An essential part of any Victorian dinner party (or any other party that involved food) was the laying of the table. An elegant table was every bit as important as the quality of food that would be served thereon. And as with any other aspect of Victorian life, table decor was a matter of fashion, changing over time. One needed to know what types of cloths to use, how to arrange the silverware, what types of floral decorations were appropriate both for the event and for the season, what china and glassware to use, and more. Here are some of the things a hostess needed to know to be "known" for her elegant serving!

Christmas Cooking/Dinner Serviettes (Godey's, 1873)

This piece begins by showing you how to fold a napkin into the shape of a swan, and follows it with mouth-watering recipes for a Christmas supper, including roast goose and Christmas cakes.

Receipts for the Holiday Season/Dinner Serviettes (Godey's, 1873)

Christmas cakes and cookies, plus instructions on creating a beautiful napkin and floral centerpiece.

Decorations for the Table (Peterson's, 1872)

Table Decorations (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1875)

How to lay the table for breakfast, lunch and dinner - with diagrams!

Decoration of the Dinner Table (Scribner's, 1879B)

Varieties of China Ware (Demorest, 1880)

Carving [at Table] (Collier's Cyclopedia, 1882)

Carving at Table, by S.F.A. Caulfeild (Girl's Own Paper, 1883)

Decorating Supper Tables etc. (Peterson's, 1883)

The Table and Its Decoration; Recipes, by Katherine DeCourcy Armstrong (Demorest, 1884)

This author goes on at length as to why her kitchen and table are better than those of an acquaintance, partly because "I do not disdain to put some of the common sense Providence has given me, in my kitchen."

Table Decorations (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1884)

How to Lay the Breakfast and the Luncheon Tables/How to Lay the Dinner Table, by Mary Pocock (Girl's Own Paper, 1886)

If tables are bright and cheerful, this author believes, then so will be the diners!

Modern Dinner Tables (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1886)

Interesting tips on how to decorate one's dinner-table, using mirrors, flowers, plus, tinted cards and more.

How to Wait at Table (Girl's Own Paper, 1887)

The key to a successful dinner party is servants who know just how to "wait at table" - and this article provides a detailed explanation of all the rules and requirements!

Table Decorations (Girl's Own Paper, 1887)

Ideas for beautiful floral centerpieces and highlights for the table.

Attractive Serving (Ingalls' Home Magazine, 1888)

Choice summer dishes, and tips on decorating the table with summer flowers and greenery.

Late Fancies in Table Appointments; June Fruits & Vegetables, by Laura Willis Lathrop (Ingalls' Home Magazine, 1889)

A look at new fashions in table services (colored glass is giving way to cut glass!), along with fruit and vegetable recipes recipes for June.

The Table, by Laura Willis Lathrop (Ingalls' Home Magazine, 1889)

Tips on decorating the table, and some delicious Christmas recipes.

Cheap and Pretty (Girl's Own Paper, 1890)

Creating a table decoration with carrot tops.

The Fashionable Chrysanthemum, by H.H. Battles (Ladies' Home Journal, 1892)

Using the flower for dinner, luncheon and party table decorations.

Serviettes and How to Fold Them (Girl's Own Paper, 1893)

I've always wanted to learn how to fold napkins, and this article spells it all out with marvelous diagrams.

How to Wait at Table (Girl's Own Paper, 1897)

The key to a successful dinner party is servants who know just how to "wait at table" - and this article provides a detailed explanation of all the rules and requirements!

Housekeeping in May (Girl's Own Paper, 1900)

How to decorate the table, and prepare several dishes appropriate for spring.