The Proper Way to Set the Dinner Table

A proper dinner table setting gives diners the right tool for each course.

Think Thanksgiving, a black-tie gala or a fancy restaurant. The sea of glasses, forks and spoons on the table may look overwhelming, but a properly set dinner table affords your guests the right tool for each food and beverage served.

Function

A table setting for a multi-course meal includes silverware, plates, glasses and a napkin. Traditionally, the utensils used first are on the outside, or the farthest from the plate. A bread plate usually sits to the upper left of the dinner plate.

Silverware

At a traditional table, you'll find forks just to the left of the dinner plate. The dinner fork is usually closest to the plate with a salad fork to its left. To the right of the plate, you'll find at least one knife with its blade facing inward. The soup spoon, if necessary, is to the right of the knives. The number of each utensil depends on the courses. A dessert spoon and fork are placed horizontally above the dinner plate.

Glasses

Place a water goblet closest to the plate on the upper right side above the knife and spoon. Wine glasses, one for red wine and one for white wine if the meal includes both, stand to the right of the water glass.

References

• Colin Cowie: Dressing the Table
• The Butler's Guild: The Formal Dinner
• Online Sterling: Formal Table Setting Etiquette

Resources

• Wholesale Table Linens: May I Set Your Table?