Table Setting Rules: A Simple Guide for Every Occasion ( part 3 )

2. Informal

The informal table setting is probably the most widely used. It is a great fit for casual weddings, dinner parties, or any occasion that needs a just bit of dressing up without being too formal.

There are subtle differences between the informal table setting and the formal table setting. There are fewer utensils involved in an informal table setting, as well as fewer glasses. Also, a butter plate may or may not be provided.

Photography by: Steven Steinhardt

Informal Table Setting Elements:

Center

• Service plate – The service plate, or entrée plate, is placed on top of the charger (if one is provided), and is usually taken away before the next course.

• Napkin – The napkin is folded and placed on top of the plate before service begins.
• Menu card – The menu card can either be placed on top of the napkin or inserted into the folds of the napkin for a more formal display.

Left-side

• Salad fork – Salad is the second course that is served, so the salad fork is placed at the outer left edge of the table setting. The salad fork is usually smaller than the dinner fork.

• Dinner fork – The dinner fork is placed to the immediate left of the charger or service plate. The dinner fork is typically the largest fork.

Right-side

• Soup spoon – Soup is typically the first course that is served. Therefore, the soup spoon is placed on the outer edge of the right side.

• Salad knife – The salad is served after the soup, so the salad knife is placed to the left of the soup spoon.

• Dinner knife – The dinner knife is placed to the immediate right of the service plate, corresponding with the placement of the dinner fork.

Top

• Dessert teaspoon – Placed above the entrée plate, this is the smallest of the spoons.

• Water glass – This glass is the largest of the glasses.

• Wine glass – A single wine glass is all that’s needed for the informal table setting.

3. Basic

The basic table setting is essentially a simplified version of the informal table setting, with just a few subtle differences. For example, no dessert utensils are included and it may include fewer glasses. The basic table setting is great for daytime brunches, casual dinner parties, or for fancy dinners at home.

Photography by: Jen Wojcik

Basic Table Setting Elements:

Center

• Charger – The charger is the center stage of the table setting. As various courses come and go, they are set on top of the charger, including the salad course, soup course, and fish course. When the dinner course arrives, the charger is taken away.
• Service plate – The service plate, or entrée plate, is placed on top of the charger (if one is provided), and is usually taken away before the next course.

• Napkin – The napkin is folded and placed on top of the plate before service begins.

• Menu card – The menu card can either be placed on top of the napkin or inserted into the folds of the napkin for a more formal display.

Left-side

• Salad fork – Salad is the second course that is served, so the salad fork is placed at the outer left edge of the table setting. The salad fork is usually smaller than the dinner fork.

• Dinner fork – The dinner fork is placed to the immediate left of the charger or service plate. The dinner fork is typically the largest fork.

Right-side

• Soup spoon – Soup is typically the first course that is served. Therefore, the soup spoon is placed on the outer edge of the right side.

• Dinner knife – The dinner knife is placed to the immediate right of the service plate, corresponding with the placement of the dinner fork.

Top

• Water glass – This glass is the largest of the glasses.

• Wine glass – A single wine glass is all that’s needed for the informal table setting.

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