How To Set The Table For A Formal Dinner
Oftentimes, people can be quite put off by the thought of setting the table for a formal dinner. Does it really have to be that difficult? Or are there are few basic steps that can help sort through the myths and anxiety of what order the forks go in. Many people feel this way and as a result the formal dinner party has seen a decline in recent years. No need to stress, we have put together a selection of easy to follow tips so you’ll know how to set the table for a formal dinner.
How to set a table for a formal dinner party used to be common knowledge. It’s now become much rarer and more of a treat rather than the norm. If you’re hosting a baby shower, kitchen tea, special luncheon or formal dinner you’ll need to know how to set a formal table setting.
It’s not as difficult as you think so don’t worry. You just need to follow some basic guidelines and your guests will think you’re the go-to-pro for formal dinner parties. These days, anyone can host a formal event without the need for ball gowns and tuxedos.
Keep it simple
Your formal dinner party does not have to be awkward or confined to talk of politics and religion. You’ll find they can be a lot of fun if you know what you’re doing. Start out by planning your place settings, for which the rules are simple and straightforward. Familiarise yourself with a few basic tips and no one will be the wiser that you haven’t done it before.
One step at a time
Remember, it’s your dinner party. Make it work for you and what you want to achieve. Etiquette is important but you are the one who should set the tone and mood for the event. Your guests may look to you for guidance on what’s happening next, and this can be quite exciting. Don’t leave any of your guests embarrassed so make sure you cover any issues straight away if they arise.
The tablecloth
When does a stunning white table cloth ever go wrong? Unless you’re serving a bus load of kids spaghetti bolognaise, a white table cloth is a go-to every time. Its elegance is as close to essential as you’ll get. Black or coloured table cloths will also look super bold and striking if you’re thinking of having a themed formal dinner. You can use contrasting napkins for drama or stick to the crisp of white all-round. Even the most simple dish of food will look striking against a white background.
The dinner plates
The very first item that goes on your table cloth is the dinner plate. It should sit right in the middle of each guest’s setting. Keep a close eye on making sure each piece is evenly spaced out in front of the guests. You’ll also need to watch for ensuring there is enough room for the rest of the setting too without intruding on the next person’s elbow room. You can even grab the ruler if you want to really hone in on an exact replica of each setting!
You will need to make sure you have room for additional plates for bread and additional courses you will be serving up. Put the bread plate just beyond the tip of the forks. Soup bowls and salad plates should be placed in the centre of the dinner plate, one at a time, and removed swiftly before the main course is served.
The napkins
Napkins should be placed in the centre of the plate with either a napkin ring or folded in whichever way you choose.
Utensils
Knives, forks and spoons should be placed in order of how you want them to be used. Start with the outside and work you way in toward the plate, in order of usage. Forks always go on the left and knives and spoons on the right. The blade of the knife should always face the plate.
If you’re serving up bread rolls to your family and friends, make sure the butter knives are always placed on the bread plate as a rule. If you guests need a dessert spoon or fork it will be placed above the plate. You don’t need to add utensils that you don’t think will be used, they will just take up space you could use for something more important.
Glassware
Any glasses you want to use should be placed to the right of the plate. Water glasses should then sit further toward the centre of the table. If you are choosing to serve wine, these glasses should sit next to the water glass, above the tip of the knife. You can either pop them on the table before the meal, or as you are serving beverages.
Dessert
First you’ll need to clear all dishes from the main meal and leave a clear place setting. Position the dessert plate right in front of your guests. The only glass you’ll need to leave there is the water glass, which gives guests the ongoing option of a drink.
Coffee should also be served with dessert so this is when you add coffee cups to the table. Place them about 2-3 centimetres above the top right of the dessert plate or bowl.
Your centrepiece
A formal dinner certainly means an elegant and fancy centrepiece. There are so many options to choose from and it’s really about your personality and preference. You can opt for candles, fresh flowers or any homewares you want to use to add to the décor of the table. Just make sure you’re mindful of how high you go, you don’t want your guests struggling to see each other across the table.
Remember, House & Garden stocks a beautiful range of dinnerware including dinner sets, separates, cutlery sets or individual pieces, table linen and servingware to help show you how to set the table for a formal dinner.
