The most common table arrangements are formal, casual, and straightforward. Each place setting includes the china and utensils customarily used with the appropriate meal style. For instance, there will be more cutlery when there are more courses at a formal table setting. A simple table setting uses fewer utensils because there is just one course. Provide only the glasses or utensils needed for the supper. If no wine is being served, you can put the glasses away.
FORMAL TABLE SETTING
This restaurant seating arrangement is typical at formal events, black-tie weddings, and fine dining venues. Since this setting is meant for a six-course supper with an appetizer, soup, salad, starch, protein, and dessert, it needs more silverware and glasses than the other settings. Charger plates, which should be placed behind the serving plate, are another option.
- Place a recently-ironed tablecloth on the table first.
- A serving dish should be placed in the middle of each place setting.
- Place a bread plate at the upper left of the serving dish. The butter knife handle should be pointed to the right, and the blade should be pointing down on the bread plate.
- The dinner fork is placed inside the serving dish first, then the salad fork on the outside.
- Starting from the inside out, the pieces of cutlery on the right side of the serving plate are the dinner knife, salad knife, soup spoon, and teaspoon.
- The cutlery should be evenly spaced apart and have bottoms matching the serving dish’s bottom.
- The handle of the dessert spoon should be pointed to the right and positioned horizontally above the serving plate.
- Place a water glass on top of the dinner knife.
- Position the white wine glass to the right and beneath the water glass.
- Position the red wine glass just above and slightly to the right of the white wine glass.
- Place a cup and saucer above and slightly to the right of the soup spoon.
CASUAL TABLE SETTING
- This arrangement, sometimes called an informal table setting, is widely utilized during luncheons and banquets. It is a popular choice for wedding table arrangements and modern casual restaurant table furniture for those who want to update their dining room furnishings. With only three dishes instead of six, this arrangement mimics a formal dinner table setting. There will be sufficient cutlery for the entrée, salad, soup, and dessert.
- The table should be prepared with a serving plate in the middle.
- Place a bread plate at the upper left of the serving dish. The butter knife handle should be pointed to the right, and the blade should be pointing down on the bread plate.
- The dinner fork is placed inside the serving dish first; then, the salad fork goes on the outside.
- The cutlery on the right side of the serving plate from the inside out will be the dinner knife, soup spoon, and teaspoon.
- Place a water glass on top of the dinner knife.
- Set the wine glass next to the water glass.
BASIC TABLE SETTING
This simple table arrangement may be used in any eatery or casual gathering. In diners and places with family-style dining, you’ll commonly see it utilized alongside a placemat or coffee cup. Ensuring visitors have what they need and setting up a straightforward table will make them feel welcome.
- The table should be prepared with a serving plate in the middle.
- There is a serviette to the left of the plate.
- The fork is positioned on top of the serviette.
- There is a knife next to the scale.
- It’s optional to place a cup of water or coffee above and to the right of the blade.
