When you know how to set a table you are saying something about yourself. You are telling others that you are educated and have class. You are telling them that you care about them, and are going through the extra effort to make a fine meal with fine surroundings. Setting a table is more than just throwing a dinner set onto a table. It’s a ritual that shows you are sophisticated. In this article we will outline the steps required to set a dinner table.

The Basics

These are the basics that will get you started to setting a fine dinner table. Depending on the type of gathering you are planning to have, you can either go with just the basic setting, or add to it.

a) For starters you need to determine how many people are going to attend your little gathering. The rule is one place setting per person, so ensure that you have enough space (and chairs) to accommodate them.

b) Place the dinner plate in the center of the place setting. Everything else will go around the focal point of this dinner plate.

c) The fork, knife, and spoon (i.e.: the flatware) will be positioned around the dinner plate in the order in which each item will be used. The fork goes to the left of the dinner plate. The knife and spoon go to the right. The knife is placed close to the dinner plate with the cutting edge pointed towards it. Next to the knife goes the spoon.

d) You now need to find a place for the water glass. Place it directly above the knife.

e) If you have napkins available, place them under the forks.

Setting for an Informal Dinner

For an informal dinner party you merely need to start with the basics, and add to them. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:

a) If you are going to serve a salad, the salad fork is placed to the left of the dinner fork that you laid down during the basics.

b) Soup makes a great addition to a meal. If you are planning on having soup, the soup bowl goes directly on top of the dinner plate. The soup spoon goes to the right of the spoon that you positioned during the basics.

c) Bread and butter and salad knifes are the next items to go down. They should be positioned directly to the left of the forks. Butter plates, if you have them, go directly above the dinner plate. Butter knives go on top of the butter plate.

d) The cup and saucer come next. Put them directly above the spoons. The handle of the cup should point towards the right. Wine or water glasses go to the left of the coffee cup.

If You Plan on a Formal Dinner

You have now graduated to the formal dinner setting. This dinner setting is the most elaborate of all, but don’t worry, we have you covered. All you need to do is follow the steps for an informal dinner setting, and add a few more steps. Here’s what you need to know:

a) If you are planning on serving both red and white wine, you will need two wine glasses…one for each type. They go next to the water glasses that you have already positioned.

b) Beverage, soup, or dessert spoons should be placed to the immediate right of the knife. Alternately, they can be brought to the table when the soup or dessert is served.

c) A centerpiece not only looks nice, it is a great conversation piece. If you can’t find an appropriate one, you could always create one (if you are artistic that is).

Ahhh…you are finished. Well done! Pat yourself on your back and sit back and examine all your fine work. Your dinner set looks nice don’t you think? All you need to do now is cook up some great food, and serve your guests. Let the partying begin!

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