How to Set a Formal Table
March 8th 2009 02:32 pm
No matter how many times I set a formal table, I always seem to second guess myself as I am placing my dinnerware, flatware and stemware. The fear of placing something in the wrong place always leaves me having to ask someone (mainly my mother) or pausing to think it over … once again.
I came across this graphic “cheat sheet” and thought it would be fitting to share with you.
1. Napkin
2. Salad Fork
3. Dinner Fork
4. Dessert Fork
5. Bread & Butter Plate w/ Spreader
6. Dinner plate
7. Dinner Knife
8. Teaspoon
9. Teaspoon
10. Soup Spoon
11. Cocktail fork
12. Water Glass
13. Red-wine glass
14. White-wine glass
15. Coffee cup and saucer
Of course you can omit any item you need. For example, if you are not serving bread, you should not place the bread plate on the table. Also, as far as the napkin placement goes, you can also fold and place it in the center of the dinner plate for a more modern feel.
For future reference, bookmark this page and you will have it for the next dinner party you host!
Thanks to Home Made Simple for the oh-so-helpful graphic!
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Tags: dinner party table, table settings
Tim responded on 08 Mar 2009 at 3:14 pm #
Sorry, but why are there two teaspoons? I’m sure there’s a reason, I’m just curious.
Myriam responded on 08 Mar 2009 at 5:43 pm #
Good question! The above diagram has both the teaspoon and the coffee spoon on the table. However, a more modern service would bring the coffee spoon (if coffee was being served) out at the end of the meal. Hope that helps!
Sarah responded on 19 Mar 2009 at 10:13 pm #
This is so helpfull!