What Is the Correct Way to Set a Dining Table?

Create a better dining experience with the proper table setting.

Whether you are entertaining guests or having a quiet dinner with your family, learning how to correctly set your dinner table makes for a more pleasurable dining experience. Knowing when to use a full table cover, how to place your cutlery and where you should set your napkins are just some of the elements key to creating the perfect setting.

Things You'll Need

• Table cover
• Placemats
• China
• Cutlery
• Glasses
• Napkins

Instructions

1. 

   Use placemats to show off your table top.

   Use a table cover with a protective mat underneath if your dining table has noticeable damage or needs to be protected. If you have a wooden top or beveled-glass dining table, placemats that are heat-resistant might be a better choice.

2. 

   Place the soup or salad plate directly on the dinner plate.

   Set out your main dinner plate and place the soup bowl or salad plate directly on top of it. Place any bread plates above the dinner plate, slightly to the left. Dessert plates should be left in the kitchen and brought to the table when dessert is served.

3. 

   Set your cutlery in the order it will be used.

   Place your forks on the left side of the dinner plate in the order they will be used. Set the dinner fork directly next to the main plate, followed by the salad fork. There is one exception to this placement, and that is when using a cocktail fork; in that case, place the cocktail fork at the outermost right side of the dinner plate. Place the dinner knife directly to the right of your plate with the cutting edge toward the plate. Set a dessert or teaspoon next to the knife. Place a soup spoon to the right of the teaspoon, if you are serving soup. Line up all of the utensil handles. Remove the used utensils after each course so your guests can start with a clean slate.

4. 

   Place glasses above your knife and spoon.

   Place glasses or cups in the order of how they will be used above your knife and spoon. The outermost glass will be the first used. If you are just serving one glass for wine or one cup for coffee, place it at the tip of the main knife.

5. 

   Create a lovely look with napkin rings.

   Choose how you want to present your napkin. Place it directly on the main dinner plate for elegant folds or if using a napkin ring. A simple folded napkin can be placed on the side plate to the left or under the forks.

Tips & Warnings

• If the main course is meat, a steak knife can take the place of the dinner knife.

• To add comforting or romantic ambiance to your dinner, set candles in a row or a circle in the center of the table. A candelabra is also a lovely centerpiece.

• To create a formal look for your dinner setting, choose solid colors for table covers and placemats.

References

• Emily Post Institute: Everyday Etiquette ~ Entertaining

Resources

• Read this Article in Portuguese