Table-Setting Etiquette for Salad Plates

Proper table setting reflects good etiquette.

Proper table setting reflects good etiquette. The appropriate table setting depends largely on whether the meal is a formal or informal occasion; placement of all plates, tableware and glasses changes depending on the type of occasion. The salad plate, specifically designated for salad, is an important part of any table setting.

Salad Plates

Salad plates are typically smaller than chargers and dinner plates but larger than bread and dessert plates. They are specifically designated for serving salads, a course which may take place immediately prior to or after the main course.

Formal Place Settings

In a formal place setting, there are initially only two plates on the table: the bread plate and the service plate. The latter, also called a charger, is an underplate for the plates used for each meal and never actually has any food on it. In a formal meal, each course --soup, entrée and salad--is brought out individually. As each course is finished, the used plate is removed and replaced with the appropriate plate holding the next course. The salad course is typically served immediately before or after the main course.

Informal Place Settings

In an informal meal, all the plates that will be used during the meal, except the dessert plate, are placed on the table. The salad plate is placed directly to the left of the forks. Sometimes, if the salad is going to be eaten with the meal, the salad plate might be left out altogether and the salad served on the same plate as the main course. It is typically considered best, however, if the entrée contains gravy or any runny juices, to serve the salad on a specifically designated salad plate to keep the meal neater.

The Salad Course

In the United States, the salad course will typically be served between the appetizer and the main course. In other countries, and particularly in Europe, the salad course may follow the main course. In formal place settings, the salad course is eaten with a specifically designated salad fork and knife, which are often smaller than the fork and knife used for the main course.

Completing the Salad Course

In a formal setting, when you have finished your salad course, there are two ways to signal that you are done. The European way is to cross the salad fork and knife at the bottom edge of the plate. The American way is to place the fork (tines up) and the knife parallel to one another, positioned as if they were the hands representing 10:20 on a clock.

References

• Emily Post Institute: Informal Table Settings
• Emily Post Institute: Formal Table Setting
• Etiquette Scholar: Guidelines for Placing Dinnerware
• The Etiquette Advocate: Basic Dining Etiquette - The Salad Course