Formal Dinner Table Setting
What is the etiquette for laying a formal setting?
You are hosting a dinner party and want to do everything possible to ensure that your guests are comfortable and enjoy their meal.
If this is a formal occasion, laying the table "properly" will add to the sophistication and glamor as you add sparkling glassware, heavy silver cutlery and centerpieces such as flowers and candles.
First, make sure that the table is clean even if you are using a crisp linen tablecloth. Match napkins at the left on sideplates and preferably have dinner mats for the center of each setting.
Next, place all the little extras like salt and pepper grinders, relishes and sauces in boats, coasters for wine bottles, and jugs of water.
If you are following a theme by using silverware and china dinnerware, then keep the containers and candle holders silver too. Glassware goes very well with silver. Use white table napiery with these to give a really formal and glamorous look.
A guideline for laying cutlery is as follows: work from the outside in, so that the cutlery that will be used first is on the outside of the setting. A small knife for buttering bread goes furtherest away from the center on the right.
The blades of knives lay with the sharp edges facing the mat. Dessert spoon and fork are laid at the top of the setting with one below the other. Small and large fork on the left.
Fold the napkins and place on the side plates to the left of the setting.
Other items to have on the table are: toothpicks, fingerbowls, butter on small dishes close to each setting, wine glasses and water glass (at top right of setting), place card with guest's name and decorative items like fruit, shells etc.
If you have a sideboard you could keep the heated plates, cheeses, salads, bread, cream etc. ready for use here. This saves you moving away from the table too much and away from your guests and conversation.
The trick to a successful formal meal, besides the delicious food, is to have as much prepared beforehand as possible - this limits the risk of 'disasters' and lets you relax and enjoy the occasion as much as your guests will!
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