How to set a formal table for a dinner party
From the DIY holiday gifts and decorations series
Go ahead and use the family silver, good china and crystal goblets. This is how they were meant to be used. Don't rely on most restaurants to show you how to do this. The silverware should not be wrapped in the napkin.
A formal dinner party table setting
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There are some variations, but this is the formal table setting. Of course, other items may be needed depending what is to be served.
A formal dinner party table setting
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A formal table setting begins with a charger. This is a decorative plate that goes under the dinner plate. It is not required, but adds a nice touch.
A formal dinner party table setting
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Place the dinner plate on top of the charger.
A formal dinner party table setting
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Place the dinner fork to the left of the plate.
A formal dinner party table setting
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Put the knife to the right of the plate with the cutting surface facing the plate.
A formal dinner party table setting
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The teaspoon goes to the right of the knife.
A formal dinner party table setting
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If salad will be served, the sale fork goes to the left of the dinner fork. It helps to remember that most utensils are used from the outside in when dining in America. The salad comes before the main course so the salad fork is on the outside of the dinner fork.
A formal dinner party table setting
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If soup will be served, the soup spoon goes to the right of the teaspoon. It can also be brought out with the soup, if preferred.
A formal dinner party table setting
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The bread and butter plate is placed above the forks.
A formal dinner party table setting
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The coffee cup goes above the spoons. If coffee will not be served until dessert, the cups can be brought out with dessert.
A formal dinner party table setting
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Place the water goblet to the left of the coffee cup.
A formal dinner party table setting
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Wine glasses go to the left of the water goblet.
A formal dinner party table setting
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Place a folded napkin on the plate.
A formal dinner party table setting
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Place the soup bowl on top of the folded napkin.
A formal dinner party table setting
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Alternatively, the napkin may be placed to the left of the forks and the soup bowl placed directly on the dinner plate.
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