Setting the Table for Dinner

Table setting has become an art in today's society. The choice of china, silverware and tablecloths, as well as the style of centerpiece, can set the tone for dinner. From the casual family dinner to the formal dinner party, there are some basic rules to follow when setting the table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Choose the tablecloth, napkins, dishes, silverware and glassware. Keep to a color scheme for linens that is in keeping with the dinner event. If you are setting the table for Thanksgiving, for example, you may want to use fall colors for the tablecloth and napkins. For a summer dinner party, summery colors like blues, whites and greens can present a cool and pleasant appearance. Formal dinner parties traditionally have white or off-white china, while for casual barbecues, contemporary or earthenware dishes are appropriate.

2

Place the centerpiece at the exact center of your dinner table. The centerpiece helps to set the mood for the gathering. Floral centerpieces are very popular, but flowers are not the only components of a centerpiece. Some people use candles, plants or even petals floating in a bowl of water. Coordinate the centerpiece with the size of the table so there is room for other elements. Also, keep in mind that guests will not be able to see one another across the table over a tall centerpiece.

3

Put the service plates on the table, spacing them out evenly. Arrange the silverware in the order of use from the outside in. Place the dinner fork to the left of the plate, with the salad fork to the left if salad is served first. The knife, with blade pointing toward the service plate, goes to the right of the plate, with the soup spoon to the right of the knife.

4

Set the bread and butter plate above the forks on the left. Water glasses go to the right, above the knife. Wine glasses are place to the right of the water goblet.