How to Arrange a Formal Table Setting

Having a formal dinner party but not quite sure how to set the table? Well it's easier than you think. The key to creating an eye-catching table setting is to correctly geometrically place each piece of dinnerware. Once you have learned how to arrange a formal table setting you will be able to set any table like an etiquette and design pro. With the use of beautiful silverware, stemware and plates, you can produce an elegant and breathtaking table setting for all your dinner parties.

Things You'll Need

• Table cloth
• Silverware: 3 forks, 2 knives, 1 dessert spoon
• Service plate (chargers)
• Linen napkins
• Stemware: 1 water goblet, 2 wine glasses, 1 champagne glass
• Butter plate
• Butter knife

Instructions

1. Center the service plate, also called the charger, on the table directly in front of the guest's chair. The service plate is used as the under plate for the first and second course.

2. Position a folded linen napkin on the center of the service plate.

3. Align the large dinner knife to the immediate right of the service plate. The blade of the knife should face in, toward the plate.

4. Position the small dinner knife, also called the fish knife, next to the large dinner knife. Be sure the blade is facing the large dinner knife.

5. Set the dessert or soup spoon next to the small dinner knife.

6. Align the oyster fork beside the dessert spoon. This is the only fork placed on the right side of the plate and should only be put on the table if oyster is being served.

7. Place the glasses on the right side of the plate 2 to 3 inches above the knives. Be sure to align the first glass with the edge of the rim of the plate. Begin with the water goblet, then the red and/or white wine glasses, followed by a champagne flute.

8. Positioned to the left of the plate are the forks. The salad fork is placed closest to the charger, followed by the dinner fork. Reverse the order if the salad will be served before the entree. If fish is being served, the fish fork goes on the outside.

9. Directly above the salad fork, place the butter plate. Top it off with the butter knife. Arrange flowers and table décor as desired.

References

• emilypost.com: Formal Table Setting