How to Set a Formal Table

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By Sondrac
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Set a Formal Table

Tradition has table settings differing depending on the type of dinner. Set a formal table once in a while. For a regular dinner at home, with friends and family,the table is set informally. A more formal dinner for holidays or special occasions set the table with a table cloth and cloth napkin, using the best dishes. For a more formal dinner, served from the kitchen with a chef to cook, and a maid to serve, the table is set in the most formal tradition.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Silverware
Set of Matching dishes
Tablecloth
Centerpiece
Cloth napkins
Napkin holder
Stem glasses, complete set matching

Step 1

Formal setting, interesting utensils

Set the a formal table for a formal dinner for the Holidays, to impress the boss and superiors, or to celebrate a special occasion. Place a linen table cloth on the table, color of your choice. Plates, centerpiece, glasses and stemware are placed on the table in front of each chair.
Step 2

Place the silverware on either side of the plate in special order when you set a formal table. Since salad is served first, the salad fork is first. Soup, usually served next, is placed next to the fork, with the dinner knife following next. Knives are placed on the left side of the plate. They are lined up evenly and neatly.{see pictures}
Step 3

Make sure that the blades of the knives face inwards towards the plate when you set a formal table. Stem glasses are just above the knives, and the glasses used depend on color of the wine, red, white, or a desert wine. The water tumbler is placed near the wine glasses.

Tips & Warnings

Napkins can be placed in a napkin ring and placed across the plate.
Create little figures with the napkins, or turn them into flowers.
A large vase filled with colorful flowers and greenery should be placed in the center of the table.
The plate used to set a formal dinner table is for placing food courses on, and not for food itself.
A really formal dinner would be when serving from the kitchen, with a chef and servers bring the food to the table. A less formal would be served by the host and or hostess, excusing herself, when getting up to bring the plates to the table.

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