How to Set a Table for a Soup & Salad Bowl

There are ways to set your table that can set the tone for the fun, festive and delicious meal that is sure to come!

Instructions

1. Set up an elegant tablecloth for a formal affair. Use place mats for more familial gatherings.

2. Place a centerpiece in the middle of the table before setting up dishes or silverware. This should be something that sets the tone for the meal or dinner party. A holiday-themed display is recommended on special occasions. A fancy dessert is also a great idea since it can be seen and enjoyed right up until the ending of the meal.

3. Place the dinner plate in the middle of the setting.

4. Place the bowl on your main dinner plate if you are having two courses. If you are having only one course, simply place the bowl in the center of the setting where a dinner plate would usually be.

5. Place the utensils in the order they'll likely be used. Place a fork directly to the left of the salad bowl. A salad fork should be placed before the main course fork. A knife should be placed on the right side. A spoon should also be placed on the right side of the bowl.

6. Place the napkin beside the plate or on top of it. It is generally placed on top of the plate for less-formal affairs.

7. Set a coffee cup and saucer to the right if you plan on serving coffee or tea with the appetizer, main course or dessert.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring out utensils before the dish comes if you are serving several courses in which necessary silverware is taken away with the dirty plates. Never place more than three types of a single utensil in a setting. For instance, four knives in one place setting will seem ludicrous, tacky and unnecessary. Simply a sharper knife and a butter knife will do.