How to Set a Simple Table
Setting the table for a simple family meal begins with the menu, which determines which utensils and serving ware to use. You would set the table differently if you were having soup, for example, than if you were having something that utilized a plate. The table setting does not need to be elaborate. Think through your menu, gather the items that each person will need, and place them near the table for easy access and fewer trips to the cupboard or china cabinet. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Place mats (optional)
- Napkins
- Cutlery, one set per person based upon menu
- Plates and bowls as needed by menu
- Water glasses
Instructions
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Place Settings Using Dinner Plates
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1
Put the place mat, if used, on the table in front of the chair. Place the napkin on the left with the fold toward the center.
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2
Put the knife on the right side of the place mat with the cutting edge toward the center.
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3
Place the dinner fork on the napkin.
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4
Place a teaspoon either to the right of the knife or at the top of the place mat with the handle pointing to the right, if you serve a dessert requiring a spoon. If you serve a dessert requiring a fork, place the dessert fork to the right of the dinner fork or at the top of the place mat with the handle pointing left.
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5
Put the plate in the center of the place mat.
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6
Place the water glass to the right of the tip of the knife, at a 45-degree angle.
Place Settings Using Soup Bowls
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7
Set out out the place mat, napkin and knife as directed in the previous section. Place the soup spoon to the right of the knife.
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8
Set a bread plate in the upper-left corner of the place mat.
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9
Put a salad or dessert fork, if needed, on the left side of the place mat or at the top of the mat with the handle pointing to the left. If you are serving a dessert requiring a spoon rather than a fork, place the spoon either to the right of the knife or at the top of the place mat with the handle pointing to the right.
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10
Place the water glass to the right of the tip of the knife, at a 45-degree angle.
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1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit place setting image by Joann Cooper from Fotolia.com
