Imagine the great impression you'll make!
Many people do not know properly set the table for a formal dinner. In today's casual and busy world, it has almost become a lost art. If you're looking to impress, mastering the proper way to set a table is a sure way to do it.
The basics
There are basic rules for setting a table, such as the forks always go on the left, and the knives and spoons always go on the right. When you are setting silverware, remember the rule of "work your way in." You would use your salad fork before your dinner fork so the salad fork would take the outside position, and the dinner fork would be closest to the plate. If you were serving an appetizer, the appetizer fork would be on the outside left. The number of plates, glasses and silverware pieces is directly proportional to the formality of the dinner. A casual dinner would require only a fork, spoon and knife, one or two glasses, and one plate, which is how we typically set the table.
Linens and centerpieces
You would always use a cloth tablecloth and a cloth napkin for a formal dinner. Don't be afraid to be creative in using color, depending on the occasion.
A centerpiece should accent the setting, not overwhelm it. The centerpiece should be low enough that it does not interfere with people looking at each other on opposite sides of the table, and its smell should be faint.
Other plates, glasses and silverware
The bread plate would be set above the forks to the upper left of the plate. Simply place the bread knife on the plate.
If you are serving wine, you should offer two wine glasses, one for white and one for red. White wine glasses are smaller with a tall bowl, red wine glasses have a larger bowl and are larger than the white wine glasses. You would always set a water glass or goblet as well.
You may find that including the special silverware for a particular food, such as a shrimp fork with shrimp cocktail, right on the plate works well, or a soup spoon on the plate beneath a bowl of soup. This helps guests know which piece of silver is appropriate to use for what item.
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 or last night's fish.
Turn on some nice music, light some unscented candles and enjoy your guests.
Tags: wine glasses, fork would, centerpiece should, dinner fork, formal dinner, glasses silverware, plates glasses