How to Set Up a Dinner Table
Properly set-up dinner tables provide elegance and charm to any dinner event. A basic table setting, which uses a single set of plates and silver, is the ideal setting to use as a refresher course or to teach children the basics of etiquette. Once it's mastered, the basic setting can be used for everyday family dinners or personal dinner parties with friends. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Clean, pressed tablecloth and runner
- Attractive china
- Wine glasses
- Polished silver
- Decorations (optional)
Instructions
-
-
1
Clean the table. Use either a wood polish or a gentle cleaner that is appropriate for the material of your table. Remove anything that's stuck on or would cause the tablecloth to bunch.
-
2
Lay the cloth and runner. The tablecloth should lay flat, with the overhang on each side equal to that of the opposite side. The runner should lay in the direct center of the table lengthwise.
-
-
3
Position the plates and glass. Place the dinner plate directly in front of the seat. The bread plate sits to the upper left of the dinner plate, while the wine glass sits to the upper right.
-
4
Place the silver. The fork goes to the left of the plate. The knife, blade facing the plate, and spoon go to the right. Lay the butter knife diagonally on the bread plate, with the blade facing away from the dinner plate.
-
5
Fold the napkin. You can place it on the dinner plate or to the left of the fork.
-
6
Add decorations. Place candles or centerpieces on the runner to increase the attractiveness of the setting. Leave plenty of space for serving dishes so the table doesn't appear cluttered.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Once you have mastered the basic setting, learn the informal and formal settings.
Substitute sturdier china and small drinking glasses for children's place settings. The setting will not be as elegant, but you won't risk your good china.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit dinner table image by ewa kubicka from Fotolia.com
