Table Setting 101: Basics and Guidelines

With some very special holidays right around the corner, you might be hosting a few social gatherings at your house. One of the most feared tasks to do when planning a dinner party is setting the table. Many people initially think that properly setting the table is extremely difficult and oftentimes tricky.

I’m here to tell you that it’s not. I love setting my table for dinner parties, especially when cute, seasonal decorations are involved…and you should too!

There is no single way to set a table correctly; however, there are a few things you should keep in mind: make sure the settings are functional and pleasing to the eye. Many of us are familiar with casual and informal settings because these allows us the flexibility to mix and match dinnerware patterns, flatware and glassware. It’s the formal table that tends to be a bit more rigid and symmetrical.

In every scenario, utensils are placed starting form the outer left and right edge of the table setting, in the order that the dishes are served. The idea behind this arrangement is that you “eat your way into” the place setting. As my Dad always said, “Work your way outside in.” For example, salads and soups typically are served as the precursor to the main course, thus their associated utensils are placed on the outer left and right edges of the table setting.

Another mistake I’ve seen at tables is mass confusion regarding glasses and bread plates. Oftentimes I find myself seated at tables where someone goes around assigning water glasses so as not to be confuse your glass with your neighbor’s glass. It’s always nice to keep in mind that drinking glasses will always be to the right of your plate and the bread plate to your left.