A Simple Guide for Every Occasion on Table Setting ( Part 1 )

Whether you’re hosting a grand wedding or a fun dinner party with your friends, following the right table setting rules can be quite overwhelming. Depending on the occasion it’s important to know how to set a table and to follow proper table setting etiquette. Ever wondered what type of table setting is best for a wedding? How about a dinner party with friends?

Knowing which table setting rules to follow does not have be complicated if you just adhere to a few simple guidelines. Let’s explore the four types of table settings.

4 Types of Table Settings:

1. Formal
2. Informal
3. Basic
4. Buffet

To figure out which table setting to use, you’ll want to know how formal your event will be. Having a formal table setting for a dinner party at home may make your guests feel a bit uncomfortable. On the other hand, using a buffet table setting for a formal gala would also be rather inappropriate.

Choosing the right table setting for your event will depend on several factors, including: the formality of the event, how many courses to be served, and how it will be served. You’ll want to choose a table setting that will give the guest the best experience at your event.

Each of these four table settings have their own rules and include different components including utensils, glassware, and dishware.

Photography and Menu card Design by: Melissa Fuller Photography | @melissafullerphotography

General Table Setting Rules:

To start, let’s begin with a few general table setting rules that apply to each type of table setting.

1. Utensils – For starters, utensils are placed in the order in which they are used with the first ones placed on the outside. For example: the salad fork is placed on the outermost edge of the left side before the dinner fork. This is because salads are usually served before the main course.

2. Forks – These are usually placed on the left side of the main service plate. The exception is the dessert fork which can be placed above the plate and the oyster fork which is placed on the right side.

3. Knives – Knives are always placed on the right side of the plate, with the cutting blade facing inwards towards the plate. The exception is the butter knife which is placed on the butter plate, with the blade pointing downwards and left.

4. Spoons – Spoons are typically placed on the right side of the plate. The exception is the dessert spoon which is placed directly above the service plate.

5. Placement – All utensils should be placed about an inch from the edge of the table and lined up evenly from the bottom ends.

6. Set only what you use – Only set the utensils that will be used throughout the service. If there is no soup, there’s no need to set a soup spoon.

Now that you’ve got the basics, it’s time to learn more about each of the table setting types. To help you out, we created these place setting templates so you can identify each element of the table setting. We’ve also included a list of the components along with their descriptions for each type of table setting.

Save 15% OFF sitewide with code at Teleflora. Offer valid through July 31.2016. http://coupon4share.com/store/teleflora.com
Find discount Anniversary Flowers at FTD! Go through this coupon and save up to 10% OFF!  
http://coupon4share.com/store/ftd.com