How To Set The Table: A Guide to Setting Your Holiday Table

Photo by Collin Pierson

As someone who loves to entertain and design stylish tables, having all of my tabletop essentials is a critical step in my process. Entertaining isn’t just about food and music, it’s about the personal touches that make your guests feel like you’ve made things special just for him, her or them. These are the elements that really make the table stand out, yet have to coexist in beautiful harmony.

There is nothing like a beautifully set table. All of the table’s elements should complement one another and enhance all senses, like your flatware, drinkware and plates. If you want to create a great dining experience, you shouldn't overlook the importance of proper placement of everything that goes on the table.

Here are some table setting rules to follow as you plan your next celebration.

For starters, knowledge of proper table setting is important. There are various types of place settings. The most common types of table settings are formal, casual, and basic. While styles vary, it’s important to note that each place setting should include only the tabletop pieces that will be used with the style of dining. Here are some basic rules to get you on your way to entertaining and setting the table the proper way.

Flatware Placement: The first rule to know is that the cutlery is set in the order of use, from the outside working in. Forks go on the left side of the setting. Knives and spoons go to the right of the setting with the cutting edge facing inward. If serving dessert, the dessert spoon and fork should be placed above the plate. The bread and butter knife is optional.

Plates Placement: If you're serving salad, set the salad plate on top of the dinner plate in the center, and if you're serving soup, place the soup bowl on top of the salad plate. Place bread plates slightly above the salad plate, closer to the dessert fork.

Glassware Placement: Glassware should be set above and to the right of the dinner plate, in the following order: water glass, red wine, white wine, and champagne or cocktail, from left to right. Side plates go to the left.

Napkin Placement: The napkin is folded or put in a napkin ring and placed to the left of the forks or on the top plate, which is usually the salad or dinner plate (depending on what you are serving). 

Remember that the place setting is where you can really show off your personal style so feel free to get creative with your styling options while following the proper table setting etiquette.