How To Set A Table

Table Details:

With the holidays upon us I get super excited to set the table.  Yes, set the table! I feel like it’s a lost art that we need to bring back. While Mike and I have been trying to make a better effort at having nice meals at home using our wedding china, most nights we are using paper towels as napkins as we eat.  

Having Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s so close together is a great excuse to bring back the formality of dining and setting a table.  As a kid I remember the honor and excitement in helping my Mom and Grandma set the table for a holiday. Learning where each piece went on the table was exciting and challenging.  As an adult it’s a bit challenging too because I don’t do it that often. Lucky for me, Mike used to work in the restaurant industry, so I can always ask him. You might all not have a Mike at home :), so I created a simple guide on how to set a table.  

Step 1 – Dinner Plate

Place the dinner plate in the center of the place setting.  If you are using a salad plate, place it on top.

Step 2 – Napkin

Drape the napkin over the dinner and salad plate.  A simple half fold of the napkin will be just fine.  

Step 3 – Silverware

Working from left to right, just like you read a book. You will want to place the first utensil you will use on the outside of the left hand side of the plate.  

So salad fork, then dinner fork on the left hand side of the plate

Moving to the right hand side of the plate, place the knife closest to the dinner plate and then the spoon

Step 4 – Glassware

This is a huge pet peeve of mine…I’m at a wedding and someone takes my water from the table.  A simple rule of thumb, use your thumb to figure out what side the glassware goes on! Make the OK sign with both your hands.  Your left hand resembles a B and your right hand resembles a D. B is for bread and D is drink, that’s how you know what side it goes on!

The water glass should be placed closest to the dinner plate, directly above the knife.  The wine glass should be placed kitty corner from the water glass, directly above the spoon.  

If you are hosting the holiday I suggest you do a practice run.  Get out all your dishes and silverware and make sure it all is still in good shape.  I’d also suggest using cloth napkins, as it makes the holiday more special. You can pick up some reasonably prices ones here and here.

Make the actual table special and add your own touch.  You can add a table runner down the center, with candles and fresh flowers.  You don’t have to go overboard because the food will act as the main display.