Prepare A Dining Setting

Add elegance to your table with correct place settings.

Preparing a dining setting helps you make your guests feel welcome at your table. Table settings add order and beauty, making a properly set table a pleasurable place at which to dine. Etiquette expert Emily Post advises, "The basic rule is: Utensils are placed in the order of use, that is, from the outside in." Whether you're having an evening meal with family or hosting a dinner party, a proper dining setting enhances the enjoyment of the meal.

Instructions

1. Dinner plates always go in the center.

Set the dinner plate in the center of the place setting. Dinner plates are typically 8 to 10 inches in diameter. You can go as formal or as whimsical as you like, depending on the setting. Formal settings feature fine china and porcelain, while an outdoor picnic would incorporate paper or plastic plates.

2. Dinner and salad forks go to the left of the dinner plate.

Set the dinner fork on the left-hand side of the plate. If you're serving a salad course, set the salad fork to the left of the dinner fork. Dinner forks are longer than salad forks.

3. Knife blades face the dinner plates.

Set the dinner knife on the right-hand side of the dinner plate, with the blade facing toward the plate. A steak knife may be substituted for the dinner knife.

4. Arrange the spoon on the right-hand side of the knife.

Position the spoon on the right-hand side of the knife. If you're serving a soup course, set the soup spoon to the right of this teaspoon.

5. Water goblets and wine glasses are set above the dinner knife.

Arrange water goblets and wine glasses directly above the dinner knife, on the right-hand side of the place setting.

6. Napkins add both practicality and design to place settings.

Fold an ironed fabric napkin in half lengthwise. Starting from the end, roll up as tightly as possible. Slip a napkin ring on, and snugly fit it in the center. Place the napkin either to the left of the outermost fork or in the center of the dinner plate. A folded napkin or napkin in a napkin ring is an essential part of each place setting.

7. White tablecloths are classic and chic.

Add color and protection to your place setting with a tablecloth. You can also frame your settings on placemats. Tablecloths and placemats prevent scratching and protect dinnerware. Switch patterns with the seasons or to emphasize a dinner party's theme.

Tags: dinner knife, dinner plate, place setting, right-hand side, above dinner, above dinner knife, center dinner