Set your table the right way!

Setting the table is often a task that leaves family members wondering about the correct placement of the flatware, plates, napkins and glassware. Luckily we have some tips that will help you stop adding stress to your entertaining plans and start enjoying your gatherings.
Let’s start with some basics, shall we?
When setting a table, the first thing you should do is placing a tablecloth. For a formal table, the drop should be from 10 to 15 inches. Feel free to go a little shorter on more informal occasions such as lunches.  Be sure the drop is even and level on all sides and that it looks proportional to your table. The next step is placing the flatware and utensils accordingly to the occasion. 

The basic setting that we’re going to explain below is a great setup for informal gatherings, such as breakfasts or lunches. The dinner plate is positioned in the center of the place setting and everything else is placed around it. Then, the flatware is arranged around the plate in the order in which it will be used:
·         To the left of the plate is the fork.
·         To the right of the plate is the knife and spoon. The knife is placed to the right of the plate with the sharp edge toward the plate. To the right of the knife is the spoon.
·         A water glass goes above the knife.
Napkins can be placed under the forks or on the plate for an informal setting.


If you’re setting up for an informal dinner or luncheon, simply start up with the basic setting we’ve discussed earlier and add the silverware if any of this situations happen:
·         If a salad is to be served, the salad fork is placed to the left of the dinner fork.
·         Eliminate the salad fork if no salad is served or place it to the right of the dinner fork to use as a dessert fork if appropriate. (The dessert fork can also be brought to the table when dessert is served.)
·         If soup is served, set the bowl on the plate and a soup spoon to the right of the beverage spoon.
·         Salad or bread and butter plates go to the left of the forks. Position butter plates above the forks with the butter spreader placed across the plate.
·         Cup and saucer go above the spoons with the handle toward the right. Wine or water glasses can be positioned to the left of the coffee cup.

However, if we’re talking about a formal event start up with the setup for an informal dinner and add to it using the following guidelines.
·         White and red wine glasses (if necessary) along with the water glasses are positioned to the left of the coffee cup.
·         The beverage, soup and/or dessert spoons are to the right of the knife or can be brought to the table when soup or dessert is served.
·         To dress it up more, place a charger under the dinner plate.


Bon appetit!



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