How to Set a Formal Table

Series Summary

Social expectations of behavior at the dinner table vary among different areas of the world and among different levels of socioeconomic status. Table etiquette is the code that governs social behaviors at the dining table. The “cultural norm” is another way to define the word “etiquette.” Living up to a society’s definition of the social standard, can be daunting at times. There are many rules and regulations for various situations, including greeting one another, dining together, interacting together, dating, and conversing with one another. Violating these social codes can lead to public disgrace, hurt feelings, feuds, misunderstandings and, in some cases, murderous rage. In this free video series on etiquette and manners, the owner of an etiquette business explains how to maintain proper etiquette in different situations. Find out how to set a formal or informal table and set a table for a dinner party. Learn how to be a polite housewarming party guest and how to be polite at school. Learn the etiquette when someone dies and proper manners for a black tie event. Etiquette is important for making good impressions, so check out the etiquette tips in this free video series.

Video Transcript

"Setting a formal table is a little bit more elaborate then an informal table. We have many more things like for example more forks, more spoons, lets take a look and see. I'm Hazely Lopez from Hazely Academy of Refinement and Modeling. And lets take a look at how does a formal table look like. First we are going to start with the placements of the silverware which is going to be about an inch from the table. We are also going to take a look that we have the salad fork. We also have the main course fork. On your right you are going to see the knife and then you are going to have the soup spoon then you are going to have the appetizer fork. On the top you are going to see the desserts silverware which is basically the spoon and the fork. On the middle plate you are going to be using the biggest plate is called the charger plate. That's where you are going to be basically setting all of your other plates. Then we are going to follow that with the main plate. Also called the place plate. Then we are going to have the service plates and then we are going to have the soup plate, excuse me, where it's located on top of the service plate. Also take a look at the far left upper hand where you are going to find your bread plate also with your butter spread. And also you are going to take a look at on the right. You are going to see the water glass which is the first one on the left. Then a little bit more to the right, to the bottom you are going to see the red wine glass then on the far upper left side, you are going to see the white wine glass. And then you are going to have the after meal drink glass. Alright. Also lets take a look that if you are using a main card, please keep in mind that you can use that main card on top of that dessert silverware. Using a formal table definitely can be a little bit challenging. With a little bit of practice you'll see that you'll do a great job. It's always about keeping the best image in your table. It talks a lot about you. I'm Hazely Lopez from Hazely Academy of Refinement and Modeling. And always enjoy a great food in a great formal dinner table. Have a great day."