"But, surely, there is only one way of laying a table?" begins an advice column published in The New York Times on November 12, 1893. The byline simply reads "From Woman," and the columnist goes on to detail that no, there are many ways to lay a table—including the right way, the wrong way, and the many ways in between. "Never be persuaded, for instance," the author specifies, "to mix roses and geraniums—they are both beautiful, but do not blend well. Tall, ‘spiky’ flowers arrange better for the dinner table." The following pages contain our picks for a well-laid table. We’d like to think there are many right ways to create one, and that they include French linens, a pewter-and-rosewood tea pot, and any mix of flowers you desire.

All of the products by Mary Jurek Design, including this oyster bowl hammered from stainless steel, are handmade by artisans in factories run solely by women, in areas across the globe in need of development. $85 to $165, depending on size. 310.533.1196, www.maryjurekdesigninc.com

Test Your Metal
1. Made from pewter with rosewood handles, the teapot by David Linley can be bought separately or with a set including a rosewood tray, a jug for cream, and a sugar pot. $308. +44.20.7730.7300, www.davidlinley.com

2. What the Evoca Bamboo cup by L’Objet lacks in size—it is only about 6 inches tall and 2.5 inches wide—it makes up for in its materials: silver-plated brass and a bamboo-motif base made from 24-karat gold. $165. 972.986.9575, www.l-objet.com

3. Desire, a set of cups by Sieger for Fürstenberg, is entirely crafted from thin porcelain, with the inside coated with 24-karat gold or pure platinum. The collection includes cups for water (shown), vodka, Champagne, and digestifs. $130 to $290. +49.5426.9492, www.sieger-design.com

To Dry For
Quotes by the French poets Charles Baudelaire and Paul Verlaine adorn two of the poet-themed tea towels by Quel Objet. Both poets were known for decadence, Baudelaire in life and Verlaine in verse. Many other styles and collections are available. $22 each, or $86 for a set of four. www.quelobjet.com

Night Cap
The Cité Impériale tablecloth, shown in poppy, is one of many damask linen products designed and woven by Le Jacquard Français, a French company originally founded in 1888. Prices vary. www.le-jacquard-francais.fr