The 123′s of Setting a Table?
Nothing tells others that you are refined and sophisticated quite like knowing how to set a dinner table. If you know how to properly lay down a dinner set and all the associated items, you are telling others that you are not only knowledgeable, but that you care enough about them to provide not only a fine meal, but fine surroundings. In this article we will be outlining the steps required to set a dinner table for your family and friends.Here Are the BasicsThese basics will help you to get started to setting a great dinner table. You can just leave it there, or build on the basics depending on how formal a gathering you are planning to have.a) Determine how many people you are going to be having over. You will need one place setting for each person, so make sure that they have their own space around the dinner table.b) The dinner plate needs to go in the center of the place setting. This dinner plate will be the center of attention, as all the other items will be placed around it.c) The fork, knife, and spoon (i.e.: the flatware) will be positioned around the dinner plate in the order in which each item will be used. The fork goes to the left of the dinner plate. The knife and spoon go to the right. The knife is placed close to the dinner plate with the cutting edge pointed towards it. Next to the knife goes the spoon.d) Next comes the glass for water. Place this directly above the knife.e) If you have napkins available, place them under the forks.Setting for an Informal DinnerFor an informal dinner party you merely need to start with the basics, and add to them. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:a) Are you planning on having a salad? If so, you will need a place for the salad fork. It goes to the left of the dinner fork. You already laid the dinner fork down during the basics.b) Soup makes a great addition to a meal. If you are planning on having soup, the soup bowl goes directly on top of the dinner plate. The soup spoon goes to the right of the spoon that you positioned during the basics.c) If you have salad or bread and butter knives, they go directly to the left of the forks. If available, a butter plate is placed above the dinner plate with the butter knife placed on top of the butter plate.d) The cup and saucer go directly above the spoons. The cup handle is pointed towards the right. If you have wine or water glasses they go to the left of the coffee cup.If You Plan on a Formal DinnerThe formal dinner setting is the most elaborate setting of all, but there is nothing to worry about…we will explain all the steps to you. You merely need to follow the guidelines for an informal dinner setting, and build upon it. Here is the additional information you need:a) You will need separate wine glasses if you are serving both white and red wines. Wine glasses should be placed next to the water glass (which is in turn placed to the left of the coffee cup).b) Immediately to the right of the knife go the beverage, soup, or dessert spoons. If you like, they can be brought to the table when the soup or dessert is being served.c) Centerpieces look very nice and add a bit of class. Look around to see if you can find an appropriate one. If you are artistic, you could always make your own.That’s it! You are done. Sit back and look at your dinner set, accessories, and fine handiwork. It all looks so nice don’t you think? Cook up some great food, and place it on the table, and let the partying begin!
