How to Set the Perfect Table

A beautiful table setting brings almost as much to a successful dinner as the meal itself. While age-old rules continue to influence proper table settings, don't be afraid to show your own personal character when setting the table. Though traditional etiquette lays out some useful guidelines, the "perfect" table is the table that makes family, friends and guests feel at home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Setting the Table

1




Choose a tablecloth or placemats, but don't use both at once.

Cover the table with a tablecloth that accents the dcor of your dining room or reflects on the season. Drape the cloth so it hangs about 6 inches over each side of the table.

2

Set a plate at the center of each place setting. If you're serving side dishes, place the side plate to the left of the main plate. When serving cold starter dishes, set the dish at each place before the guests arrive.

3

Distribute finger bowls filled with warm water and a slice of lemon if you plan on serving sticky or messy finger foods.

4




Save specialty utensils for the courses they are used for.

Set forks to the left of the plate. Spoons and knives go on the right. Arrange the cutlery in the order that it will be used, from farthest away from the plate to closest. Turn all knife blades inward toward the plate. Bring specialty utensils out with the course they belong to.

5

Put specially folded napkins on top of the center plate. Other napkins go underneath the knife and spoon on the right side of the plate.

6




The right wineglass adds a lot to the table. Choose modern or traditional looking glasses.

Place wineglasses at the tip of the knife. Set other glasses in the order they will be used, outermost first. If serving coffee, place cups and saucers to the right of the furthest utensil with the handles facing right.

7

Assign place cards to each setting to avoid confusion or awkward situations at the table.

8




Try working food or plant elements into your centerpiece.

Accent the table setting to create a mood. Use candles for romantic meals, flowers for festive meals or seasonally themed centerpieces for the holidays. The right centerpiece adds character and hominess to the table setting.