The Art Of Table Setting: Fork Placement And Dinnerware Arrangement

Setting up a dinner table is an art that can elevate the dining experience. Whether it's a casual meal or a formal affair, knowing how to set up the table is essential. The basic rules include placing the napkin to the left of the dinnerware or on top of the plate if using cloth napkins and napkin rings. Forks go to the left of the plate, while knives and spoons are placed on the right, with knife blades facing the plate. The water glass is placed above the knife, and if serving wine, the wine glass goes to the right of the water glass. For a formal table setting, a charger or service plate is used, along with multiple types of forks and knives for different courses. The dessert fork and spoon are typically brought in with the dessert plate.

Forks go to the left of the plate, knives and spoons to the right

Whether you're setting a casual table for a family meal or a formal table for a dinner party, the placement of your dinnerware, cutlery, and glassware is important. Forks go to the left of the plate, knives and spoons to the right—but why? And what else do you need to know about placing cutlery?

The placement of forks, knives, and spoons is designed to be functional and intuitive. Forks are used primarily in the left hand, so they are placed to the left of the plate. Knives and spoons, on the other hand, are usually used in the right hand, so they are placed to the right of the plate. This setup allows for ease of use and ensures that the table setting looks neat and elegant.

When setting the table, it's important to place the cutlery in the order of use, starting from the outside and working inwards with each course. For example, if you're serving a salad before the main course, the salad fork should be placed to the left of the dinner fork because it will be used first. Similarly, if you're serving soup, the soup spoon should be placed to the right of the knives.

There are a few exceptions to the general rule of fork placement. The dessert fork is placed above the plate, and the snail and oyster forks are placed on the right side of the plate. The knife blade should always face the plate, except for the butter knife, which is placed on the butter plate with the blade facing down and pointing left.

When setting the table, it's also important to consider the placement of glassware and napkins. The water glass should be placed directly above the knife, and if serving wine, the wine glass should be placed to the right of the water glass. The napkin can be placed in several locations, including to the left of the fork, on top of the plate, or underneath the forks.

Napkin placement: left of dinnerware or on top of plate

Napkin placement is an important part of table setting, and there are a few options depending on the level of formality of the meal.

For a casual meal, the napkin can be placed either on the left side of the plate, underneath the forks, or on top of the plate. If you are using cloth napkins and napkin rings, or if you fold the napkin into a special shape, it is customary to place the napkin on top of the plate. This is also acceptable for more formal place settings.

In a formal place setting, the napkin is usually placed to the left of the forks and charger plate, or on top of the charger plate. The napkin should never be placed under any of the silverware. If you are using a bread plate, the napkin should be placed to the left of this.

When dining formally, the napkin is sometimes placed on the right side of the place setting. This signals to the waitstaff that you are ready to be served. If you do not wish to be served yet, the napkin should be left folded and tucked into the top left corner of the place setting.

Glassware placement: above and to the right of the plate

Glassware placement is an important aspect of setting a table, whether for a casual get-together or a formal dinner party. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for placing glassware above and to the right of the plate:

Types of Glassware

First, let's discuss the types of glassware typically used on a dining table. The most common types are water glasses, wine glasses (red and white), and dessert wine glasses. Depending on the occasion and the meal being served, you may also include champagne flutes, sherry glasses, juice glasses, or iced tea glasses.

