Call 911: How Do I Set a Table?
Nothing tells others that you are refined and sophisticated quite like knowing how to set a dinner table. If you know how to properly lay down a dinner set and all the associated items, you are telling others that you are not only knowledgeable, but that you care enough about them to provide not only a fine meal, but fine surroundings. In this article we will be outlining the steps required to set a dinner table for your family and friends.
The Basics
These are the basics that will get you started to setting a fine dinner table. Depending on the type of gathering you are planning to have, you can either go with just the basic setting, or add to it.
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) 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 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) 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
An informal dinner party means that you just need to go with the basics, and add a few things to them. Here are a few things that you need 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) 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) The cup and saucer go directly above the spoons. The cup handle is pointed towards the right. If you have wine or water glasses they go to the left of the coffee cup.
Formal Dinner Settings
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) Immediately to the right of the knife go the beverage, soup, or dessert spoons. If you like, they can be brought to the table when the soup or dessert is being served.
c) A centerpiece not only looks nice, it is a great conversation piece. If you can’t find an appropriate one, you could always create one (if you are artistic that is).
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!
Want to find out more about Great Dinner Sets, then visit Debbie Saunders’s site on how to choose the best dinner set for your dining table.
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