How To Set Tables For Dinner

Learn how to set tables for dinner and have an attractive table at mealtime. For a formal table, use fine china, silver and linens, but for a casual meal, use every-day plates, stainless steel flatware and placemats or inexpensive tablecloths.

Items you need to set tables for dinner:

• Napkins
• Water glass or goblet
• Bread and butter plate
• Cups and saucers
• Salad plate
• Dinner plate    
• Silverware

1. Choose the type of table covering for the dinner. Linens should always be spotless. Choose napkins to coordinate with the choice of table covering or placemats. The napkin may be placed in a napkin ring in the center of the dinner plate.
2. Place a dinner plate in the center of each place setting, one inch from the edge of the table. In a formal dinner, this may be a "service" plate and left in place during appetizer and soup courses. Otherwise, remove for main course plate.
3. Place forks one inch from the edge of the table in a straight line next to the dinner or service plate. Place each piece in order of use, beginning at the outside. The salad fork should be placed to the left of the dinner fork if salad is served as the first course. It should be placed to the right of the dinner fork if the salad is served along with the main course. Or, in this case, a dinner fork can be used also for the salad with no extra fork needed.
4. Place knives at the right of the dinner plate with the sharp edge toward the plate.
   
5. Place beverage and soup spoons to the right of the knives.
   
6. Place the water glass or goblet directly above the point of the knife. Cups and saucers (if used during the meal) are placed next to the right of the spoons with the handles to the right.
7. Place the bread and butter plate above the forks and the salad plate to the left of the forks.