Plate Etiquette for Table Settings

It is important to exercise proper etiquette when arranging plates on the table.

If you're going to be having a dinner party soon, or simply want to create an inviting table setting for your family, be aware of the correct etiquette associated for putting the plates on the table. Several plates can be used for the place setting depending on the number of courses you've prepared.

Charger Plates

A charger plate is a decorative item used to make each place setting stand out. The color of the charger should match or complement the centerpiece or the tablecloth, and is placed underneath the main dinner plate. No food is served on the charger, but smaller dishes, such as the soup bowl or salad dish, can be placed on the charger before the main course is served.

Place Plates

The place plate, or the main plate of the table setting, should be placed one inch from the table's edge. The host can serve the main course to guests after they are already seated in front of the plate, or can arrange the main course on the plate ahead of time. If the food is not on the plate when guests sit down, the napkin is placed on the plate. If the meal is already on the plate, the napkin should go to the left of the forks.

Bread Plate

The bread plate, which is a small plate that serves bread and rolls, is placed to the left of the place plate, in the upper corner. The bread plate should be right above the forks in the table setting. In most cases, a butter knife is presented with the bread plate, and should be placed across the plate when not in use.

Dessert Plates

Dessert plates are not always a part of the table setting when guests sit down to enjoy dinner; in many cases, the plate is presented to the guest after dinner has been eaten. The dessert plate is also small, and should be accompanied by a dessert fork or spoon so that guests can properly enjoy this part of the meal. It is also appropriate to place dessert silverware on the table before the dessert plate arrives. The silverware should be directly above the place plate.

Saucers

Saucers, which are plates that are slightly smaller than bread plates, can be brought out with cups of coffee or tea at the end of the meal, usually during dessert. The saucer, with the cup placed on top, should be situated to the right of the place setting. The saucer should be positioned near the other glasses and goblets that make up the place setting.

References

• University of Missouri: Dinner Etiquette
• Online Sterling: Formal Table Setting--Etiquette