Setting a dining table is an important skill to learn, as it will come in handy countless times throughout life. Although table settings vary by meal, there are consistencies to where different dishes or cutlery are placed. Setting a formal dinner is an appropriate place to start because it is the most complex of the table settings.
Instructions
1. Spread a tablecloth so it's even on every side of the table. If you are using a tablecloth made out of slippery fabric, put a square of double-sided tape under each corner to prevent slipping. Set a placemat in the center of each chair, about 1/2 inch from the table's edge. The placemat should be a complementary color to the tablecloth and other linens used.
2. Place a centerpiece in the center of the table. Use a flower arrangement, a tray with candles, a bowl with floating candles or a holiday-themed centerpiece that matches the theme of your dinner and room. Do not use a centerpiece higher than the guests' eye level when seated.
3. In the center of the table, set salt and pepper shakers, a dish of butter and any other condiments your guests will need.
4. Place the dinner plate in the middle of the place setting, centered in front of the chair and a few inches away from the edge of the table. Center the soup bowl on the dinner plate. When the soup course is finished, the salad plate will replace the soup bowl.
5. Set the dinner knife directly to the right of the plate, with the blade facing towards the plate. To the right of the knife, place the teaspoon, followed by the soup spoon. The bottom of each utensil should be even with each other and the bottom of the plate.
6. Place the dessert fork directly to the left of the plate, followed by the dinner fork. The salad fork is placed furthest to the left. Lay a folded napkin vertically directly to the left of the forks.
7. Place the bread and butter plate directly above the forks, to the left of the dinner plate. Lay the butter knife neatly across it horizontally, with the handle of the knife closest to the dinner plate.
8. Set the water goblet above the knife, to the right of the . Place the red wine glass to the right of the goblet, and the white wine glass to the right of the red wine glass. If you are serving coffee, place a coffee mug upside down to the right of the white wine glass. If you don't want to leave the coffee cup on the table, offer coffee at dessert and bring the coffee cup on a saucer from the kitchen.
Tags: dinner plate, wine glass, bowl dinner, center table, directly left