Setting a stunning dinner table is both an art and a science, as etiquette professionals explain. This understanding simplifies the process of creating a beautiful tablescape. Although there’s room for creativity, knowing standard practices provides a solid foundation.
Most of us are familiar with the basic elements of table setting, but may not know the precise placement of each item. With guidance from leading etiquette experts, you can master the perfect table setting for any occasion, making you appear professional and ensuring your guests feel welcome and valued. The three most common table settings are interconnected, allowing you to progress from a basic to a casual and then formal setting once you’ve mastered the basics. Meet the Expert: Jo Hayes, founder of Etiquette Expert, is an etiquette expert and consultant with academic research to her name. Jamila Musayeva is an international etiquette coach, content creator, and author of ‘The Art of Entertaining’. Why Proper Table Setting Matters: You might not consider a well-set table significant, but it greatly impacts your guests and sets the atmosphere. Jo Hayes emphasizes that a properly set table elevates the meal to an event, providing a pause from daily distractions to enjoy the company of friends and family. A well-set table signals a safe and meaningful time to enjoy good food, demonstrating effort, care, and intentionality towards your guests. For more design inspiration, subscribe to our free daily newsletter featuring the latest decor ideas and designer tips. Basic Table Setting: Begin with a tablecloth; Hayes recommends lace, cotton, oilcloth, or linen for formal settings. A placemat is optional but can be added at each setting. Place a dinner plate at each setting. Position forks to the left and knives to the right. If a soup spoon is needed, it should be placed to the right of the knife.We asked etiquette pros to tell us how they set their tables and we’re taking notes. Paper napkins are fine for a basic setting (though Hayes recommends fabric) and should be folded and put underneath the fork. If you think of the setting like a clock, place the water glass where 2 o’clock would be.
Setting a Casual Table: According to Musayeva, this table setting is ‘a step up from basic, adding a few elements for a more polished, relaxed meal.’ Start by adding a tablecloth. Hayes recommends lace, cotton, oilcloth, or linen. Then add a placemat for each setting. It’s not essential but a good choice to make it a step up from a basic table. Place a dinner plate at each setting. Set a soup bowl and salad plate on top of the dinner plate. Place a knife on the right side and a fork on the left. The soup spoon will go to the right of the knife. Hayes says fabric napkins are ideal for this setting and should be folded and placed under the fork. Place the water glass where 2 o’clock would be on a clock. Add another glass or a wine glass depending on what you’re serving or what your guests want to drink. This should go at 2 o’clock from the water glass. Setting a Formal Table: We also received instructions from etiquette experts for creating a formal table setting. Musayeva says this setting ‘reflects elegance and careful detail’ and is ‘often used for special occasions.’ Lay out your tablecloth. For formal settings, Hayes recommends linen and Musayeva recommends a high-quality white cotton tablecloth with matching napkins. Skip the placemats. Add a charger (or service) plate. Then, place a salad plate and soup bowl on top. Dinner plates will be served with the main course. Next, put a bread plate with bread knife lying horizontally across the middle in the 11 o’clock position of the setting, to the left of the dinner plate. Put fork on the left and knife on the right, with the soup spoon to the right of the knife. From there, put a smaller salad fork to the left of the dinner fork. Place a dessert spoon across the top of the dinner plate, perpendicular to the knife and fork. If you have a soup bowl on top, you can place this above the plate. Grab your place cards and put those above the dessert spoon. Fold your napkin and place it underneath the fork. Hayes notes fabric napkins (ideally linen) are a must for formal settings. Musayeva also adds that you should skip napkin rings for a formal table. Then comes glassware. Hayes says to place the water glass ‘closer to the diner, as, typically, one drinks more water than wine during dinner.’We asked etiquette pros to tell us how they set their tables and we’re taking notes.
First, place two wine glasses on the table. The red wine glass usually sits at 2 o’clock from the water glass, and the white wine glass sites around 7 o’clock to the red wine glass. Lastly, grab your salt and pepper shakers. The salt should sit to the left of place card and the pepper should sit on the right. Here are 4 additional tips for setting a table. Get the Napkins Just Right: There are many places where a napkin could go and many folds. For basic and casual settings, put it on top of the plate, to the left of the forks, or under the forks. For formal settings, stick with a simple fold on top of the plate or to the side. Napkin rings are generally reserved for more casual upscale settings. Place by Order of Use: Glassware and cups can be tricky. For basic and casual settings, one or two are fine. For more formal tables, there are usually three to four. Place them above the knives on the right, starting with the water glass closest to the diner, followed by wine glasses based on the order of use. Memorize the Order of Flatware: When setting the table in a rush, don’t stress about the order of knives, forks, and spoons. For formal settings, forks are placed on the left, knives and spoons on the right, and dessert utensils above the plate. For basic or casual settings, follow the same order and feel free to experiment with colorful or modern cutlery styles. Think About Centerpieces and Extras: Centerpieces and extras are more important for formal settings. If adding flower arrangements, position them either above or below eye level. When the sun sets, light candles to enhance the ambiance. FAQ: Do napkins go on the left or the right? Napkins usually go to the left of the plate, but in many settings, they are placed on top of the plate. How do I incorporate a centerpiece in my table setting? Select a centerpiece that matches the theme of your meal and keep in mind the cookware and serving bowls and plates. Select a centerpiece that matches the colors and textures of your dinnerware, flatware, or placemats.