proper way to set a place setting

Here are the instructions for making a formal place setting template:

• Start by laying a tablecloth on your table.
• Place a charger at each of the seats.
• At the center of each charger, put a soup bowl.
• Put the bread plate at the top-left side of the charger.
• Place a napkin on the left side of the charger.
• On top of the napkin, put the salad fork further from the charger, and...

Full Answer

How to set a formal place setting?

Formal Place Setting If you prefer to have very elegant dinners that include a three- or four-course meal, follow the fine dining etiquette guidelines to learn how to set a formal table for dinner. To begin, formal table settings typically include a tablecloth and centerpieces.

How to set a table, the right way?

The Right Way to Set a Table

• Basic Setting. A basic table setting is what you would use for a casual dinner at home on an average weeknight. ...
• Informal Setting. An informal place setting is used for a three-course meal, maybe when you’re having company over for dinner and the meal consists of soup, salad, an entree, and ...
• Formal Setting. ...

What is a typical place setting?

The term place setting denotes the number of pieces required to set a place at the table. Dinnerware is available in three-, four-, and five-piece or more place settings. Lids and saucers are counted as separate pieces. A three-piece place setting consists of dinner plate, cup, and saucer. A four-piece setting contains dinner plate, cup, saucer, and salad plate.

How to dine at a proper place setting?

Set the dishes. The centerpiece of the place setting is the charger. This is a large dish that goes beneath each of the plates the courses are brought out on. The charger will remain on the table until after the entrée has been consumed, and then it should be removed along with the entrée plate. Place the charger in the center of each setting.

What is the proper way to arrange a place setting?

Place the dinner plate in the center of the table setting. The fork is placed to the left of the plate. Place the knife to the right of the dinner plate and then set the spoon to the right of the knife. Set the water glass in the top right corner, above the knife.

What are the 3 types of place setting?

The three most common types of table settings are formal, casual, and basic. Each place setting includes the utensils and dinnerware pieces that would normally be used with the corresponding style of dining.

What does a good place setting include?

Place Setting Guidelines: The place setting should include the appropriate plate, flatware, napkin, glass or cup. The menu card and recipe should also be included on your display table. Tablecloths, placemats, and centerpieces may be used, but are not required.

What are the 6 rules in proper dinnerware placement?

There are 6 rules in proper dinnerware placement:Allow 20-24” for each place setting with the plate in the middle.The rule of thumb: the plate should be 1” from the table edge (use thumb).Bread/butter plate—top left, above the salad plate.Salad plate—lower left, above the napkin.Soup bowl—on plate or separate.More items...

What are the 5 basic table set up?

5 Classic Table Settings Every Host Should KnowBasic Table Setting.Informal Table Setting.Formal Table Setting.Five-Course Table Setting.Buffet Table Setting.

Does the napkin go on the left or right?

Knife blades always face the plate. The napkin goes to the left of the fork, or on the plate.

Where does pasta spoon go in place setting?

“Pasta, rice, and soups are normally brought to the table in a serving bowl. If there is going to be a dessert, a small spoon will be set at the top of each place setting, above the dinner plate.

Where does the water glass go?

The water glass belongs to the right of the plate, just above the main dining knife. Wine glasses should be set to the right of the water glasses in the order in which they will be used.

Where should the salad plate be placed?

If you’re using a salad plate, it should be placed to the left of the salad fork. As always, the dinner knife is on the inside, right of the place setting, followed by the dessert spoon and then the soup spoon on the outermost edge.

What is table linen?

Table linens are the unifying element that completes the look of your table. Decide whether you want to use a tablecloth, placemats, a table runner or a combination of two. Cloth napkins are folded or put into a napkin ring and placed to the left of the forks or on the center of the dinner plate.

Where is the bread plate on a dinner plate?

The bread plate is positioned above and to the left of the dinner plate. The salad plate and/or soup bowl is stacked on top of the dinner plate, but should be cleared before the main course. Only put out the flatware your guests will be using. For example, if you’re not serving soup, then don’t put the soup spoon out.

What is the most important thing to include in your table setting?

Of course the most important thing to include in your table setting is a welcoming atmosphere. Even without all the bells and whistles, a warmenvironment and a relaxed hostess ensure that your guests enjoy their meal, and more importantly, enjoy the company!

What should a hostess know about setting the table?

Knowing how to set the table is something every good hostess should know. It sets the tone of the occasion and helps your guests know what to expect. After all, each piece in your place setting should correspond to a dish, drink or course being served at the meal. Dinnerware. With a formal setting, you may use all of your dinnerware: ...

