2026 Table Setting Competition at the Chowan County Fair

The 2026 Table Setting Competition at the Chowan County Fair brought together creativity, history, etiquette, and some truly beautiful tables.

This year’s theme was “Dine with an American.” Each contestant selected a famous American and designed a table setting inspired by that person’s life, style, time period, or story.

From Emily Post and Jacqueline Kennedy to Amelia Earhart and Sacagawea, the entries showed just how many different directions contestants could take the same theme.

A Look at This Year’s Entries

Shakita Goode — Emily Post
The judges loved the gracious welcome and beautiful gold accents throughout Shakita’s table. They suggested using teacups rather than demitasse cups and positioning the utensils a little farther from the edge of the table.

The Decor Girls — Annie Oakley
The pheasant plates, feathers, and charming simplicity of this table stood out to the judges. They would have liked to see drinkware with a slightly more rustic feel, as well as a menu and a candle or other light element.

Leslie Small Spinoglio and Diane Ring — Dolley Madison
The judges especially appreciated the Jefferson wine, florals, framed menu, and the research evident throughout the table. Their suggestions included adjusting the napkin placement to the left of the plate and adding a butter knife on the bread plate.

Stephanie Eckert — Jacqueline Kennedy
Stephanie’s napkin design, pearl accents, and use of green throughout the table were highlights for the judges. They suggested including an additional utensil for the appetizer course and incorporating a few more personal touches.

Eloise Maxwell — Susan B. Anthony
The judges loved the cameo napkin rings and the light, airy feeling of this table. They suggested coordinating the wine glass and wine bottle more closely with the menu and using a little less beach-inspired décor.

Debi Rogers and Anita Roberson — Maya Angelou
The bird cage, bird-themed menu, and thoughtfully planned meal caught the judges’ attention. They suggested listing the beverage on the menu, including an additional knife, and adding one more element to give the table an extra bit of impact.

And the Winners Are…

Third Place: Renee Davidson — Amelia Earhart

Renee’s table was filled with clever details inspired by Amelia Earhart, including a suitcase and airplane napkin fold. The judges loved the whimsical elements and the research behind the setting.

Their suggestions included adding more texture to the tablecloth and choosing flatware with a slightly less modern feel.

Renee received $25 for third place.

Second Place: Table Top Tales — Ralph Lauren

The judges loved the knife rests, lamps, and polished-yet-modern feel of the Ralph Lauren-inspired table.

They suggested making sure the dessert forks faced the same direction, using one less lamp, and adding wine glasses.

Table Top Tales received $50 for second place.

First Place: Spencer — Sacagawea

Spencer’s Sacagawea-inspired table earned first place for its attention to the time period, thoughtful research, and use of texture throughout the setting.

The judges especially loved the napkin rings and felt the elements of the table worked beautifully together. Their suggestions included listing the beverage on the menu and choosing more rustic soup vessels.

Spencer received $100 for first place.

Watch the Judges’ Recap

Want to see the tables and hear more of the judges’ comments?

Our Judges Recap of the 2026 Table Setting Competition at the Chowan County Fair in Edenton, NC gives you a look at each entry and a quick summary of the feedback from the judging panel.

Thank you to everyone who entered this year’s competition. It was such fun to see the research, creativity, and personality that went into interpreting the “Dine with an American” theme.

And congratulations again to Renee Davidson, Table Top Tales, and Spencer on their winning entries!

Read more and add yourself to the email list at sdetiquette.com/tablesetting. I’m already looking forward to seeing what everyone creates next year!


SEE MORE:

2021 Recap

2022 Recap