How to Set a Proper Dinner Table

The place settings used for a formal dinner will depend on the menu. For instance, a dinner that consists of a fish dish, salad and soup requires a fish fork, a salad fork and a soup spoon. Per Emily Post, the utensils must be arranged from the outside in, according to the order of the courses. The items in each place setting must be spaced equal distance apart. This creates a geometrical arrangement that enhances the appearance of a proper dining table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Lay a starched white tablecloth on the table. If this is unavailable, use place mats.

2

Place a dinner or service plate in front of a chair and place a folded napkin on top. According to Emily Post, a service plate holds the plate for the first course and will remain on the table until the plate with the entre appears. Use a dinner plate if guests are to serve themselves.

3

Lay a dinner knife on the right side of the plate, with the blade pointing in. Follow this with a fish knife. Place a soup or fruit spoon on the right side of the fish knife. Place an oyster fork on the right side of the spoon if you will be serving shellfish.

4

Place a dessert fork on the left side of the plate, followed by a dinner fork and a salad fork.

5

Put a water goblet above and to the left of the knife. Stand a champagne flute on the right side of the water goblet, followed by a white or red wine glass. Place a sherry glass on the right side of the wine glass.

6

Place a butter plate above the forks. Put a butter knife on top so that it lies diagonally across the plate.