Have you ever wondered how to set a table as guests were about to arrive and you were trying to get everything prepared? Or maybe you just wanted to set a nice table for your family? Wonder no longer! We’re going to teach you everything you need to know about setting a table so you are prepared.
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Table Setting Rules
Setting a table really isn’t as hard as you think, especially if you are setting a basic table. If you are setting a formal table it can get a little more confusing, but don’t worry we’re going to start with the basics.
Some table setting rules to remember:
- Utensils are placed in order of use, starting on the outside and working your way in.
- Forks go on the left side of the plate (there are a few exceptions to this) and the knife and spoon on the right side of the plate.
- Only set the table with utensils that you’ll use during the meal.
Before you begin to set the table for the meal, figure out what you’ll be serving. If you are having a simple potluck style get together all you’ll need is a very basic casual place setting with the usual cutlery. However, if you are planning a fancier meal with courses you’ll need a few more pieces. Don’t worry if you don’t have every utensil, you can most likely get by with a bit of creativity and some quick dishwashing between courses.
Tip: Salad forks or even fish forks can often double as dessert forks in a pinch.
How To Set A Table For Breakfast Or A Casual Meal
Breakfast tends to be a pretty casual affair so you can go with a casual place setting. To set the table for breakfast begin with a placemat, add plates to the center of the setting. Place a napkin to the left of the plate. Next to the napkin place the fork. To the right side of the plate set the knife and if required the spoon. If you will be serving any type of bread with the meal, place a small bread plate above your main plate and to the left with a butter knife. Opposite the bread plate, add a glass for water or juice and a coffee cup or teacup if you’ll be serving it.
Tip: you can also place a charger beneath your plate for a simple layering effect.
How To Set A Table: Lunch Place Setting
Lunch can be a bit more formal than breakfast so to set a table for lunch begin by laying the placemat at charger if you’ll be using one. Follow that with a dinner plate, and salad plate (if you’ll be serving soup you can switch this out for a bowl). Place the knife and spoon to the right of the plate, and salad fork, dinner fork, and napkin to the left. If bread will be on the menu add a bread plate above and to the left of the main plate. On the other side of the place, setting place a glass for water.
How To Set A Table: Dinner Place Setting
Dinner is where the meal tends to get a bit more formal (if you are having a very simple gathering then go with the first table setting), when setting the table for dinner start with the placemat, follow that with a dinner plate and salad plate (you can also use a charger for a bit more of an elegant look). To the left place the napkin, salad fork and then dinner fork. To the right place the knife and spoon. Above and to the left place a small bread plate and knife, to the right place a water glass and if you’ll be serving wine place a wine glass to the right of the water glass.
How To Set A Formal Table
A formal table can be a little bit more confusing when it comes to using and how to set a table, but don’t worry we’ll break it down. There are many variations you can set a table with when it comes to a formal place setting.
Begin with a placemat that compliments your table decorations, follow that with a charger use one in a color and texture that compliments the style of your decorations. Make sure you place the charger in the center of your placemat.
Follow that with your dinner plate, salad plate, and soup bowl. To the right of your plate, place a knife, teaspoon and dinner spoon. To the left place a napkin (this can also be placed on top of the plates), followed by a salad fork, and dinner fork. Above your place setting place a cake fork (if required) and a dessert spoon. Above these set your place card. To the right place a bread plate and to the left your glasses, water nearest the plate, red wine following it, and white wine. If you are only serving one wine or none simple don’t place the unrequired glasses. Coffee is usually served after dessert, so it is uncommon to see a coffee cup on the table during the whole meal, however, we placed it there just so you could see where everything goes when setting a formal table.
Setting A Beautiful Table
See! That wasn’t so hard, was it. Whatever the occasion it’s important to know how to set the table so that you are prepared. Plus it’s a great thing to know in case you ever get designated to set the table during the holidays are for a party. You can set the table for every occasion without panicking!
Did that answer all you all of your ‘how to set a table’ questions? Drop them in the comments and we will try to answer them!
Before you go, check these out!
- Greenhouse Inspired Tablescape
- Neutral Summer Tablescape
- 9 Beautiful Thanksgiving Tables
- How To Create A Centerpiece For Your Christmas Table
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