How to Place Set a Table

Whether your dinner party is casual or formal, following the same general rules for the place settings at the table will help you create a wonderful dining experience. Once you familiarize yourself with the rules you will see that there is logic behind every step, and you will be able to set your table quickly and seamlessly in the future. A well-organized table does not need expensive silverware and fine bone china to look impressive. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place the dinner plate on the table directly in front of the chair.

2

Set forks to the left of the plate in order of use, from the outside in. For example, a small fork to be used for an appetizer or salad before the main course is placed on the left of the dinner fork; if the appetizer or salad is to be served after the main course, the small fork is placed to the right of the dinner fork, nearest to the dinner plate.

3

Place knives to the immediate right of the dinner plate in order of use, from the outside in. Face knife blades towards the plate. Provide a steak knife in place of a dinner knife is the main course is meat.

4

Position spoons to the right of the knives in order of use, from outside in.

5

Lay a dessert spoon and fork horizontally above the dinner plate. The spoon goes above with its handle facing to the right and the fork below the spoon with its handle facing to the left.

6

Place a small plate for bread directly above the forks. A knife for bread and butter is optional; if provided it should be placed diagonally across the edge of the small plate, with the handle on the right and the blade facing down.

7

Set drinking vessels directly above the knives and spoons. Provide as many as are required, such as a water glass, white wine glass and red wine glass.

8

Place the napkin -- folded or in a napkin ring -- to the left of the forks or on the center of the dinner plate.

9

Serve coffee after the meal. Place the coffee cup and saucer above and to the right of the knives and spoons.