History of place settings
Not surprisingly, the concept of “table setting” is not new. We see the topic described by the ancient Greeks (e.g. Homer) and even in the Old Testament of the Bible.
And no discussion of table setting is possible without also noting that table manners seem to be inseparable from setting a good table.
For example, standing when a woman, dignitary or elderly person enters a room or approaches a dining table is said to demonstrate deep respect and is a gesture of humility.
In The Gentleman’s Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness”, published in 1860, the author recommends that “and at the table wait until she is seated, indeed wait until every lady is seated, before taking your own place.”
Seating arrangements
Originally, tables were set to accommodate certain arrangements.
For example, husbands and wives sit next to each other, or a guest of honor sits next to the host and/or hostess, etc.
Place settings
As a natural extension of seating arrangements, place settings involve the placement of eating utensils – items which also have evolved over many years – that guests need to enjoy the food provided by their host(s).
Basic rules
- Place utensils in order of use, working from the outside in.
- Next, in most instances, forks should set on the left of the plate, with knives and spoons on the right.
Note that the only fork that’s placed to the right of the plate is an oyster fork. As oysters are eaten first, this fork is placed to the far right of the spoons.
- Only set out the items needed. If, for example, you’re serving soup, then you’ll need a spoon for it.
- With the exception of the oyster fork, no more than three of any implement should be set on the table.
The meal served will dictate the utensils used
You’re already experienced with the more basic type of place setting for occasions when you’re eating with friends and family. The more formal the affair, however, the more utensils, and dinnerware you will need.
For informal or semi-formal table settings
There are two common ways to set out place settings for every day or less formal dinners.
- ⬥ All utensils get placed on top of the napkin to the left of the place setting. Beginning from the left side of the napkin you’ll set the fork, the knife (with its blade facing the plate) and then the spoon.
- ⬥ The napkin sets to the left with the fork resting on it. To the right of the plate, the knife is set, with the blade facing inward, towards the plate. Then, if needed, the spoon is set to the right of the knife.
- Then, either above the knife or at a 45-degree angle to the right of the tip of the knife you’ll set the water glass.
Keep in mind when hosting a dinner there’s no problem with adding a bit of your own personal style to the selection of the dishware, glassware and/or utensils you use.
As noted earlier, the type and number of courses you plan to serve will determine many of the choices you’ll make for your place settings.
More formal dinners
The following place setting adds just a touch of class and works well to bring your entertaining up a notch from basic, everyday meals without sacrificing the warm, comfortable feeling that a meal with friends and/or family should encompass.
A more formal place setting is easy to accomplish when you remember the basic rules (noted above).
Be aware that in some cases, the fork is placed on top of the napkin to save space – and to make the dinner feel more casual – however, some people feel that it defeats the idea that a utensil shouldn’t be disturbed until it’s needed, therefore they place the napkin on top of the dinner plate or inside the water or wine glass.
Dessert
The dessert utensils are either brought out when the dessert is served or they can stay with the place setting during the meal. If left in place the dessert utensils are either placed above the plate in a horizontal direction or set closest to the plate since they are the last ones used.
If set horizontally, the fork handle should point towards the left side of the place setting and the spoon should sit above the fork with its handle pointing towards the right.
Bread plate
The bread plate is set above the forks, and the salad plate is set to the left of them.
The butter knife is set across the bread plate, not with the other utensils. The handle of the knife faces towards the right and the blade faces the diner. This is for the benefit of right-hand dominant diners.
Beverages
Just as with the utensils, glasses place glasses in order of use, from the outside in. Use a maximum of five beverage glasses set as follows:
- ⬥ Water goblet directly above the knives
- ⬥ Red or white wine glass next to the water goblet
- ⬥ Champagne flute or sherry glass for an opening toast or first course
When you clear the table for dessert you should remove any unused utensils (except of course for the dessert ones if you’ve left them out) and also the butter knife and plate.
Remove those glasses used for a particular course.
Finally, don’t worry if you don’t have perfectly matching glassware and dinnerware. Use pieces that you love and which complement each other to show off your unique style.
Your guests will feel welcome, comfortable and enjoy the time they spend with you…and isn’t that why we have people over to our homes anyway?
