Table Settings Rules: A Complete Guide

Setting a table properly has always been important. It shows guests that they are welcome, and it also sets the tone, of formality while eating, which ensures that people get along, dine in comfort, and enjoy a convivial experience.

We may eat in a more casual way these days, but that doesn鈥檛 mean we should let table-setting rules slide. The rules for setting a table have evolved over the years, and every culture has its own protocol for setting a table, either in a formal or casual way. Setting a table correctly imposes a certain order on the way we interact, and it reminds us that there is a code of civility for social interaction at the table. So remember these simple rules and you鈥檒l always set your table properly.

When you are entertaining guests or marking a special occasion, you will want to know how to properly set a table. Lunch may be a little more informal in terms of table-setting rules, but setting a dinner table requires the right placement of cutlery, glassware and tableware.

A formal dinner table setting includes many pieces, each dedicated to the different courses and sides. As always, one must start on the outside with the cutlery and work your way in. The pieces you will use to set the table include a tablecloth, chargers, dinner plates, soup bowls, salad plates, bread plates, napkins, salad forks, dinner forks, knives, soup spoons, butter knives, dessert spoons, water glasses, red wine glasses, and white wine glasses.

Obviously, all pieces should be clean, and each piece should be polished with a soft cloth and preferably steamed, especially if the pieces have been in storage for a long time.

The basic setting is acceptable for all occasions and is the minimum of formality for any eating occasion, be it breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner, or whatever else.

Setting a table properly for casual occasions follows much the same rules as the basic setting. A charger plate is generally reserved for a more formal setting, but may still be used for the casual setting if you like. The casual setting differs from the formal setting in that it only requires the cutlery, glassware and tableware that you are strictly using. Usually, in a casual setting, you will not need both a red wine and a white wine glass, but just one for what you are serving. If, throughout the meal, you switch wine you can also switch the glass at that point.

These rules apply for typical western table settings and of course, will vary according to what is being served. For Asian, Chinese or Japanese table settings, another whole set of rules apply. The basic rule is to lay the chopsticks horizontally on the serving tray, closest to the diner, with the head pointing to the right. The rice bowl is to be placed on the left, and the soup bowl on the right. In a set with udon or soba, this takes the place of the soup bowl on the right.

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