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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!
