Proper Way to Set a Dining Table
Whether you want to create a formal ambiance for an exquisitely prepared meal or impress friends, family or clients, properly setting a dining room table creates a refined tone. Specific details, such as the type of meal served or the number of courses or wines poured, may slightly alter the arrangement, but the foundation remains the same. Formal dining provides a nice change of pace to a casual dinner party and doesn't take much extra effort.
Instructions
1. Cover the table with a tablecloth, making sure the cloth hangs equally on all sides.
2. Position the dinner or service plate on the table. The Butler's Guild suggests that the edge of the plate rest 1 inch from the edge of the table.
3. Put the soup bowl on top of the plate. If this course will not be served, this step is unnecessary.
4. Place the dessert fork directly to the left of the dinner plate, the dinner fork left of the dessert fork and the salad fork left of the dinner fork.
5. Put the knife along the plate's right side, blade facing to the left. Next, add the teaspoon to the right of the knife and the soup spoon to the right of the teaspoon, if needed.
6. Place a bread plate directly above the forks and set a butter knife horizontally across the top of the plate.
7. Place napkins that have an intricate or decorative fold on either the service plate or bread and butter plate. If the napkin is simply folded, place it under the knife and spoon.
8. Set a water glass above and slightly to the left of the dinner knife. Place the wine glass above and between the knife and the spoon. If both white and red wines are being served, place a second glass directly to the right of the first wine glass. The wine that is paired with the main course should be served in the outermost wine glass.
9. Set salt and pepper shakers or other shared condiments within relatively easy reach of at least two or three guests to minimize the need to reach across the table.
10. Add place cards at each setting, if desired. This adds an extra touch of class and formality.
Tags: left dinner, wine glass, dessert fork, Dining Table, dinner fork, fork left, glass above