The way the table
is set provides the true first course to any meal.
Whether you are preparing a formal sit down holiday dinner
party or a casual buffet, there is still a proper way that
each guest's place at the table should look. With these
few simple guidelines and our placement map you will be able
to set the perfect table:
Glasses
Each place should be set with all the glasses that will be used
during dinner (except dessert-wine glasses, which may be brought
out when the dessert is served). The water glass belongs to the
right of the plate, just above the knife. Wineglasses should be
set to the right of the water glasses in the order in which they
will be used.
China
The only pieces of china that should be part of a table setting
are the bread plate and a liner plate, if desired. A liner plate
(or
service plate) is a purely decorative oversize plate used to add
texture, color, or pattern to the table. Liners may be made of
china, pewter, brass—even straw or papier-mâché. Food is
never served directly on a liner plate, but a first-course soup bowl
or salad plate can be set on top of it. The liner should be
cleared along with the bowl or plate.
Silverware
A proper silverware setting follows one simple rule, no matter
how formal or relaxed the event: Set the silverware on the table
in the order it will be used, from the outside in. The fork for
the first course is the one farthest to the left; to the right
of the plate, the knife for the first course is the farthest to
the right. Any spoons needed before dessert (say, a soupspoon),
should be placed to the right of the knives. Dessert utensils
should always be placed horizontally above the plate, or they
can be brought in later, with the dessert course.
Dessert
Table Setting
When dessert is served, all wineglasses (except dessert-wine
glasses), bread plates, and salt and pepper shakers should be
cleared from the table. Dessert flatware can either be set above
the dinner plate or liner plate at the initial table setting, or it
can be carried in on a tray at dessert time, along with coffee
cups and saucers. Water glasses remain on the table for the
duration of the meal.
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