With the holiday season fast approaching, we thought it would be a good time for a refresher on proper dinner table etiquette. How many forks to set out? And which glasses go where? We’ll cover it all, with guidance from Real Simple, so you’re ready and confident to host your next holiday or dinner party.
The great thing about traditional dinner table settings is that they’re meant to be highly functional. Placing multiple plates, utensils and glasses on the table before guests arrive will leave the host free to simply serve and enjoy the meal, instead of constantly getting up for new dishes. And every place setting is completely customizable. Serving soup instead of salad? Include a bowl instead of a small plate. Serving coffee after dinner? Set out coffee cups.
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How to Set a Table
For an everyday dinner, keep it simple. To the left of the plate, place a dinner fork on top of a folded napkin. To the right, place a knife next to the plate, blade turned inward. Then place a spoon to the right of the knife. A basic water glass goes on the upper right.
For a more formal affair, begin with that basic setup, and add from there. A salad plate and/or soup bowl goes on top of the dinner plate. Place a wine glass to the right of the water glass.
From there, add more items as necessary. Serving bread? A bread plate goes on the upper left, with a butter knife placed on top. You could add a salad fork to the left of the dinner fork. If dessert will be served, place a dessert spoon above the plate, with the handle to the right. Add additional glassware as needed.
There are other etiquette rules to consider, if that appeals to you. For example, vertical flatware should be spaced evenly, with about half of an inch of distance between each. But that’s usually not necessary for a dinner party between family and friends. However you decide to set your dinner table, we’re sure you will have a wonderful, memorable time with those you love.
