How to Set a Dining Room Table

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 shindig. Once you've ruled out serving buffet style, you just need to know where to place your dishes and flatware. Don't panic, because setting a dining table is not that difficult once you know how many people are coming.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the menu and number of guests. Gather the appropriate dishes and flatware and place them near the dining table.

2. Spread the tablecloth so that no wrinkles are present. Iron the tablecloth, if needed. Place mats are suitable in place of a tablecloth.

3. Set your centerpiece in the center of the table. Artfully arranged fresh flowers are always a lovely choice. Candles or a holiday-themed decoration are also acceptable.

4. Place the dinner plates one inch from the edge of the table in front of each chair.

5. Lay the fork on the left side of the plate. The knife goes on the right-hand side, with the sharp side facing the plate. The spoon goes right next to the knife. Line up all of these utensils to be even with the plate, 1 inch from the table edge.

6. Add any additional utensils, based on the menu. Spoons will go next to spoons and forks next to forks. Common additions include a salad fork and a soup spoon. The utensils should be placed in the order they will be used, with the first course utensils farthest from the plate.

7. Put the glass directly above the knife and spoon. A wineglass can be placed next to the water glass, if wine will be served.

8. Lay a napkin in the center of the dinner plate. A napkin ring will add a nice flair to the entire table setting.

Tips & Warnings

• For formal occasions, a crisp, white tablecloth will look best.
• Small details make your table setting more attractive to guests. Put the butter in a small dish, place bread in a napkin-lined basket, light the candles, and use your best serving pieces when it's time to bring out the food.