You may be setting the table for your Christmas Eve party this afternoon and ask yourself, which side does the spoon go on, and is it the big fork on the inside or the small fork? Lucky for you, we’ve got you covered! Here is the table setting basics (plus some tips to help you remember next time!) Emily Post would be so proud!
Informal Table Setting
1. Forks are placed on the left of the dinner plate, knives and spoons go on the right. REMEMBER: Fork and Left = 4 Letters ; Knife, Spoon and Right = 5 Letters.
2. Silverware is placed in the order it will be used. For example, the salad fork (small fork) is on the left and the dinner fork (big fork) is directly to its right. The knife is to the left of the spoon.
3. The knife blade always faces the plate.
4. Rental utensils should be lined up evenly with the bottom of the plate.
5. The napkin goes to the left of the fork, or on the plate.
Formal Table Setting
1. Follow the informal table setting rules but also consists of salad, bread, soup, additional beverages, and dessert and coffee following the main course.
2. Dessert silverware can be placed at the table setting or brought out later just before dessert arrives. The dessert fork and spoon should be centered above and parallel to the dinner plate.
3. Water glasses should be placed above the dinner knife, with other drinking glasses arranged neatly nearby the water glass and to the right.
Buffet Table
If you choose to have a buffet table, be sure to have the plates at the beginning, but wait until the end of the buffet to offer flatware and napkins. This saves your guests from juggling silverware through the buffet line.
Photo Credit