Placement

Now, let's talk about the placement of the glassware. In general, glassware should be placed above and to the right of the dinner plate. Here are the steps to follow:

• Water Glass: The water glass is the most important glass on the table and should be placed first. It goes above and to the right of the dinner plate, typically about one inch above the tip of the dinner knife. This placement ensures that it is easily accessible to the diner.
• Wine Glasses: Wine glasses should be placed to the right of the water glass. If you are serving both red and white wine, the white wine glass goes closest to the water glass, with the red wine glass just behind it. The glasses should be arranged in the order of use, with the wine to be served first placed closest to the diner.
• Other Glasses: If you are serving other beverages, such as champagne or sherry, their glasses can be placed to the right of the wine glasses. For a simple meal with limited beverages, you may place the glasses in a straight line or at a diagonal angle toward the edge of the table.
• Symmetry and Space: It is important to arrange the glassware symmetrically and in a way that is comfortable and convenient for the diner. If you are serving multiple courses with different beverages, consider arranging the glasses in a triangle or diamond shape to save space. The water glass forms the base of the triangle, with the other glasses extending outward to the upper right.
• Dessert Wine Glasses: For dessert wines, bring out the glasses with the dessert course rather than including them in the initial table setting. Place the dessert wine glass to the right of the water glass or, if space is limited, angle it to the right rear of the water goblet.
• Left-Handed Diners: Remember that these guidelines are designed for right-handed diners. If you are catering to left-handed guests, simply swap the cutlery and glasses to the opposite side, ensuring they are still above and to the right of the plate.

Final Thoughts

When setting the table, always consider the occasion and the number of courses being served. Only set the table with the glassware that will be needed, and arrange them symmetrically and comfortably for your guests. By following these instructions, you will create a well-organized and inviting dining experience for your guests.

Dessert fork and spoon: placed above the plate

Dessert cutlery is placed differently depending on the formality of the setting. At a formal event, the dessert fork is laid on the left side of the plate, and the dessert spoon (or knife) is placed on the right side of the plate. The diner lays the utensils on the table in the respective order. At an informal meal, when two utensils are provided for dessert, the utensils are laid together on the table or presented on the dessert plate. The dessert spoon (or knife) is laid horizontally above the plate, with its handle facing right. The dessert fork is placed beneath the spoon (or knife), with its handle facing left. The tines of the fork should face right, and the bowl of the spoon should face left.

When setting an informal place setting with the fork and spoon above the plate, the fork is placed on the bottom, with its tines facing right. The spoon is placed above the fork, with its bowl facing left. This is to prevent the fork from pricking the diner's hand when they reach for the spoon.

Dessert cutlery is only placed on the table if dessert is being served.

Basic table setting: placemats, dinner plates, side plates, cutlery, glasses, napkins, salt and pepper shakers

A basic table setting is perfect for impromptu gatherings and casual meals. Here is a step-by-step guide to setting a basic table, followed by some general tips and tricks.

Step-by-Step Guide to a Basic Table Setting

• Placemats are optional but if you choose to use them, place one at each seat, leaving at least 30 cm between them.
• Place a dinner plate in the centre of each placemat or place setting, leaving a gap of about 1 inch between the rim of the plate and the bottom edge of the table.
• If using side plates or bowls, for bread, salad, soup, or cereal, place them on top of the dinner plates or to the left of the place setting.
• Place forks to the left of the plate and knives to the right, with their blades facing in towards the plate. If using spoons, place them to the right of the knife. Alternatively, for a more casual setting, you can place all the cutlery on the right side of the plate, with the fork on the left, then the spoon, and finally the knife.
• Napkins are also optional but if you are using them, place them either on the left of the forks, underneath the forks, or on top of the dinner plates.
• Place glasses at the top right corner of the place setting.
• Add any extras, such as serving dishes, to the centre of the table.

General Tips and Tricks

• Only lay out the tableware, cutlery, and glassware that you will use.
• Place cutlery in the order of use, starting from the outside and working inwards.
• Forks are placed to the left of the plate, and knives and spoons to the right.
• The water glass should be placed directly above the knife, with the wine glass to its right.
• If you are using a tablecloth, it should hang evenly on each end and on the sides, falling at least a foot below the top of the table.
• Salt and pepper shakers can be placed at the top of the placemat for each guest, or in the centre of the table.
• If you are catering to a left-handed guest, you can place the cutlery and glasses on the opposite side.

Frequently asked questions