How To Set a Formal Table

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Learn how to set a formal table and you'll no longer be intimidated by someone else's!

To complete this How-To you will need:

Chargers
Napkins
Bread dishes
Butter spreaders
Knives
Forks
Spoons
Glasses
Dessert plates
Dessert utensils
Oyster forks (optional)

Step 1: Start with the main plate

Place a large plate, known as a charger, in the center of the place setting. This plate serves as the underplate for courses that precede the entree, and is taken away when the main dish arrives.

Step 2: Lay the napkin

Lay a folded napkin on top of the charger.

Step 3: Add a bread dish

Place a bread dish to the upper left-hand side of the charger, at the 11 o'clock position. Lay a small butter spreader diagonally across the top of the plate, handle on the right at 4 o'clock and blade facing down.

Step 4: Get out the knives and spoon

Place the dinner knife to the right of the charger. If there's a fish course, place the fish knife to the right of the dinner knife. If you're including an appetizer or salad knife, place it to the right of the fish knife. Make sure the blades face the plate.

Step 5: Put out the forks

Arrange the forks to the left of the charger in the order in which they will be used, starting from the outside and working in. The only exception is an oyster fork, which is placed on the right side of the plate, to the right of the knives and spoon.

Tip: An oyster fork can be used for any shellfish, not just oysters.

Step 6: Add a spoon

If you are serving a fruit or soup course, place the appropriate spoon to the right of the knives.

Tip: Don't put more than three types of one utensil on the table, except for an oyster fork, which can join three other forks. If more utensils are needed, bring them with each subsequent dish.

Step 7: Set out glasses

Place a water glass above the dinner knife. If you're serving champagne, a flute goes to the right of it. Place wine glasses, ending with a sherry glass, in front of the first two glasses.

Step 8: Bring on dessert

Bring dessert forks and spoons along with the dessert plate when that course is served.

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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• HomeFamily
• setting
• table
• formal
• dinner
• party
• holidays
• celebrations
• arranging
• silverware

[prep4md]

Fuck the oyster fork.

[cotton2222]

WOW............thats alot of untensils that you dont need!

[ramonamajidi]

how did i end up watching this ???

[icesaltdesign]

really usefull...i have an interview tomorow for a banquet server..this was the most helpful vid ive found tonight!!YESH

[taziy1]

dun you need a table?

[polywoly15]

The position of the utensils. 4 o'clock would be diagonal from left to right like so: \ . 12 or 6 o'clock would be vertical | and 9 or 6 o'clock would be horizontal ---.

[benfrankz94]

Hmm, what does he mean by 4 o'clock. I know it has nothing to do with time.

[InvaderMayhem]

Uh... Ok, what up with 4:00 and 11:00?!

TIMES?!?

"Oh, no, You can't do that. Your oyster fork is 4:01 Oclock."

"What?"

"What Fork do I use?! There are so many flippin' forks on the table!"

"You use the dinner fork."

"*Heh* Oh..."

[dudewtfwtf1]

spoon, fork, knife is all I need. you mad?

[y2jandy]

too damn many utensils at a seat