How to Set a Formal Dinner Table

A Handy Guide for Hosts

By Tory Iemeger

Forks, plates, and linens – oh my! Dining etiquette has befuddled many over the years, but setting an elegant table doesn’t have to be a puzzle. While dining customs and preferences may vary, you can’t go wrong with a convenient and beautiful setting for your guests. Here, we outline a basic format that can be tailored to any occasion, whether dressed to the nines or throwing an elevated backyard brunch.

1. Dinner Plate | 2. Salad Plate | 3. Salad Fork | 4. Dinner Fork | 5. Dinner Knife | 6. Teaspoon | 7. Soup Spoon | 8. Dessert Spoon | 9. Cake Fork | 10. Bread Plate | 11. Butter Knife | 12. Water Glass | 13. Wine Glass (Red) | 14. Wine Glass (White) | 15. Coffee Cup | 16. Napkin | 17. Placecard

 

Tablecloth

The devil is in the details: ensure that your linens are wrinkle-free and clean. Opt for a tablecloth that fits the table with about 12 inches hanging over each side. Adding table runners or placemats is personal preference; they can add decoration and protection from spills and hot dishes.

 

Flatware

Place silverware in the order in which they’ll be used throughout the meal, working from the outside to the inside. To the left of the plates, the exterior fork is for salad and the interior for the main course. To the right of the plates, lay the soup spoon on the exterior and the dinner knife – blade facing in – on the interior. Dessert silverware can be brought out with the dessert course or placed horizontally above the plates, spoon handle pointing right, fork handle pointing left.

Tip: Not serving soup or salad? Skip the utensils! Same goes for plates – only place what will be used for the meal.

 

Drinkware

The water glass goes to the right, above the placement of the dinner knife. Then, add in appropriate glasses for any additional drinks that may be served, such as wine, champagne, or other beverages. These glasses are placed to the right of the water glass and angled slightly closer to the guest.

 

Plates

Stack plates on the table in the order they will be used throughout the course of the meal, working from top to bottom. For example, you may start with a soup bowl, followed by a salad plate, followed by the dinner plate. A charger plate can be used at the base of the stack to protect the tablecloth and help retain heat in dinnerware. Note: some charger plates may not be food safe and are used only for decorative purposes.

Tip: To conserve space, wait until dinner plates are cleared away to bring out dessert serveware.

 

Napkins

Here is a chance to add some personal flair. Cloth napkins are a must for a luxurious meal, and they can be neatly folded in any variety of shapes, so long as they are easy for guests to access. Place on top of the plates, in the water glass, or in a decorative ring beside the silverware.

 

Place Card

Place cards are a nice touch for parties with assigned seating or guests who may not know each other. Name cards are placed above the plates facing the guests, and they can be labeled on both sides. Ensure they are neatly printed with the guest’s correctly-spelled name, and use quality cardstock or stationery to take it up a notch.

Tip: If assigning seating, remember to pair guests with common interests to encourage conversation.

 

Coffee & Tea

If serving coffee or tea with dessert, bring the cups and saucers out with the final course to avoid cluttering the table. For uniformity, set all the cup handles in the same position – typically 3 or 4 o’clock. (Exceptions can be made for your left-handed friends, who will thank you for such thoughtfulness.)

 

Centerpieces

Centerpieces will add a decorative touch to your table, so long as they aren’t obtrusive. A large bouquet is a stunning showcase, but it may belong on a sidebar if it impedes guests’ ability to see each other around the table. Small or sprawling arrangements might be a better fit, while tea lights and candles are also ambient additions for evening meals. Ceramics, glassware, and even photographs can add a boutique touch.

 

Menu

For formal events like weddings or celebrations, you may choose to print menus to lay alongside the settings. Note if any dishes are vegetarian, gluten-free, or contain potential allergens. Want a conversation starter? Add fun facts, trivia, other interactive elements that will engage party-goers.

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