Hot to Set a Dining Table

Setting a formal table may seem daunting, especially to those who have had no prior experience with such things. But there is a simple set of rules that govern place setting, and with a little practice these will become second nature to you.

Number of guests

Figure out exactly how many people will be attending. If more than a few children will be present, you may want to consider a separate table for minors. If you wish to keep the children at the main table, remember that the smaller ones may need booster seats.

Next, decide where everyone will be sitting. Remember that, for convenience, the cook may want to be seated closest to the kitchen. Children will probably need to sit next to their parents. If there is a male guest, he should be seated on the hostess’ right. Conversely, a female guest should be seated at the host’s right. If there are a significant number of guests, you may want to decide who will interact best with whom. Optionally, you may wish to alternate men and women, but this is not necessary. Practicality rules here, so try not to place two particularly abrasive people next to each other just to maintain an alternating man – woman arrangement. Name cards can help guests avoid rushing for a last minute seat.

Tablecloth

If you plan to use a tablecloth, ensure that the central crease runs straight down the length of the table, and that the tablecloth is sufficiently long. For seated dinners, the tablecloth should hang down about a foot and a half, but for buffet dinners if should reach the floor.

 

Setting the table

Now, the hard part. Begin by folding the napkins and setting one in the center of each place. Place the large dinner fork to the napkin’s left and the small salad fork further left. Even further to the left, past the forks, put the salad plate. The dinner plate will not be placed until after the guests sit down. To the napkin’s right place a knife, with the cutting edge facing towards where the plate will be. For chicken or waterfowl, consider a steak knife.

Now put out the spoons, two if you plan on serving soup and dessert. The soup spoon will be placed to the right of the dessert spoon, which is placed to the right of the knife. Alternatively, you may wish to wait and bring the dessert spoons out with the dessert.

Place a bread plate with a butter knife, if you have them, about two inches above the forks. Place a water goblet the same distance above the knife. To the right of the goblet and slightly closer to the dinner guest, place a wine glass. If you are serving coffee or tea, place a cup and saucer to the right of the table setting, with a coffee spoon on the right side of the saucer.

Follow these rules carefully, and your dinner will be off to a good start.

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