The Difference Between European & American Table Settings

Informal table setting

Table settings vary between America and Europe, mostly based on whether the meals are formal or informal in nature. Factors that come into play when setting a table are what food is served, kitchenware availability and personal preference.

Informal and Formal Settings

The United States and Europe both have table settings meant for different occasions. The informal setting is for a casual or traditional meal, often in family homes, while the formal setting is used for more ceremonial meals for special occasions or in formal settings. Formal meals tend to use more kitchenware than informal meals.

Formal European Dinner Table Settings

European Union flag

Formal European table settings include one service, bread-butter, and salad plate along with an oval bowl. One European dinner fork, dinner knife and teaspoon is used, along with one dinner fork and a fish fork. The other flatware used is a dessert, butter, and fish knife that accompanies one dinner or soup/dessert spoon. Glassware includes two wine glasses, a water goblet and a champagne flute.

Formal American Dinner Table Settings

United State flag

Formal American table settings include one dinner, two salad and one bread and butter plate along with one oval bowl and a cup and saucer. The flatware used is one butter knife, one dinner knife, one teaspoon, one soup spoon, one salad fork and one dinner fork. Glassware includes a water goblet, champagne flute and wine glass.

References

• Oneida LTD: Table Setting Guide
• "Emily Post's Entertaining: A Classic Guide to Adding elegance and Ease to Any Festive Occasion"; Peggy Post; 1998
• "The Art of the Table: A Complete Guide to Table Setting, Table Manners, and Tableware"; Suzanne Von Drachenfels; 2000