Notes On Setting A Table Correctly

For many people, there is a fair amount of confusion in the proper way to set a table. Since most of us grow up with just the basics at home.

When it comes to special occasions, with extra silverware and other items, it can be a challenge to know what goes where. The good news is that place settings do not need to be complicated to be correct. It is not necessary to include every option; and you can create a very elegant look with simple, well-chosen pieces placed correctly.

Placement of utensils

This is the most important part of setting a table correctly. The main tip to remember for this part of the setting is that the utensils need to be set in the order people will be using them, from the outside inwards towards the plate.

For example, if the first course is soup, you will need to place the soup on the outer edge so that the person can pick it up first. All forks, including salad forks need to be placed on the left side of the plate; and all knives go on the right, except for the butter knife.

Make sure that the sharp edge of the knife is facing in towards the plate. The folded cloth napkin should be placed at the far left of the place setting. Check that you have left equal space between the glassware, utensils and plates. It is also important to make sure that each diner has enough room to use all of their utensils and glasses without bumping elbows with their neighbour.

Choosing and placing glassware

The choice of glassware you use will depend on the beverages being served. Water will go in a large glass with a short stem, while alcoholic beverages will go in different types of glasses. Red wine, for example should be served in a wine glass with a larger bowl than the glass you would serve white wine in.

Beer should be served in a beer mug or beer glass, and champagne should be served in flutes. You will need to use a taller glass for burgundy or pinot noir. The placement of glassware should be to the top right of the plate, above the knives, and on a slight downward diagonal line. If there is space, you can place coffee cups and saucers to the right, with the coffee spoon placed on the saucer, to the right of the cup; or you could bring the coffee in a separate service after the meal.

Additional settings

If you are serving desert, you will need to place the dessert spoon and fork above the plate, horizontally. The spoon should be at the top, with the bowl of the spoon to the left, and the fork just below it, facing the right. Bread plates should be placed to left of the plate, above the forks with the butter knife placed horizontally across the top edge of it, with its sharp edge facing downward.