11.30.09
The ABC’s of Setting 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.
Setting a Basic Table
Here are the basics with which you can start. Depending upon the type of dinner party you are planning, you can add to these basics.
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) 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) You now need to find a place for the water glass. Place it directly above the knife.
e) Place napkins (if you have them) under the forks.
Informal Dinner Setting
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) If you happen to be serving soup, set the bowl directly on top of the dinner plate, and place the soup spoon to the right of the spoon you laid down during the basics.
c) If you have salad or bread and butter knives, they go directly to the left of the forks. If available, a butter plate is placed above the dinner plate with the butter knife placed on top of the butter plate.
d) The cup and saucer come next. Put them directly above the spoons. The handle of the cup should point towards the right. Wine or water glasses go to the left of the coffee cup.
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) You will need separate wine glasses if you are serving both white and red wines. Wine glasses should be placed next to the water glass (which is in turn placed to the left of the coffee cup).
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!
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.
