Table setting and silverware placement guides

Flatware placement tricks? Setting a table is not as difficult as it seems. However, the more formal it gets the more confusion can easily come into play. Many of us can navigate a table setting fairly easily. Even if we are unsure of proper silverware placement or cannot quite decipher which order the courses will be served in based on the setting, we can make our way through by paying attention to others. But when it comes to being in charge of setting the table, one can easily draw a blank. (Are these forks different sizes? Do I have to count the tines? Which order do the glasses go in?) Breathe, we’ll start with the basics.

Chargers are generally reserved for more formal place settings, but Real Simple home editor Stephanie Sisco says you can still use a charger in a casual table setting if you wish—just make sure it’s fashioned in a more laid-back style, like raw wood. If using individual salt and pepper shakers for each guest, place them at the top of the placemat. Otherwise, place them near the center of the table, or, if using a long, rectangular table, place them in the middle of each end. Mastered how to set a casual dinner table, but need a refresher on what else you should keep in mind for your casual dinner party? Here, nine awkward entertaining moments you might encounter (and how to solve them).

The dinner fork is placed closest to the plate. It is usually 7 inches and has four shark prongs. The dinner fork is used for any main course meal and is by far the largest fork on the table. The dinner knife is the first thing closest to the plate on the right side. It is slightly sharp-edged and is about 7 inches. The dinner knife is used for eating any main course dish. The fish knife is an optional choice. Often when there is a fish appetizer served, a fish-based main course dish would also follow. This is an oddly shaped knife, which helps with almost all seafood. The salad knife is a blunt five and a half inch knife that is kept at the right end of all the knives. This is always the first knife to be used. Find extra information at top right of the plate.

One of the most commonly asked questions regarding stainless steel silverware is, “How can I prevent it from rusting?” While this flatware is technically not supposed to rust, pit, or discolor over time, it can happen as a result of improper care. Two crucial things to remember when caring for stainless steel silverware are to never place it in a dishwasher and never allow it to stand with food residue on it for any longer than necessary. Stainless steel silverware should only ever be hand washed in a tub of warm water with a mild detergent product, and then rinsed and thoroughly dried off afterward. This will help ensure that your silverware remains looking as good as new for as long as possible.

Lastly, put the soup spoon after the fish knife, which would be the farthest away from the plate. This makes it convenient for the diner to use the spoon since soup is usually served after the salad. Place a dessert fork and spoon above the plate, with the fork pointing towards the right. Then set a spoon above the fork, pointing towards the left. If you are planning on serving any bread, put a bread plate diagonal to the forks. Do not forget to place a butter knife whose handle is pointing towards the diner’s right hand. Lastly, place a water glass at the top right of the plate, above the table knives. If you are planning on serving wine, you can put the wine glass next to the water glass on the right-hand side. Read even more info at this website.