When you know how to set a table you are saying something about yourself. You are telling others that you are educated and have class. You are telling them that you care about them, and are going through the extra effort to make a fine meal with fine surroundings. Setting a table is more than just throwing a dinner set onto a table. It's a ritual that shows you are sophisticated. In this article we will outline the steps required to set a dinner table.
Setting a Basic Table
These basics will help you to get started to setting a great dinner table. You can just leave it there, or build on the basics depending on how formal a gathering you are planning to have.
a) The first thing you need to determine is how many people you are planning on having over. You will need to have one place setting for each person, so make sure that there are enough chairs around the table to accommodate them.
b) Place the dinner plate in the center of the place setting. Everything else will go around the focal point of this dinner plate.
c) The utensils (i.e.: knife, fork, and spoon) are arranged around the dinner plate in the order in which they will be used. To the left of the dinner plate goes the fork. To the right of the dinner plate goes the knife and spoon. The knife is placed close to the dinner plate with the cutting edge pointing towards it. The spoon goes alongside the knife.
d) The water glass now needs a home. It goes directly above the knife.
e) Place napkins (if you have them) under the forks.
Informal Dinner
For an informal dinner party you merely need to start with the basics, and add to them. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:
a) If you are going to be serving a salad, you will need a place for the salad fork. It should go to the left of the dinner fork (which you laid down during the basics).
b) Do you plan on serving soup? If so, the soup bowl goes directly on top of the dinner plate. The soup spoon goes to the right of the spoon that you put into position during the basics.
c) If you have salad or bread and butter knives, they go directly to the left of the forks. If available, a butter plate is placed above the dinner plate with the butter knife placed on top of the butter plate.
d) You will need a cup and saucer if you plan on serving coffee or tea. They go directly above the spoons, and the handle of the cup should point to the right. Water or wine glasses go to the left of the coffee cup.
Formal Dinner
You have now graduated to the formal dinner setting. This dinner setting is the most elaborate of all, but don't worry, we have you covered. All you need to do is follow the steps for an informal dinner setting, and add a few more steps. Here's what you need to know:
a) If you are planning on serving both red and white wine, you will need two wine glasses...one for each type. They go next to the water glasses that you have already positioned.
b) Beverage, soup, or dessert spoons should be placed to the immediate right of the knife. Alternately, they can be brought to the table when the soup or dessert is served.
c) A centerpiece is always nice. Look around for an appropriate one, or if you are artistic you could craft your own. It goes directly in the center of the table.
That's it. You've done it! Sit back and admire your dinner set and all your great work. Looks nice, don't you think? Now all you will need is to cook up some great dishes, and open the front door. Let the party begin!
Setting a Basic Table
These basics will help you to get started to setting a great dinner table. You can just leave it there, or build on the basics depending on how formal a gathering you are planning to have.
a) The first thing you need to determine is how many people you are planning on having over. You will need to have one place setting for each person, so make sure that there are enough chairs around the table to accommodate them.
b) Place the dinner plate in the center of the place setting. Everything else will go around the focal point of this dinner plate.
c) The utensils (i.e.: knife, fork, and spoon) are arranged around the dinner plate in the order in which they will be used. To the left of the dinner plate goes the fork. To the right of the dinner plate goes the knife and spoon. The knife is placed close to the dinner plate with the cutting edge pointing towards it. The spoon goes alongside the knife.
d) The water glass now needs a home. It goes directly above the knife.
e) Place napkins (if you have them) under the forks.
Informal Dinner
For an informal dinner party you merely need to start with the basics, and add to them. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:
a) If you are going to be serving a salad, you will need a place for the salad fork. It should go to the left of the dinner fork (which you laid down during the basics).
b) Do you plan on serving soup? If so, the soup bowl goes directly on top of the dinner plate. The soup spoon goes to the right of the spoon that you put into position during the basics.
c) If you have salad or bread and butter knives, they go directly to the left of the forks. If available, a butter plate is placed above the dinner plate with the butter knife placed on top of the butter plate.
d) You will need a cup and saucer if you plan on serving coffee or tea. They go directly above the spoons, and the handle of the cup should point to the right. Water or wine glasses go to the left of the coffee cup.
Formal Dinner
You have now graduated to the formal dinner setting. This dinner setting is the most elaborate of all, but don't worry, we have you covered. All you need to do is follow the steps for an informal dinner setting, and add a few more steps. Here's what you need to know:
a) If you are planning on serving both red and white wine, you will need two wine glasses...one for each type. They go next to the water glasses that you have already positioned.
b) Beverage, soup, or dessert spoons should be placed to the immediate right of the knife. Alternately, they can be brought to the table when the soup or dessert is served.
c) A centerpiece is always nice. Look around for an appropriate one, or if you are artistic you could craft your own. It goes directly in the center of the table.
That's it. You've done it! Sit back and admire your dinner set and all your great work. Looks nice, don't you think? Now all you will need is to cook up some great dishes, and open the front door. Let the party begin!
About the Author:
Learn more about Formal Dining. Stop by Debbie Saunders's site where you can find out all about dinner sets and how they can class up your dinner table.
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