While most people have been setting a dining table for their whole lives, very few people do it correctly. That’s right – there is a right and wrong way to set a table for dinner. Even for the simplest of meals, setting the table correctly can make quite the difference. Don’t worry, you’ll see everything explained in this short guide!
Table of Contents
Basic Setting
Firstly, one of the most common ways to set a table is using the basic approach. Here, the plate sits in the centre while everything else sits around it. While the fork sits on the left, the knife and spoon have a place on the right-hand side. If meat is on the menu, a steak knife can sit on the right-hand side (always with the sharp edges towards the plate!).
Meanwhile, any drinks go above the plate and a napkin can sit to the side of the fork, on the plate, or even under the fork (this is all down to personal preference).
Formal Setting
If the event requires a more formal table setting (maybe the Queen is coming to visit!), you might want to follow this option instead. For example, this is often used during formal dinners and black-tie events. Normally, the meal will have more than one course, and this is where people often get confused with the cutlery placement.
This time, you’re likely to have butter knives, butter plates, various forks, and different spoons. If this is the case, a general rule is that the guests should work their way from the outside in. Therefore, the cutlery for starters should sit on the outside while the cutlery for the main meal sits closest to the plate on either side.
After the starter, you can replace the starter plate with the main plate. However, all the cutlery is already in position, so you don’t need to worry about this.
Informal Setting
If you don’t like to follow rules and don’t like the sound of the basic or formal options, there is a third option in the shape of informal settings. With this, you can get creative with placements, shop bamboo utensils from A World of Bamboo, and go casual with the whole event. This being said, there is an accepted standard that plates go in the centre with a fork on the left and a knife/spoon on the right. As long as you have this foundation in place, you’re then free to play around with the glass, napkin, and other features.
Tips for Setting a Dining Table
Firstly, always pay attention to the type of event you’re setting a table for. If it’s friends and family coming over to your home, they won’t mind an informal or basic setting. Whereas, setting dining tables at a wedding or restaurant is slightly different. Here, you’re more inclined to follow the formal setting to add to the grandeur of the occasion.
As mentioned previously, knife blades face inwards towards the plate rather than pointing away from the plate. On the other side, the tines of the fork should point towards the ceiling. Though this might not apply, you should clear cutlery from the right of the guest.
If you’re serving wine, hold the glass by the stem (people don’t want to see you grabbing glasses from the bowl because they’re expecting to drink from it shortly!). Also, it reduces the likelihood of fingerprints getting onto the glass and tarnishing the cleanliness.
With this, you should have everything you need to properly set a dining table. Which option will you choose?