We do not often need to set the table in a formal manner for everyday meals, but sometimes, we just want to make that extra effort.
Dinner parties are a great time to enjoy a formal meal with all the bells and whistles.
If you never learned how to set a formal table, do not worry.
Most people do not know this skill any more.
Luckily, it is simple to learn at the last minute.
The Linens You need a tablecloth.
It should be clean and starched.
White is the most elegant, but you can get away with another color.
Another way to add color is to use colored linen napkins.
Use napkin rings for the napkins; it is easier than learning to fold them in a fancy shape.
You can find many kinds of napkin rings that may complement your china.
You can also use matching placemats if you wish.
The Plates Dinner plates should be the first thing you set on the tablecloth.
Everyone should be seated evenly around the table.
The plate will be in the center of each place setting.
The napkins should be set in the middle of each dinner plate, either folded neatly or inserted into a napkin ring.
If you have bread plates, they should be placed above the forks.
The Silverware The general rule for silverware is to lay them out in the order they will be used, so you work your way in towards the plate.
The first piece that should sit to the right of the dinner plate is the knife.
Make sure the blade is turned towards the plate.
Only one knife will be used unless you also need to provide a steak knife.
Your spoons are next.
If you are serving melons, a melon spoon would come next.
If not, the soup spoon will rest next to the knife.
Dessert spoons will be set above the plate in a horizontal position.
Forks go to the left of the plate.
If you are going for an extremely formal setting, the forks would start with the seafood fork, then the entree fork, and finally the salad fork because salad is served after the entree in a formal meal.
If you are serving salad before the entree, place the salad fork before the entree fork.
When you are setting your silverware, make sure the tips of the handles are all an inch from the edge of the table.
This keeps your settings looking uniform and neat.
Glassware The water glass rests above the dinner plate on the left.
The rest of the glasses are placed across the top of the plate in a line.
Place the red wine glass to the right of the water glass, then the white wine glass, the cordial glass and the champagne glass.
Of course, you can eliminate any glassware that belongs to a beverage you are not serving.
If you are serving coffee, the cups will be brought to the table with dessert, along with any dessert forks and coffee spoons.