How to Set an Elegant Dinner Table for the Holidays

When your guests arrive for your holiday dinner, the table setting can wow them and set the mood for the delicious food soon to be presented. Here are step by step instructions for a formal table setting.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Table cloth
• Matching napkins
• Napkin rings
• The 'good dishes'
• The 'good crystal'
• The 'good silverware'
• Centerpiece

1. Start with the table cloth and napkins. Iron them, or toss them into the dryer with a damp towel to get the wrinkles out. Spread the cloth over the table, smoothing it out and making sure it is evenly placed.

2. The first piece to put down at each place is the 'charger.' This is an oversized plate that matches or contrasts with the main dish set and is used for decoration only. Place a folded napkin on the charger - turn it so it is a diamond shape with the points of the diamond pointing toward the diner and the center of the table. This napkin is for decoration only and will not be used. It also protects the charger from scratching and noise from the dishes that will be placed on top of it.

3. Place the dinner plate on top of the decorative napkin. Place a salad plate on top of the dinner plate. Both of these plates will be used so do not place a napkin between them.

4. Next is the napkin - lay it out flat on the table, pick it up at the center, forming a point that can be pulled through the napkin ring. Pull the ring down far enough to be snug, forming a 'skirt' below it. Place the napkin in the ring on the salad place, fanning out the skirt.

5. Now for the silverware. First, the dinner knife. Place it on the right side of the plate with the sharp or serrated edge facing the plate. Next to it on the right goes the spoon, with the bottom of the handle lined up with the bottom of the knife handle.

6. Start with the dinner fork on the left side of the plate, and next to it place the salad fork. Line up the bottoms of the handles like the knife and spoon.

7. Just above the plate is where the desert fork goes, with the tines pointing to the right. Above it is the desert spoon, with the bowl facing toward the righ as well.

8. Now for the crystal. Place two glasses at each setting, one just above the point of the knife. This is the wine glass. The second one goes just above the desert spoon and fork. This one is the water glass. I sometimes use my crystal goblets for water and sometimes I use two wine glasses - one for water and one for wine. Make sure there are no water spots on the crystal. You don't want the sparkle and gleam to be dulled by water spots.

9. The final step is the centerpiece. This can either be a bowl of flowers, or candles or both. You can also use holiday ornaments, items from nature like pinecones or whatever to create your centerpiece.

10. Now stand back and enjoy the table - see how your guests will be impressed with your creativity!

Tips & Warnings

• Whatever centerpiece you choose, make sure it is low enough that your guests can see each other over it.
• If you use candles, make sure they are the 'dripless' kind or there is something under them so the wax does not drip onto the tablecloth.

[StarrySkye]

on 12/3/2008 Great tips...I have a very similar article. Good work!