In the South, entertaining isn’t just a social occasion – it’s a treasured tradition. From garden brunches to formal Sunday suppers, hospitality is an art form passed down through generations. At the heart of every gathering is the table – a place of laughter, storytelling, good food, and genuine connection.

Setting the table is more than arranging plates and silverware – it’s about creating a space that makes guests feel welcomed, cherished, and right at home. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard dinner or a refined soiree, Southern entertaining follows timeless rules with a touch of charm and grace.

The Spirit of Southern Hospitality

Before we talk linens and place settings, let’s start with what truly defines Southern entertaining: warmth.

In the South, a guest is never just a visitor – they’re family, even if it’s their first time at your table. Hospitality means anticipating needs making people feel seen, and creating an atmosphere of ease and elegance.

It’s not about perfection – it’s about intention. A mismatched tea cup is fine, as long as it’s filled with love.

The Table as a Reflection of Heart

1. Choose the Right Setting

Whether you’re dining al fresco under magnolia trees or gathering in a candlelit dining room, the location sets the mood.

· Outdoor gatherings: Use fresh florals, citronella candles, and natural textures like linen or jute.

· Indoor affairs: Bring in soft lighting, polished silver, and heirloom china for an intimate, nostalgic feel.

2. Linens and Layers

Start with the foundation – a beautiful tablecloth or runner. Add cloth napkins and layer with intention.

· Chargers or placemats to frame each setting

· Coordinating napkins, often with a simple napkin ring or tucked into a wine glass

· Seasonal touches – think sprigs of rosemary, cotton stems, or dried lavender at each plate

3. The Proper Place Setting

A traditional Southern table reflects both care and culture. Here’s a simple guide:

· Dinner plate in the center

· Napkin to the left or atop the plate

· Forks on the left

· Knife and spoon on the right

· Glassware in the upper right – water goblet and wine glass

· Dessert fork/spoon above the plate if needed

Don’t forget the butter dish, salt cellars, and serving utensils – the details matter.

Southern Manners at the Table

Table manners are still very much alive in the South, and they begin with graciousness:

· Wait until everyone is seated and served before eating

· Always pass dishes to the right

· Say “please” and “thank you” with sincerity

· Compliment the cook, even if it’s takeout

· Offer seconds, and always say yes to pie if you can

If there’s one thing Southern hosts never forget – it’s making sure no one leaves hungry or unnoticed.

Touches of Timeless Charm

Want to elevate your table? Here are a few extra flourishes with true Southern flair:

· Handwritten place cards: thoughtful and personal

· Fresh flowers from the garden: nothing too fussy, just something fragrant

· Vintage serving pieces: like a passed-down cake stand or etched glasses

· Family-style serving: platters passed hand to hand invite connection

The Farewell is just as Important

In true Southern fashion, the evening doesn’t end with dessert. Walking your gueststo the door, offering leftovers with a ribbon-tied box, or sending them off with a hug and kind word is the finishing touch.

Because hospitality is not just about how you welcome guests – it’s about how you make them feel long after they’ve gone.

Gathered Around Grace

Setting the table in the South is about more than aesthetics. It’s a reflection of love, tradition, and respect for those who gather at your table. Whether simple or sophisticated, your table becomes a canvas for connection.

So pull out the good china, light a few candles, and let the conversation linger. Because in the south, entertaining isn’t an event – it’s a way of life.