When you invite guests to come to your home to share a meal with you, setting an attractive table is as important as serving good food. Your table setting is the first thing that your guests will see and can actually influence their appetites. This is why you should chose your setting carefully, based on whether the dinner is to be casual or elegant.

If you are having a formal dinner, then using a cream colored, linen tablecloth with matching cloth napkins is great for this type of dinner. You an accent it with a crystal or gold vase filled with flowers. Be sure to use a low vase, so that your guests' views of each other will not be blocked and you can use a large one for the center of the table and two small matching ones at the end. Candles also add a touch of elegance. Instead of using typical candle holders, considering using votives that you can set in bowls of water. Floating scented candles are another way to add grace and elegance to your table. If you prefer a modern type of elegance, then forget about using your grandmother's china and purchase some of the newer dinnerware that uses colorful geometric shapes.

If you are having a casual dinner, then consider using brightly colored tablecloths and napkins. They add festiveness to the table and can be complimented with floral arrangements that match the colors that you use. You can buy utensils that have colored stems and glasses in colors to match. There are many casual place mats that are attractive and affordable. They will not only add a since of style to your place setting but will protect your table cloth as well.

Themed dinners such as those served at holiday time, can be especially fun to decorate for. There is lots of dinnerware and utensils that have holiday themes and you can even band miniature Christmas tree ornaments together to make attractive compliments to your table. Red and gold are great colors to use for these dinners and don't forget to break out the punch bowl for eggnog. If wine is going to be served, use crystal stemware.

How you serve the food is also important. You should have pitchers of water at each end of the table and serve the appetizers first. Once they have been eaten, clear the table to make room for the main dishes. Replace soiled napkins and refill the water pitchers.

Your desert should be as inviting as the main course. Consider peach cobbler or a chocolate layer cake. Always have a sugar free alternative in case one of your guests can not eat food that contains sugar.

Be attentive to your guests and engage them in conversation. Make them laugh and they will appreciate you even more.