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.

[phoebessh]

on 12/21/2006 Bread is NEVER served at a formal dinner! So do NOT put rolls on the table. Leave them at the bakery!

on 3/11/2006 Be very careful when pushing chairs under a table. Pushing them too far beneath the table can dent a tablecloth.

on 11/22/2005 Instead of folding napkins into plain squares, fold it in an artistic way; Lady Windamere's fan or Bishops Mitre for example, and put it in the middle of the plate. This will make an elegant impression on your guests.

on 11/22/2005 Food always looks better on a white plate, so serve your food on an over-sized, plain
white plate. My favorite is my new set from Wedgwood
(I think it's called Grand Gourmet). Put your entree right in the middle and sprinkle some
fresh chopped herbs on