How to Set the Table

We’re going to look at how to set a table. Whether you want to set a casual, informal table or a very formal proper table. I think somehow, at some point I knew how to set a table. To set a table nicely that is. But as my family grew our standards slipped, some day we were just lucky to have a dinner on the table that everyone would eat. If I’m honest sometimes no one wanted what we had for dinner.

We did however teach our kids to set the table. At the bare minimum they know the casual way to set a table. And I hope they remember it moving forward.

Let’s Get This Party Started!

Somedays, you want a casual oven-fried chicken dinner, and some days you’re making a formal 3-course dinner. Whatever you’re doing, you can find the right way to set a table here.

Casual Goes This Way

This is the most informal way to set a table. Traditionally, this one is for casual dinners with close, intimate family. Not for friends or fancy evenings, this casual setting will get you through most days and nights.

To set a casual table:

• Start by placing the dinner plate right on the table, or you can use a placemat.
• the fork is placed to the left of the plate.
• place the knife to the right of the dinner plate
• set the spoon to the right of the knife
• set the water glass in the top right corner, above the knife
• the napkin is placed under the fork
• alternatively, the napkin can go on the plate

Disposable or Linen Napkins?

For casual nights with the family, you can choose to use paper napkins or linen napkins. Of course you can choose to use other fabric napkins, whatever you happen to have.

Many families choose paper napkins because they’re easy to use and easy to toss away. But if you buy enough cloth napkins to get you through 4 days, then you can wash them every 3 days or so.

Step-By-Step How to Set a Formal Table

Your guests may not even realize how a properly set table can improve the dining experience and ambiance or instantly be impressed with your hosting skills. Either way, break out the fine china, stock the cocktail bar, and create a dinner everyone will rave about. 

1. Start by laying the placemats at each setting. Placemats not only add color and texture but also help make cleanup a breeze and protect against accidental scratches. 
2. Place the dinner plate in the center of each placemat with room for utensils and glasses on either side.
3. serving salad, nestle that plate atop the dinner plate and soup bowl on top of the salad plate. 
4. Place napkins to the left of each place setting, crisply folded, or through a decorative napkin ring on top of each bowl or plate. Napkins are practical for cleaning hands while eating but also add a touch of elegance.  
5. Then, arrange the utensils on either side of the plate. Place forks on the left side of the plate, place the folded napkin and the knives and spoons on the right side of each dish. The order in which these utensils are arranged depends on what type of meal you’re serving — for example, work your way from the outside in starting with the salad fork and ending with the dinner fork closest to the plate. The soup spoon should sit outside the knife, which should be closest to the plate on the right side, with the blade facing the dish. The dessert spoon should be arranged above the plate and perpendicular to the dining utensils if needed. 
6. Next, set the water and wine glasses at the top right of each place setting, above and slightly to the right of each knife.
7. Place a butter dish or bread plate above and slightly to the left of each fork if using. 
8. Finally, add other decorative accents or accessories for ambiance, like small vases, salt and pepper shakers, or name tags for seating arrangements. Small touches can add an extra pop of elegance to your table setting without making it look cluttered or overwhelming for guests.

How to Plan a Formal Dinner 

If you’re making a big or fancy dinner, here are a few tips to help you pull it off perfectly.

• Planning the meal and shopping ahead of time will minimize the day of cooking stress, allowing more time for making the ambiance perfect. 
• Consider hiring a house cleaner for a one-time deep clean before your party.
• For big parties, consider setting out the place settings early in the morning before the rush of cooking starts so you have one less thing to worry about. 
• If you have a limited amount of serving dishes, set them out beforehand with a sticky note on each one to help you remember which dish goes where.
• Setting up a buffet-style serving area for the main course can also be helpful. 
• Consider having a few appetizers as guests arrive before everyone sits for supper. 
• Have a bottle of wine decanted before guests arrive. Have sparkling or still water in pitchers for guests. A pitcher of lemon water is a nice touch for guests who like a touch of lemon.

Now that you know how to set a casual or formal table, all that’s left is putting it all into practice. Setting the table adds an elegant touch to any meal and can ensure everyone has what they need, allowing you, the host, to enjoy more time at the table with your company. Every attention to detail will be appreciated, and future dinner parties will go off without a hitch.