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How to Set a Table: From Basic to Elegance
September 18, 2024
9 minutes
883 Viewers
Gathering for dinner can be a wonderful family occasion, and many are accustomed to setting out knives and forks for their nightly meal. However, what about those moments when we wish to transform dinner into a special event, celebrating our time with loved ones, especially during such times?
Are you knowledgeable about table setting rules and etiquette? Can you distinguish between a salad fork and a dessert fork? Or know which glass is designated for each type of drink, and their proper placement on the table?
Our guide on setting a table will demonstrate the best methods for arranging your table according to various occasions. Below, we will cover general rules for cutlery placement and explore the specifics for different types of table settings – basic, casual, and formal. Enjoy our videos, which will show you precisely how to set your table correctly.
What are the Different Types of Table Setting?
As previously discussed, there are general table setting rules and etiquette that can be applied to all types of tables and place settings. Beyond these basics, there are additional requirements for setting both casual and formal tables.
Adjusting your table setting according to the type of event you’re hosting is crucial—you don’t want to overwhelm your guests with too many options! Additionally, your table setup will vary depending on the event. Casual events will have a more relaxed table arrangement compared to formal dining. Ultimately, the look and feel of the table are up to you. Below, we outline three different types of table settings: basic, casual, and formal.
How to Set a Basic Table
The basic table setting includes the items you need for a regular meal. This setup is used for a daily dinner or possibly for a special brunch.
To set your basic table, you will need a charger plate, a knife and fork, a water glass, and a napkin. You can arrange your basic table setting according to the general rules outlined above—there are no hidden extras here!
In a basic table setting, dessert cutlery is often omitted since dessert isn’t typically served. Similarly, a wine glass is not necessary if wine isn’t being served. However, a more elaborate brunch setting might include a champagne flute for serving bucks fizz.
Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering
Our Food Safety and Hygiene for Catering course falls under the Level 2 category, which is perfect for you if you want to minimise potential hazards while maintaining food purity and high standards.
How to Set a Casual Table
The casual table setting is gaining popularity at major events like weddings and dinner parties at home. It adds a special touch while avoiding a formal or constrained atmosphere.
To set a casual table, you wiill need a knife and fork for both the starter and the main course – or a soup spoon if the starter is a soup. Additionally, you will need a spoon and dessert fork, which should be placed horizontally above the plate. The glassware required will depend on what you are serving, but typically includes a water glass and a wine glass positioned above the knives in the top right corner. Napkins can be placed in the center of the setting or to the left.
Casual table settings offer a fantastic opportunity to experiment with various styles. You might want to include a water glass, a wine glass, and a champagne flute for each guest, but feel free to mix and match styles and colors to create a look that’s uniquely yours. Charger plates provide another creative avenue; instead of traditional plates, consider using a placemat, mirrored glass, or a piece of shaped wood if you’re aiming for a rustic feel.
How to Set a Formal Table
The formal table setting is frequently observed in traditional fine dining establishments. However, a contemporary trend involves removing plates and cutlery between courses and providing fresh utensils for each course. At home, the formal style is most commonly utilized when there are more than three courses or when the food being served is more intricate.
The primary distinction with a formal table lies in the variety of foods served, each requiring its own set of implements, plates, and glassware. Additionally, formal dining often includes a tablecloth, though its use is optional and is more commonly associated with traditional establishments.
To set a formal table, begin by reviewing your menu and determining what items your guests will need. If soup is on the menu, you’ll require a soup spoon and likely a bread plate as well. Once you’ve identified what is needed, you can follow the general rules for setting the table. Remember, forks are placed on the left side, knives on the right, and the soup spoon should be positioned on the right alongside the knives. If a bread plate is included, place it in the top left corner of the setting. Ensure the knife is angled diagonally downward to avoid appearing threatening to your guests. Lastly, arrange the dessert spoon and dessert fork above the plate, with the fork handle to the left and the spoon handle to the right.
In a formal setting, the glassware typically includes a water glass, which is usually the largest glass on the table, a small wine glass for white wine, and a larger, rounded wine glass for red wine. Additionally, you may choose to place a cup and saucer for after-dinner coffee. This should be positioned underneath the glassware, to the right of the knives.
Although formal settings tend to be more traditional, you can still infuse them with uniqueness and integrate them into your table’s overall look. Think about incorporating napkin rings or designing individual place cards to impress your guests.
How to Set a Table Video
Our video guide on ‘How to Set a Table’ shows you how to set a table for basic, casual, or formal occasions. Whether you’re interested in enhancing family mealtimes or refining your professional skills, our easy-to-follow video guide has you covered.
What are the Table Setting Rules?
Regardless of whether you are setting a table for two courses or eight courses, there are certain rules that should always be followed. Each guest should have their own setting in front of their seat at the table. Their table setting must include everything they need to fully enjoy their meal.
Here are some general guidelines on how to set a table:
• Cutlery is set in the order of use, working outside-in. Outer utensils are for the first courses with the innermost set reserved for the main course.
• Forks are typically placed on the left side of the setting. However, there is an exception for the oyster fork, which is occasionally used in formal table settings and is positioned on the right, next to the knives.
• Knives are typically placed to the right of the setting. The only exception to this rule occurs when there is a bread plate. In this case, the bread plate is positioned at the top left of the setting, with the butter knife placed on top of the plate.
• Glassware is arranged above the knives. Various glasses for different drinks are grouped together in the top right corner of the setting.
• When serving dessert, position the dessert spoon and fork above the plate. The spoon handle should be on the right, while the fork handle should be oriented to the left. This arrangement ensures that the right hand can easily pick up the spoon, and the left hand can use the fork.
• Napkins can be positioned either to the left of the forks or underneath the forks. If space on your table is limited, you may also place the napkin in the middle of the setting or on top of the charger plate.
• Use a charger plate, which is positioned at the center of the table setting and serves multiple purposes. It enhances the table’s aesthetics and adds a decorative touch. It ensures that your guests’ settings are never empty throughout the dinner. Importantly, it also acts as a useful tool for handling hot plates, allowing guests to adjust the charger plate without risking burns from a hot plate. The charger plate doesn’t always need to be a traditional plate; it can be a classic placemat or something more modern, such as a piece of slate or wood.
Each item on the table has a specific function – whether it’s glassware, cutlery, or crockery. It is improbable that you would set a table without knowing what you are serving your guests, so take the time to plan your table as thoroughly as you plan your menu. You might find it useful to write out your menu and determine what cutlery and crockery will be needed for each course.
For instance, when serving soup, you need to place a soup spoon on the table. If you’re serving a light meal with seafood, it’s unlikely that you’ll be drinking red wine, so there’s no need for large red wine glasses. Always remember to only set out on the table the items your guests will actually need.
Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering
Our Food Safety and Hygiene for Catering course falls under the Level 2 category, which is perfect for you if you want to minimise potential hazards while maintaining food purity and high standards.
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