Where is the dinner fork on a plate?

The dinner fork goes to the left of the dinner plate. The salad fork is placed to the left of the dinner fork. The dinner knife belongs on the right side of the plate, blade inward. The place spoon, used for soup or dessert, is positioned to the right of the knife.

Where is the water glass in a dessert?

Drinkware is placed above the plate, to the right. Dessert-wine glasses can be brought out when the dessert is served. The water glass is placed just above the knife. Wine glasses are set to the right of the water glasses in the order in which they will be used. Table Linens.

3. Knife blades always face the plate

You don't want someone accidentally bumping the sharp edge. And the sharp edge is going toward the plate when in use, so it should face toward the plate when not in use.

4. Where does the napkin go?

Place your napkins either to the left of the fork or on the plate. In an informal place setting, it is also permissible to fold a napkin under your forks.

6. Choose the right setting

An informal place setting should be used for three or fewer courses (Emily Post defines this as soup, salad/first course, entree, and dessert).

7. What about glassware?

When hosting a formal dinner, you can have up to five glasses. Remember, they go to the right (above the knife and spoons). Your glasses should be placed in the order used, but when using more than three glasses, the smaller ones can be placed up front.

8. The "outside in" thing is true

You'll want to set your utensils in order of use, starting on the outside and working in.

9. Be creative!

Place settings are a great way to tie the evening together and there are so many fun options. Not sure where to get started? Check out one of these!

How to set a table for a dinner party?

This casual table setting shows you how to properly set a table with perfect etiquette for large get-togethers with friends or meals with more than one course. Start with a dinner plate, then place a salad plate or soup bowl (or both) on top. To the left of the plate, place the folded napkin down, and put the fork on top. To the right of the plate, place the dinner knife (with the blade facing the plate) down, followed by a dinner spoon to the right. Above the knife, place the water glass and wine glass.

What plate to put on a salad?

Above the forks, place a bread and butter plate with a butter knife laid on top. Regarding plates, there is typically a “charger” plate which sits under the salad plate or soup bowl for the first two courses until the main entrée plate is served. Once the entrée is served, the charger plate is removed.

Where to place candle for dinner?

Candles can be placed on either side of centerpiece for elegant, candlelit dining. The napkin goes on top of the plate or to the left of the forks. If space is tight, the forks can be placed on top of the napkin. To the left of the plate, place a salad fork as the outermost fork, then a dinner fork.

Where to place a salad fork?

To the left of the plate, place a salad fork as the outermost fork, then a dinner fork. However, if your salad is being served later in the courses and not first, the salad fork will go to the right of the dinner fork. Above the forks, place a bread and butter plate with a butter knife laid on top. Shop Butter Plates.

What is formal setting for dinner?

Formal Place Setting. If you prefer to have very elegant dinners that include a three- or four-course meal, follow the fine dining etiquette guidelines to learn how to set a formal table for dinner. To begin, formal table settings typically include a tablecloth and centerpieces.

How far should you line up utensils?

When placing utensils, line them up with the rim of the plate - typically one inch from the edge of the table. For all table settings, we recommend at least 15" between place settings to allow for elbow room.

What should be served before a formal dinner?

For formal get-togethers, glasses should be filled with water and the wine should be ready to be served before guests are seated. Butter should also be on butter plates. Before serving dessert, clear the table of all dishes, salt and pepper shakers, and condiment dishes.

What to do after a soup course?

After the soup course is complete and the bowls are cleared, a salad plate will take the soup bowl's position. Traditionally, a charger holds the spot for the dinner plate, and is removed after the salad course so the place is never bare. If you do not want to clear the table after the soup course and bring out dinner plates, you can place a dinner plate on top of the charger.

How to set a charger on a clock?

Set a charger at each seat. In the center of the charger, place a soup bowl. Place the bread plate to the top left of the charger (between 10 and 11 p.m. on a clock face). Lay a napkin to the left of the charger. On the left of the charger, place the salad fork on the outside, and the dinner fork on the inside.

How to set a table?

Basic Table Setting Instructions. Lay the placemat on the table. Put the dinner plate in the middle of the placemat. Lay the napkin to the left of the plate. Place the fork on the napkin. To the right of the plate, place the knife closest to the plate, blade pointing in. Place the spoon to the right of the knife.

What is the basic table setting?

Essentially, the basic table setting, above, and the casual table setting are nearly identical, but in a casual table setting, there is the addition of a soup bowl and a dinner plate. As a general rule, only set out the glassware, tableware, and flatware that you're going to be using.

