Setting a table is a common practice in many homes.
Setting a table for formal dining may not be a situation encountered by most people. However, if you're throwing a special dinner party or if you are attending an event where the table will be set formally, it is a good idea to understand how things are arranged, what those items are and how they are used. This will keep you from feeling embarrassed at the event in front of other people.
Place Mats
A table can be set with or without place mats. Often the mat is an additional source of color for making a table decorative, and it can catch dropped food and prevent staining of the tablecloth or table. If you are using place mats, they should be centered at each diner's chair with a minimum of 23 inches between guests. The place mat should be 1 inch from the edge of the table.
Plates and Dishes
A place setting begins with a service plate, often called a charger. This plate is not to be confused with the dinner plate. The charger is centered at the diner's chair, with one edge 1 inch from the edge of the place mat or table. The charger is decorative and is often removed after the entree and soup or salad have been served. It can be left at the setting as an underplate to show off the dishware used for the meal. The bread plate goes above and to the left of the charger while the cup and saucer are 3 to 4 inches to the right-center of the charger.
Silverware
Place the dinner fork 1 inch to the left of the charger, with the bottom of the handle 1 inch from the edge of the table. Place the salad fork 1 inch to the left of the dinner fork. Align all initial silverware with the bottom of the charger or 1 inch from the edge of the place mat or table. Place the dinner knife, blade toward the charger, 1 inch from the charger on the right. Place the soup spoon 1 inch from the knife and a fish fork 1 inch from the soup spoon. Place a small butter knife on the top 1/3 of the bread plate with the blade facing to the left and toward the center of the plate. Place a teaspoon on the cup and saucer plate on the right side of the cup. Place the dessert fork 1 inch above and to the left of center of the charger with the tines facing right. Place a dessert spoon 1 inch above the fork with the bowl of the spoon facing left and even with the fork.
Stemware and Napkins
Place the water glass above the dinner knife with the bottom edge aligned with the top of the charger. Place a red wine glass to the right of the water glass spaced 1 inch apart. The glass should be above the center of the water glass. Place a white wine glass to the right of the water glass and 1 inch below the red wine glass. The napkin should be centered on the charger. Only the charger with napkin, dining and salad fork, dining knife, soup spoon and fish fork should be on the place setting. All other items should form a tight rectangle around the diner. When a silverware item is used, it should be turned face-down and removed with the plate or bowl.
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