If you wish to make your guests feel like royalty when throwing a dinner party, you must learn the art of setting a proper table. It’s a small detail that will reflect your meticulous nature, not to mention classy taste. Here are the dos and don’ts for setting an impeccable dinner table.
Tablecloth
Do
*Always use a tablecloth when receiving guests: it’s neater, and so much more elegant. The tablecloth should be large enough to cover the entire table plus an overlap of at least 4” on all sides.
Don’t
*Superimpose two tablecloths. If your tablecloth isn’t large enough, use three instead: one on the left, one in the centre and one on the right. They should all be the same colour: if this isn’t possible, the two at the ends should match.
*Use a tablecloth that is too long: it will only be in your guests’ way and could potentially cause a mess.
*Leave creases (from folding or other) in your tablecloth. Take a few minutes to iron them out before placing it on the table.
Plates
Do
*Take advantage of any special occasion to take out your finest dishes: it’s so rare that you get the chance to use them!
*Place the dinner plate about 2cm (approximately ½”) from the edge of the table.
*Place the bread plate to the top left side of the dinner plate.
Don’t
*Serve the soup bowl directly on the table: always place it on top of a large plate.
*Place empty plates beside those being used for the bread and main course right away; any additional dishes should be brought to the table only when serving a new course.
*Place the settings too close together; give your guests enough room so that they don’t feel restricted.
Utensils
Do
*Put different utensils on the table for each course. Proper etiquette dictates that you use the utensils placed on the outside--farthest from the plate--first, and then work your way in.
*Place the forks (large and small) to the left of the plate. According to the previously-mentioned order, the small fork should be placed to the left of the large fork, since it will be used during the appetizer course, which is served first.
*Place the knife (or knives, depending on the courses) and tablespoon to the right of the plate.
*Wait until the appropriate time to bring teaspoons or cheese knives to the table if your meal calls for them. If this is not possible, place them above the plate in the order they will be used (again, following the principal that the farthest from the plate should be used first).
*Place the butter knife across the bread plate.
Don’t
*Use the same utensils for the appetizer and main course.
*Place the knife with the blade facing away from the plate.
*Place the teaspoon to the side of the plate.
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