How to use a butter knife on a bread plate?

Place a butter knife horizontally, blade facing inwards on top of the bread plate with the handle pointing to the right. (Note: In all place settings the blade will face inwards towards the plate.) Directly above the charger, place a dessert spoon (a teaspoon) with the handle pointing to the right.

Where to place a napkin on a salad plate?

Lay a napkin to the left of the charger. To the left of the plate, place the fork on the napkin. On the right of the plate, place the knife closest to the plate and then the spoon. Directly above the knife, place the water glass.

What do you need to set a table?

For casual events, one needs just a basic table setting: a placemat, cutlery (fork, knife, and spoon), a dinner plate, a water glass, and a napkin.

How to make a place setting template?

Here are some instructions for making this place setting template: Start by laying the placemat on your table. Place the dinner plate at the center of the placemat. Put the salad plate on top of your dinner plate. If the meal starts with a bowl of soup, put a soup bowl on top of your salad plate.

How to make a charger for a table?

For chargers, you would generally reserve these for more formal table settings. Of course, you may still opt to use them in a casual setting. Just make sure to fashion these in a more relaxed style to suit the mood. Here are some instructions for making this place setting template: 1 Start by laying the placemat on your table. 2 Place the dinner plate at the center of the placemat. 3 Put the salad plate on top of your dinner plate. 4 If the meal starts with a bowl of soup, put a soup bowl on top of your salad plate. 5 Place a napkin on the left side of the dinner plate. 6 On the left side of the plate, put the fork on top of the napkin. 7 On the right side of the plate, put the knife right next to the plate. Then place the spoon next to it. 8 Right on top of the knife, put the water glass. 9 To the right side and a bit above the water glass, put the wine glass. You can also put a glass for other beverages.

What is a place setting example?

For casual occasions, you only need a basic place setting example which includes a placemat , a dinner plate, cutlery, a napkin, and a water glass. The instructions for this place setting template are: Start by laying the placemat on your table. Place the dinner plate at the center of your placemat.

How to make a white wine glass?

Put a butter knife with its blade facing in on top of your bread plate bottom with the handle pointing right. Right above the charger, put a dessert spoon with its handle pointing right. Right above the knife, put a water glass. On the right side of the water glass and slightly downward, put the white wine glass.

What do you need for a salad party?

If you are not serving salad, the only thing you need for the setting is a dinner fork. If you only plan to serve white wine, then you won’t need red wine glasses.

How to make a plate with a spoon?

Put the fork on top of the napkin. On the right side of the plate, put the knife right next to the plate with its blade pointing inward. Place the spoon on the right side of the knife. Place the water glass above the plate, right between the utensils and the plate.

Where to place forks on tablecloth?

You may also place your forks on top of the napkins. If you have a roomier setting, place the forks on the tablecloth directly between the charger and the napkin. On the right side of the charger, put the knife then the soup spoon. All of the vertical flatware should have even space between them.

How to keep greens crisp at a party?

If you’re serving a salad, fill individual salad plates and set them at each place setting. Consider chilling the salad plates in the refrigerator for several hours to keep greens crisp.

What is setting the table?

Setting the table is often a hurried, last-minute task that can leave you wondering about the correct placement of the flatware, plates, napkins and glassware. Don’t add stress to your dinner plans, and keep the focus on the food, your family and friends, with these super easy table setting ideas. Be sure to check out these impressive (and affordable!) recipes.

What to serve before dessert?

Before serving dessert, clear the table of all dishes, including extra glasses, salt and pepper shakers and condiment dishes. Serve the dessert and coffee cups. Place the sugar and creamer on the table. Avoid the temptation to clear the table and start washing dishes…that can wait until after your guests leave. 1 / 35.

How to set a dinner plate?

The dinner plate is positioned in the center of the place setting and everything else is placed around it. Then, the flatware is arranged around the plate in the order in which it will be used: 1 To the left of the plate is the fork. 2 To the right of the plate is the knife and spoon. The knife is placed to the right of the plate with the sharp edge toward the plate. To the right of the knife is the spoon. 3 A water glass goes above the knife.

How to warm up stacked dinner plates?

If your dinner plates are oven-safe, set the oven to the lowest possible temperature and place the stacked plates in the oven to warm while enjoying salad and bread. If your dishes are not oven-safe, rinse them under hot water and dry just before filling.

What is a sit down dinner?

The holidays are a perfect time to add a little elegance to the table. Instead of a casual family-style supper, where food is passed from one person to another, host a formal sit-down dinner, where individual plates of food are served to guests. Here’s how:

How tall should a centerpiece be for a dinner table?

