You may not realise the importance of good table etiquette, but it doesn’t go unnoticed. Ensuring that your tables look presentable and are set according to the type of dining experience you’re offering will create a good first impression. Plus, once you know where everything goes you can put your own spin on things with different glassware or fancy napkins! Here’s all you need to know about setting your restaurant tables.
How to Set a Table for Casual Dining
Set out a place mat. Place the dinner plate in the centre of the table setting and a salad plate on top if needed. Position a fork to the left of the plate and set the salad fork to the left of the dinner fork. Place the knife to the right of the dinner plate and then set the spoon to the right of the knife. Set the water glass in the top right corner, above the knife. Place the wine glass (either a red or a white wine glass, depending on what you’re serving) to the right of the water glass. The napkin can be placed on top of the dinner plate or beneath the fork.
How to Set a Table for Formal Events
Begin by laying out a crisp tablecloth and place a dinner plate in the middle of the setting. (For a more traditional table setting, place a charger plate beneath the dinner plate.) Next, add the salad plate on top of the dinner plate. A bread plate should then be placed above and to the left of the dinner and salad plate. The butter knife can be placed horizontally on the bread plate. The dinner fork goes to the left of the dinner plate and the salad fork goes to the left of the dinner fork. Place the knife to the right of the dinner plate and then set the spoon to the right of the knife. The dessert spoon should be placed horizontally above the dinner plate. Water and white and red wine glasses go in the upper right corner. The water glass should be closest to the guest since they may drink more water than wine. The red wineglass goes just behind the white wineglass. Fold the napkin (or use a chic napkin ring) and place it on top of the salad plate. Add a place card above the dessert spoon - this is a nice touch for special occasions or parties. The coffee cup and saucer can be set below the glasses with the dessert course.
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