

With the exception of oyster forks that go on the far right, the fourth or greater utensils should be brought out with the meal. Never place more than three of any implement, i.e., more than three forks.

Here are some tips for a formal table setting: To keep everything orderly and visually pleasing, it can help to take a few additional steps to keep your table from overwhelming with options. If you’re planning a formal dinner occasion, you may be planning to serve more than three courses (at least an appetizer, entree, dessert and more) and your formal table setting will require several more utensils and dishes. #3 Formal Table Setting Arrangements: Placing Everything You Need The spoon goes on top with its handle facing right, and the fork goes on the bottom with its handle facing left.Īdding more complexity to a basic table setting can quickly seem intimidating, but as long as you remember to follow the outside-in rule, complicated settings come together.
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#2 How to Set a Table for Semi-Formal Arrangements: The Outside-In Rule Our next two levels above the informal table setting-semi-formal and formal-both begin with this casual table shape, so it’s an excellent fundamental place setting to start with. The water and wine glass (if needed) go in the upper right corner of the setting.If there’s a spoon, it goes to the right of the knife.Knives, including the dinner knife, go on the right, blades turned toward the dinner plate.Napkins go either left of the fork or underneath it.Forks, including the dinner fork, go on the left.Start with the dinner plate in the center.In a casual table setting, you can forgo the tablecloth and use a runner instead. This is the ideal basic table layout for one-course meals, and it’s the outline upon which more complex settings, such as mixing china patterns, are based.įollow these basic table setting guidelines for a casual occasion: If you want to present your guests with an informal table setting that's still neat and classy, you can start here. We’ll take you through three levels of formality so you can know how to set a table for any meal.īon appetit! #1 Settings for Casual Occasions: Start with an Outline Our recommendation? Start with the basics and then build up complexity as needed. The more courses and options, the more utensils you’ll need to arrange-and the more table-setting know-how you’ll want to acquire. That said, the complexity of your dinner table setting will depend on the occasion and the meal, as well as your personal preferences.


It’s a simple way to show your guests that you value their company, and that the meal you are sharing is important to you. A sophisticated table setting can swiftly make any meal, from your regular weekday supper to a fancy dinner party, feel like a special occasion.
