How to Set a Table

The holidays are right around the corner and you may be planning to have guest over for dinner. Save yourself some embarrassment and review the rules of setting a table.

Start with the plates. Make sure they are spaced far enough apart that your guests will be comfortable and not bumping elbows.

On the left. Place any forks that will be needed for the meal to the left of the plate. The fork used first should be furthest way from the plate.

On the right. Knives should be placed closest to the plate and spoons furthest away. Again placing the utensils used first the furthest away from the plate.

Up Top. Place the bread plate and butter knife just above the forks. Place glasses above the knives. If you’d like, you can also place dessert silver directly above the plate.

Napkins may be placed either on the plate or to the left of the forks depending on whether or not there will be food on the table when your guests are seated.

You can definitely add your own style to your table setting, but knowing the basics makes you look like a well prepare and seasoned host.

Also check out the Zabitatz Zabcast on setting a casual table.