How to Set a Formal Table

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Silverware

1. Use white, damask tablecloth.

2. Rent or assemble enough tableware and glasses for a five-course meal.

3. Space place settings equidistance apart.

4. Fold linen napkins and place in the center of the dinner plates.

5. Place knives to the right of the plate. Use maximum of three: one for first course, one for main course and one for a salad course. Blades face the plate, not outwards.

6. Place forks to the left. Use no more than three: one for first course, one for main course and one for a salad course.

7. Place soup or melon spoons to the right of the knives. The dessert spoon lies at the head of the plate.

8. If you like, an old-fashioned finger bowl might be presented on the dessert plates after the meal.

9. Set out glasses in order of use above the knives. Usually that means setting water glass to the left, then to its right are the red wine, white wine, sherry and then champagne glasses.

Tips & Warnings

• The silverware at a formal dinner is generally silver or silverplate.

• Butter dishes are not traditionally included in a formal table setting.

• Rolls are placed directly on the tablecloth.

• Dessert forks come with the course.