Set The Table

You may think setting the table is basic knowledge but you would be surprised just how many people can't identify where a knife goes on a dinner table. Here is a brief reminder so you can be confident as holiday entertaining approaches.

Only set silverware needed for what you will use in serving a meal. What is the point to put out utensils that will not actually be used? Most meals require a knife, forks and possibly a spoon. Always set the silverware from the outside in towards the plate on both sides. Forks live on the left, knives and spoons on the right. Dessert forks can be preset at the top of the plate or brought out with the dessert. The napkin can be folded and placed in the plate area, on the plate or charger if set on the table or under the forks.

If you are setting a table for a meal consisting of a salad, soup, an entree, dessert and coffee, the silverware goes in the following order from left to right: salad fork, entree fork, plate with napkin, dinner knife and soup spoon. A teaspoon and dessert fork is placed at the top of the plate (tines towards the dinner knife with the spoon facing the opposite way). Only place 2 or 3 pieces on each side of the plate area and bring out any other needed implements as you serve that course.

For glassware, place a water glass at the tip, just to the right of the dinner knife. To the left of the water glass, place a white white glass, then a red wine glass if giving your guests a wine choice or if you are serving multiple wines. Coffee cups should be brought to the table warmed when serving coffee at the end of the meal.

Bread plates, if using, should be placed to the left of or just above the forks as space allows. A butter knife can be placed horizontally at the top of the bread plate with the handle facing to the right. Next time you host a dinner party, set a formal table and make your guests feel really special!