When selecting a centerpiece for the table, make sure it isn’t too tall (10 to 12 inches is an acceptable maximum height), otherwise guests won’t be able to see each other across the table. Serve appetizers and beverages in the living room before sitting down. You’ll have one less course to bring to the table.

Why do you put a fork on top of a napkin?

Some hosts place the fork on top of the napkin to save room in the setting or to keep things slightly more casual. Other hosts feel this is not in keeping with the idea that each item should be touched only when it is to be used and that disturbing the fork to get to the napkin is less than desirable.

Where is the spoon placed on a napkin?

1) All utensils are placed on the napkin: The napkin is placed to the left of the setting with the fork, knife (blade facing the fork) and spoon placed in that order on top of the napkin. 2) The napkin to the left with the fork resting on top of it.

What is Emily Post Institute?

is a fifth generation family business that has been promoting etiquette based on consideration, respect and honesty since Emily Post wrote her first book ETIQUETTE in 1922. Today we offer a wide range of books, online resources, training programs for all ages and topics, a weekly podcast and a selection ...

Where should utensils be placed?

The first and basic rule to get you started is: Utensils are placed in the order of use; from the outside in. A second rule, with only a few exceptions, is: Forks go to the left of the plate, and knives and spoons go to the right. (The oyster fork is the only fork placed to the right of the setting if it will be used.)

Can you bring out dessert utensils?

Take note that the dessert utensils can either be brought out with dessert or set above the setting during the entire meal. If set for the entire meal the fork is placed so that the handle is pointing toward the left and the spoon sits above the fork with its handle facing to the right.

What is informal setting?

The informal or semi-formal place setting is fairly basic and setting it will depend on personal style, the courses you are serving, and what you have to work with for utensils, dishware, and glassware. Informal/semi-formal settings are wonderful for the classic dinner party.

Is setting a table difficult?

Setting a table is not as difficult as it seems. However, the more formal it gets the more confusion can easily come into play. Many of us can navigate a table setting fairly easily.

What is on the left side of a serving plate?

Silverware on the left side of the serving plate begins with the salad fork on the outside, and the dinner fork on the inside. Silverware on the right side of the serving plate, from the inside out, will consist of a dinner knife, salad knife, soup spoon, and tea spoon.

What is table setting?

Usually, the more items used in a table setting, the more formal the service. Table settings are also useful for establishing the tone at wedding receptions, banquets, and events. Caterers and wedding coordinators can use different styles of wedding table settings to indicate whether the event is formal or casual.

How to set a table?

Follow these steps to create a basic table setting: 1 A serving plate should be placed in the middle of the table setting. 2 A napkin is placed to the left of the plate. 3 The fork rests on top of the napkin. 4 A knife is placed to the right of the plate. 5 A water glass or coffee cup is optional, placed above the knife and slightly to the right.

What is informal table setting?

It's a popular choice for wedding table settings and contemporary casual restaurants that want to elevate their dining room decor. This setting is similar to a formal table setting, but is designed for three courses instead of six. The flatware provided will be enough for a soup or salad, main course, and dessert.

Why do table settings have fewer utensils?

For instance, a formal table setting will provide more utensils because there are more courses . A basic table setting provides fewer utensils because there is only one course. A general rule for silverware placement is that utensils are placed in order of use from the outside in.

What are the different types of table settings?

Types of Table Settings. The three most common types of table settings are formal, casual, and basic. Each place setting includes the utensils and dinnerware pieces that would normally be used with the corresponding style of dining. For instance, a formal table setting will provide more utensils because there are more courses.

Where should a salad fork be placed?

For example, the salad fork will be used before the dinner fork, so it should be placed on the outside. Another guideline to remember is that forks always go on the left, and knives and spoons are placed on the right. Only provide the flatware or glassware that will be used during the meal.

What is the art of setting a table?

The art of table setting is actually simple once you understand a few basics. Treat your guests to a beautifully set table. When it comes to entertaining, few things impress quite like a formal dinner table—especially when it's been properly set. More importantly, taking the time to set a formal table shows your guests how much you care.

Where is the resting place of a spoon?

When soup is served with a plate, the resting place for the spoon is in the bowl. The finished position is across the top of the plate, behind the bowl, between 11 and 2 (think clock-face). When there is no plate, the resting and finished positions are the same, in the bowl.

Where are the forks and spoons on a plate?

Forks are placed to the left of the plate, knives and spoons to the right. Stemware is set above and to the right of the dinner plate; bread-and-butter plates sit above the forks, to the left of the place setting.