Whether you are hosting an informal luncheon or a formal holiday party, we can help you find the proper place setting for perfect dining etiquette. Keep reading to learn how to set a table and how to set silverware on a table for any occasion.

In this guide:

Basic Place Setting
Casual Place Setting
Formal Place Setting
Table Setting Etiquette & Tips

How to Set a Table

The correct table setup depends on the formality of the occasion. Basic everyday table settings include fewer pieces and require less precision, while formal events often include more courses and have more guidelines to follow suit.

Basic Place Setting

Setting a table doesn’t have to be elaborate. This basic place setting is perfect for a small, informal lunch with friends or family. For this type of setting, place a plate in front of each chair. Then take a folded napkin and place it to the left of the plate. Next, place a dinner fork on top of the napkin. To the right of the plate, place a knife (blade facing the plate) and then a spoon. At the tip of the knife, place a water glass.

Casual Place Setting

This casual table setting shows you how to properly set a table with perfect etiquette for large get-togethers with friends or meals with more than one course. Start with a dinner plate, then place a salad plate or soup bowl (or both) on top. To the left of the plate, place the folded napkin down, and put the fork on top. To the right of the plate, place the dinner knife (with the blade facing the plate) down, followed by a spoon to the right. Above the knife, place the water glass and wine glass.

Formal Place Setting

If you prefer to have very elegant dinners that include a three- or four-course meal, follow the fine dining etiquette guidelines to learn how to set a formal table for dinner.

To begin, formal table settings typically include a tablecloth and centerpieces. Centerpieces should be low enough that guests can see each other. Candles can be placed on either side of the centerpiece for elegant, candlelit dining.

The folded napkin goes on top of the plate or to the left of the forks. If space is tight, the forks can be placed on top of the napkin.

To the left of the plate, place a salad fork as the outermost fork, then a dinner fork. However, if your salad is being served in a later course and not first, the salad fork will go to the right of the dinner fork.

Above the forks, place a bread and butter plate with a butter knife laid on top.

Regarding plates, there is typically a "charger" plate which sits under the salad plate or soup bowl for the first two courses until the main entrée plate is served. Once the entrée is served, the charger plate is removed.

To the right of the plate, place the dinner knife (with the blade facing the plate) closest to the plate. Then place the dinner spoon to the right of that, followed by a seafood fork (if seafood is being served).

About one inch from the top of the knife, place a water or drink glass. The water glass is first, followed by the wine glasses. If there will be a champagne toast, that glass will be placed to the right of the wine glasses.

Place the dessert spoon and fork horizontally above the plate, with the spoon handle facing to the right. The dessert fork is then laid below that with the handle facing the opposite way.

Table Setting Etiquette & Tips

• When placing utensils, line them up with the rim of the plate – typically one inch from the edge of the table.
• For all table settings, we recommend at least 15 inches between place settings to allow for elbow room.
• For formal get-togethers, glasses should be filled with water and the wine should be ready to be served before guests are seated. Butter should also be on butter plates.
• Before serving dessert, clear the table of all dishes, salt and pepper shakers, and condiment dishes.
• When taking a break from eating, place your utensils diagonally over each other in the middle of the plate. If you are finished eating, place them parallel to each other, resting on the rim of the plate. This way, servers know if you are still eating or if your plate should be cleared.