Proper Way of Setting a Dinner Table

Setting a dinner table isn't as complicated as you might think.

Using proper settings at the dinner table, whether it's a sit-down dinner with friends or a cocktail party, shows your guests the effort you've made in planning the party. While proper dinner table settings may seem overwhelming, they are actually easy to both set and navigate for you and your guests.

Basics

A proper setting for the dinner table would include places for the dinner plate, utensils, glasses, bread plates, bowls and a napkin. The number of utensils placed at each seat depends on the number of courses the dinner includes, as well as the type of courses provided. A three-course dinner comprised of soup, a main dish and a dessert would require fewer utensils than a five-course meal that also includes a starter and a salad.

Dressing the Table

Before you set the table, lay the tablecloth down and make sure all sides are equal and even. Place mats, if used, should be placed at each seating, 1/2 inch from the edge of the table and aligned with the accompanied chair.

Plates and Utensils

The main dinner plate is always the centerpiece of each seating arrangement. If there is a salad or soup course, the soup or salad bowl is placed on top of the dinner plate. Smaller plates used for the dinner rolls go above the forks on the left side of the plate. The knife is placed directly to the right of the plate, blade facing in, and the main fork is directly to the left of the plate. Any spoons are placed on the outside of the knife, with the dessert spoon next to the knife and the soup spoon the outermost utensil. If a salad is being served, the salad fork is placed next to the dinner fork on the left side.

Glasses

The glasses needed for your place settings depend on the type of beverages you plan to serve. However, the basic table setting requires a wineglass and a water glass. Both glasses go on the right side of the plate, above the knife. The glasses should not be placed too far out of reach of the guests.

References

• Divine Dinner Party: Basic Table Setting
• The International Guild of Professional Butlers: The Formal Dinner

Resources

• Emily Post: Informal Place Setting
• Emily Post: Formal Place Setting