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.
Here Are the Basics
Here are the basics with which you can start. Depending upon the type of dinner party you are planning, you can add to these basics.
a) For starters you need to determine how many people are going to attend your little gathering. The rule is one place setting per person, so ensure that you have enough space (and chairs) to accommodate them.
b) Now, place the dinner plate in the center of the place setting. This dinner plate will be the focal point around which all the other items will be placed.
c) The flatware (i.e.: fork, knife and spoon) will be arranged around the dinner plate in the order in which it will be used. The fork is placed to the left of the plate, while the knife and spoon are placed to the right. The knife is placed right next to the plate with the cutting edge pointed inwards. To the immediate right of the knife is the spoon.
d) Next comes the glass for water. Place this directly above the knife.
e) If you have napkins available, place them under the forks.
Setting for an 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 serve a salad, the salad fork is placed to the left of the dinner fork that you laid down during the basics.
b) Soup makes a great addition to a meal. If you are planning on having soup, the soup bowl goes directly on top of the dinner plate. The soup spoon goes to the right of the spoon that you positioned during the basics.
c) Bread and butter and salad knifes are the next items to go down. They should be positioned directly to the left of the forks. Butter plates, if you have them, go directly above the dinner plate. Butter knives go 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.
If You Plan on a 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) Are you planning on serving both white and red wines? If so, you will need two wine glasses per place setting. They go next to the water glass.
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) Centerpieces look very nice and add a bit of class. Look around to see if you can find an appropriate one. If you are artistic, you could always make your own.
That's it! You are done. Sit back and look at your dinner set, accessories, and fine handiwork. It all looks so nice don't you think? Cook up some great food, and place it on the table, and let the partying begin!
Here Are the Basics
Here are the basics with which you can start. Depending upon the type of dinner party you are planning, you can add to these basics.
a) For starters you need to determine how many people are going to attend your little gathering. The rule is one place setting per person, so ensure that you have enough space (and chairs) to accommodate them.
b) Now, place the dinner plate in the center of the place setting. This dinner plate will be the focal point around which all the other items will be placed.
c) The flatware (i.e.: fork, knife and spoon) will be arranged around the dinner plate in the order in which it will be used. The fork is placed to the left of the plate, while the knife and spoon are placed to the right. The knife is placed right next to the plate with the cutting edge pointed inwards. To the immediate right of the knife is the spoon.
d) Next comes the glass for water. Place this directly above the knife.
e) If you have napkins available, place them under the forks.
Setting for an 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 serve a salad, the salad fork is placed to the left of the dinner fork that you laid down during the basics.
b) Soup makes a great addition to a meal. If you are planning on having soup, the soup bowl goes directly on top of the dinner plate. The soup spoon goes to the right of the spoon that you positioned during the basics.
c) Bread and butter and salad knifes are the next items to go down. They should be positioned directly to the left of the forks. Butter plates, if you have them, go directly above the dinner plate. Butter knives go 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.
If You Plan on a 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) Are you planning on serving both white and red wines? If so, you will need two wine glasses per place setting. They go next to the water glass.
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) Centerpieces look very nice and add a bit of class. Look around to see if you can find an appropriate one. If you are artistic, you could always make your own.
That's it! You are done. Sit back and look at your dinner set, accessories, and fine handiwork. It all looks so nice don't you think? Cook up some great food, and place it on the table, and let the partying 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.