set A Dining Table Even When Not In Use
Below are a few ways you can set a dining room table.
These tips will also apply to the times when you won’t use the table but it can still be decorated in a cool way to look great at all times.
Have a table runner or table cloth
Having a tablecloth to cover the table is a great way to make it look good.
If you don’t want to cover the entire table, you could just place a runner instead and then add other items on top.
Having a table cloth or runner on the table will be way better than looking at an empty dining table especially if the table is worn out or damaged.
Place a tray in the center
This is a great option if you don’t want to set the table. Just place a tray or a bowl of fruits in the middle of the dining room table and it will look simple yet classy.
This way, if you need to make use of the table, all you have to do is just grab a set of plates and the dining room table will be ready in just under a few minutes.
Display a beautiful centerpiece
The next option is to have a centerpiece. This could be a simple vase of flowers, candles, or items to create a beautiful seasonal display that will last for days or even weeks.
Having a centerpiece is a great way to avoid setting the entire dining table but you’ll still be pleased to have something that will make this table decor look beautiful.
See also: What Can I Put In The Centerpiece of My Dining Room Table?
Include placemats
Placemats and coasters are great to have on a dining room table. It protects the surface of the table from any potential food or spill damage.
It also will give an impression that your table is set without even needing any dishware while filling up any awkward empty spaces on the table, making the table seem more inviting and homely.
Lay out the main dishware
This is completely optional and depends on your decision whether you’re going to have the dining room table set or not.
However, having just a plate or two without any cutlery or glasses will complete the look of the table decor.
If you want to avoid any dust or dirt from getting onto the plates, you can try turning them upside down on the placemat.
Conclusion
It’s not necessary to have a dining room table set always unless you tend to make use of this area to eat and entertain more often than not.
Times, when it will be preferred, you and your family can also eat daily meals in this room rather than using the kitchen table or in front of the TV, then it would be better to have the dining table set at all times.
But if the potential risk of dust and pet hair is too high, it’s best to avoid leaving the table set at all times.
Instead, having just a simple centerpiece or seasonal display is a great way to decorate the table, making the dining room look interesting.
You’ll have a more pleasurable experience dining here regardless of whether the table is fully set or not.
I hope this article answered your questions and if you’re looking for similar ideas, here’s a few more to explore and discover creative solutions to common problems:
