Start with the dinner plate. Set it in the middle of the place setting, directly in front of the chair. Place the bread plate above and to the left of the dinner plate with the butter knife resting on the bread plate. Fold the napkin and lay it to the left of the dinner plate with the folded edge facing away from the plate.
A handy bit of info I've brought out numerous times deals with which side of the plate to lay your utensils. Fork has 4 letters and so does left, therefore the forks go on the left side of the plate. Knife has 5 letters as does right, therefore the knife and spoon go to the right of the dinner plate. The knife's blade is always pointed towards the plate and the forks should rest atop the already laid napkin.
Always ensure your utensils are laid down in the order that they'll be used from the outside in.
The wineglass and water goblet are positioned above and to the right of the dinner plate. The wineglass will be the closest glass to the plate, and the water glass above and just slightly to the left of it.
Lastly, dessert utensils. While it is completely acceptable to lay the table with the dessert utensils already placed, proper placement is important. They'll be situated above the dinner plate with the spoon on top and pointing towards the left, and the fork below the spoon with the tines pointing towards the right.
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I believe it is also considered correct to set the napkin to the left of the forks, so it can be picked up and placed in the lap at the beginning of the meal without having to move the silverware. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe best part for me of having a dinner party is setting the table. I always try to match the linens with the mood, type of people invited, and even type of food. It's so much fun, and can really be beautiful. Thanks for this, and that table sure looks familiar! auntie M
ReplyDeleteOh perfect! We just did the lil housewarmingish party-thing, but have the sitdown family dinner thing coming up and this will come in useful!
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