Many people do not know how to properly set the table for a formal dinner. In today's casual and busy world, it has almost become a lost art.
How to Place Set a Table
Whether your dinner party is casual or formal, following the same general rules for the place settings at the table will help you create a wonderful dining experience. Once you familiarize yourself with the rules you will see that there is logic behind every step, and you will be able to set your table quickly and seamlessly in the future.
1. Place the dinner plate on the table directly in front of the chair.
2. Set forks to the left of the plate in order of use, from the outside in. For example, a small fork to be used for an appetizer or salad before the main course is placed on the left of the dinner fork; if the appetizer or salad is to be served after the main course, the small fork is placed to the right of the dinner fork, nearest to the dinner plate.
3. Place knives to the immediate right of the dinner plate in order of use, from the outside in. Face knife blades towards the plate.
4. Position spoons to the right of the knives in order of use, from outside in.
5. Lay a dessert spoon and fork horizontally above the dinner plate. The spoon goes above with its handle facing to the right and the fork below the spoon with its handle facing to the left.
6. Set drinking vessels directly above the knives and spoons.
7. Place the napkin -- folded or in a napkin ring -- to the left of the forks or on the center of the dinner plate.
8. Serve coffee after the meal. Place the coffee cup and saucer above and to the right of the knives and spoons.
Remove distractions
No matter how well your table looks or how good the food is, if the TV is blaring or the dog is barking, that's what your guests will remember. Make sure there aren't any offensive odors that guests might smell, such as the garbage, the litter box.
