Dinner Table Setting Etiquette for Formal Occasions

Formal dinner occasions can be overwhelming and leave hosts nervous. But you need not be intimidated if you follow the simple rules of dinner table etiquette. Setting a formal table is not difficult at all. Once you apply the rules you can be at ease with your guests.

An elegant table begins by donning a clean, starched white linen tablecloth. You can use other subtle colors but nothing like white. Colored linen napkins in decorative rings compliment the China. Linen placemats are eye-catching too.

Place the dinner plates on the placemats in the middle of each place setting. Each person’s tableware should be placed at equal intervals around the table. In the center of each dinner plate should be the napkins, either folded or rolled.

To the right of each plate are the knives. The general rule of formal silverware is to eat working your way in and so should be placed in order of use. Knives should have the blade turned towards the plate. To the right of the knives are the spoons. The soup spoon should be first in the row. Dessert spoons are placed above the plate.

To the left of each plate are the forks, also to be placed in the order of use. In most cases it’s a seafood fork first, entrée fork and last is the salad fork. Above the forks is the bread plate. It’s important to note that all cutlery be placed an inch from the edge of the table, appearing orderly and uncluttered.