Entertaining Basics

Family dining in a busy world too often centers around food that comes in a bag with plastic cutlery. There are still those occasions, though, where formal dinners mean quality cuisine in an...

Setting a dining table is an important skill to learn, as it will come in handy countless times throughout life. Although table settings vary by meal, there are consistencies to where different...

Setting a formal dinner table and using all the cutlery can be confusing if you plan to use a complete set. Although not obvious, the proper placement of dinner silverware is based on its logical...

A dinner party wouldn't be complete without cake for dessert. Serving cake family-style is fine for a casual party, but if you're hosting a formal dinner party in your home, you'll want to plate...

An attractive table doesn't guarantee a delicious meal, but it can enhance the dining experience. The starting point of a gorgeous table is the centerpiece. If you choose an arrangement of fresh...

Knowing how to properly set a table is useful information that everyone should know, but very few people actually do. Learning place setting etiquette will not only help you host a successful...

Even for an informal gathering, proper table setting is part of the art of entertaining. Placing napkins, utensils and dishes in the appropriate place will help your table look elegant and help...

Table settings have a very specific set of rules for the proper placement of each item. Whether you are throwing a formal dinner party or preparing for a family holiday event, you can ensure that...

As children get older, they are ready to take on new responsibilities around the house. Learning to set the table is a great way to instill proper table etiquette and allow the child to help...

When company is coming and the table must be set, knowing what to do with each fork, plate, and glass can be a challenge. Whether you are preparing a formal or casual table, there is a proper way...

Properly set-up dinner tables provide elegance and charm to any dinner event. A basic table setting, which uses a single set of plates and silver, is the ideal setting to use as a refresher course...

There are four basic dining styles practiced throughout the world: American (zigzag), Continental (European), Asian and Communal. These are not jockeying for first place, as no one style is better...

Sooner or later, all of us will either host a formal dinner party, or attend one. This will show you how to set the table, and how to use the utensils, without embarrassment. You may already know...

Creating your place settings according to proper etiquette adds a sense of elegance to your brunch. Whether you are serving 2 or 10, you can easily dress up your meal by setting your table...

When your guests arrive for your holiday dinner, the table setting can wow them and set the mood for the delicious food soon to be presented. Here are step by step instructions for a formal table...

Whether you are setting your table for a basic meal, an informal gathering or formal dinner, there are certain rules to consider. The cardinal rule for settling the dinner table is to consider...

There are ways to set your table that can set the tone for the fun, festive and delicious meal that is sure to come!

Elaborate rules of etiquette govern formal table settings. Most people do not know these rules anymore. Some people may never attend a function with a formal table setting, but if you collect...

Knowing how to set a table is an important part of entertaining well. Setting the table properly sets the stage for a proper formal dinner or a nice, casual meal. To set the table is a combination...

A beautifully appointed formal dining table not only speaks volumes about the sophistication of the hosts but also sets the tone for an elegant and memorable meal. Here's how to pull out all the...

An elegantly presented table makes any holiday or dinner party unforgettable for your guests. It even gives a mediocre cook a wonderful sense of pride. It doesn’t matter what you serve your...

In order to dine out with co-workers, it is important to know how to properly use dining utensils in a formal dining environment. It is especially important to follow these rules when you are an...

So you've decided you who would like to have tea with. You've sent out invitations, bought and set up decorations, and have all the menu prepared. What comes next? Setting up your table for...

The guests are on their way, you've prepared the food, music is playing in the background, and you're all dressed up in your party clothes. All that's left is to set the dining table for your...

The silverware is placed on the table in the order in which it will be used, starting with the outside pieces. Let this be your guide as you work your way through a meal.

Whether you're hosting dinner or simply wish to dress up the supper table, you know that setting the table is a process dictated by both tradition and style. Heed the following tips and rituals.