Setting a table with cutlery is straightforward: forks go to the left of the plate, and knives and spoons go to the right. The knife blade should always face inward towards the plate. If soup isn't being served, you don't need to include a spoon. Align the bottoms of all silverware for a neat appearance.
Here's a more detailed breakdown for different levels of formality:
Basic Table Setting
This is suitable for everyday meals.
- Plate: Centered in front of the chair.
- Fork: To the left of the plate.
- Knife: To the right of the plate, blade facing the plate.
- Spoon: To the right of the knife (only if needed, e.g., for cereal or dessert).
- Napkin: Can be placed to the left of the fork, under the fork, or on the plate.
- Glass: Above and to the right of the plate.
Informal Table Setting
Slightly more elaborate, suitable for casual dinners or luncheons.
- Plate: Centered in front of the chair.
- Fork(s): Place the dinner fork to the left of the plate. If a salad fork is needed, it goes to the left of the dinner fork (furthest from the plate).
- Knife: To the right of the plate, blade facing the plate.
- Spoon(s): If soup is served, the soup spoon goes to the right of the knife. Dessert spoon can be placed above the plate, horizontally.
- Napkin: To the left of the fork(s) or on the plate.
- Glass(es): Water glass above and to the right of the plate. A wine glass can be placed to the right of the water glass.
Formal Table Setting
Used for special occasions, dinner parties, and formal events.
- Charger Plate (Optional): A large decorative plate placed under the dinner plate. Removed after the appetizer course.
- Dinner Plate: Placed on top of the charger plate (if used).
- Salad Plate: Placed on top of the dinner plate or to the left of the forks if the salad is served first.
- Bread Plate: Small plate placed above the forks and to the left. A butter knife can rest on the bread plate.
- Fork(s): From left to right: Salad fork (if served first), dinner fork, fish fork (if applicable).
- Knife(s): From right to left: Dinner knife, fish knife (if applicable). Blade(s) facing the plate.
- Spoon(s): Soup spoon to the right of the knives. Dessert spoon and dessert fork are placed horizontally above the plate.
- Napkin: To the left of the forks or on the charger plate.
- Glasses: Water glass above the knives. Wine glasses (for white and red wine) to the right of the water glass, angled slightly.
Key Considerations:
- Use only the cutlery needed for the courses being served. Don't clutter the table with unnecessary items.
- Cutlery is used from the outside in. The utensil furthest from the plate is used first.
- Maintain consistent spacing between items for a polished look.
- Adjust based on menu. If there's no salad, don't include a salad fork.
In summary, proper cutlery placement involves arranging forks on the left, knives and spoons on the right (knife blade inward), and aligning everything neatly according to the level of formality.
