What is how to set a table?

Setting a Table: A Guide

Setting a table properly enhances the dining experience, showing respect for your guests and making meal enjoyable. Here's a breakdown of how to do it, from casual to formal settings.

Basic/Casual Table Setting:

This is appropriate for everyday meals.

• Placement:
  • Dinner Plate: Centered in front of the chair.
  • Fork: To the left of the plate.
  • Knife: To the right of the plate, blade facing the plate.
  • Spoon: To the right of the knife.
  • Water Glass: Above the knife.
  • Napkin: Either to the left of the fork or on the plate.

Informal Table Setting:

Suitable for casual dinner parties or special family meals. It builds upon the basic setting.

• Additions:
  • Salad Plate: Placed to the left of the fork.
  • Wine Glass: To the right of the water glass.
  • Bread Plate: Small plate placed above the forks with a butter knife placed on the plate.

Formal Table Setting:

Used for elegant dinners, holidays, or special occasions. This setting is the most elaborate.

• Additions & Considerations:
  • Charger Plate: Large decorative plate placed under the dinner plate (removed before the main course).
  • Soup Bowl: Placed on top of the dinner plate (or charger plate).
  • Salad Fork: The leftmost fork, smaller than the dinner fork.
  • Fish Fork: (If serving fish) Placed to the left of the dinner fork, after the salad fork.
  • Dinner Fork: Left of the plate.
  • Fish Knife: (If serving fish) Placed to the right of the dinner knife.
  • Dinner Knife: Right of the plate.
  • Soup Spoon: To the right of the knives.
  • Oyster Fork: (If serving oysters or clams) Placed to the right of the spoons.
  • Dessert Spoon & Dessert Fork: Placed above the plate, spoon bowl facing left, fork tines facing right. Sometimes brought out with the dessert.
  • Multiple Wine Glasses: For red, white, and/or sparkling wine, arranged to the right of the water glass in order of use.
  • Butter Plate: Small plate placed above the forks with a butter knife placed on the plate.
  • Name Card: Placed above the plate or on the napkin.

General Tips:

• All silverware should be aligned at the bottom.
• Space settings evenly.
• Ensure everything is clean and polished.
• Consider the menu when deciding on which pieces of silverware and glassware to use.
• Remember the rule of thumb: work from the outside in with silverware as each course is served.