Call 911: How Do I Set a Table?

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) 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) You now need to find a place for the water glass. Place it directly above the knife.

e) Napkins make a welcome addition. They go under the forks.

Setting for an Informal Dinner

If the dinner party you are planning is informal, you can just start with the basics and add to them. Here are a few pointers:

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) Salad or bread and butter knifes go down next. They go directly to the left of the forks. If you have butter plates, they go directly above the dinner plate. Put the butter knife directly 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 most elaborate setting of all…the formal dinner setting. Don't worry, we have you covered. Just build on the informal dinner setting which in turn builds on the basics. 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) Additional spoons (i.e.: for soup, beverage, or dessert) should be placed immediately to the right of the knife. Alternately, they can be brought to the table when either the soup or dessert is being 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.

Ahhh…you are finished. Well done! Pat yourself on your back and sit back and examine all your fine work. Your dinner set looks nice don't you think? All you need to do now is cook up some great food, and serve your guests. Let the partying begin!

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.