The Basic Tips & Rules of
Proper
Table Setting Etiquette

Easy table setting etiquette.......or how to avoid social embarrassment!

For many people, being confronted by an array of cutlery and glassware at the dinner table can be daunting! All that you need to avoid any social embarrassment is to understand the basics of proper Table Setting Etiquette.

Let me share a few simple rules and tips which will help you through any formal or indeed informal lunch or dinner party.....

TABLE SETTING ETIQUETTE - CUTLERY

The golden rule is ALWAYS work from the OUTSIDE, IN. Use the outside knife and fork for the first course (entr�e), and then simply work inwards for each subsequent course.
Knives are always to the right, and forks are always to the left.
The soup spoon, if required, will always be on the extreme right if being served as a first course, or second in from the right if being served as a second course.
Dessert cutlery will always be at the top of the place setting with the fork facing right and the spoon positioned above this with the bowl facing left.

Other Pages on Dining Etiquette
Dinner Etiquette Tips
Etiquette for the 21st Century
Dinner Etiquette Stories
International Etiquette Tips

TABLE SETTING ETIQUETTE - GLASSWARE

Depending on how many different wines are being served, they will normally be positioned above the knives. They should be placed with the water glass to the extreme left, and then follow in the order for which they will be used, working from left to right. For example:

Water - Champagne - White Wine- Red Wine - Dessert Wine

TABLE SETTING ETIQUETTE - PLATES & NAPKIN

It is common practice to find a place plate (or base plate) positioned in the center of the cutlery setting. This will often have the napkin folded and resting upon it. Alternatively, the first course (or entr�e) may already be served upon this plate, in which case, the napkin will be positioned to the left of the forks.
The side plate (or butter plate) will be positioned to the left of the forks with a side knife (or butter knife) laid across it. If space is a little limited, it is quite acceptable to position the napkin across this plate too.

TABLE SETTING ETIQUETTE - PROPER EATING STYLE

Acceptable eating styles vary from Continent to Continent. But regardless of location, the only proper way to cut and eat one's food is to hold the knife and fork in a relaxed, natural manner.....never with clenched fists spearing food like a hunter!

In American society, it is perfectly acceptable to cut one's food using the knife and fork as usual, and then transfer the fork to the right hand to then "spear" it before eating. In Continental Europe, this would however be frowned upon. Here, food is only ever transferred to the mouth with the fork in the left hand with the prongs still facing downwards - a very delicate act indeed if one's host is inconsiderate enough to serve garden peas as a vegetable!

TABLE SETTING ETIQUETTE - MISCELLANY

When seated, unfold the napkin and place it across the lap.
If bread rolls are served, break the bread between your fingers rather than cut it.
When eating soup, always move the soup spoon away from you to the other side of the dish and "sip" the soup (quietly!) from it.
In some circumstances it may be appropriate for a finger bowl to be served, for example where ribs have been served. In which case, one should gently clean the fingers in the warm scented water and dry them on one's napkin.
When finished eating, position the knife and fork (or other cutlery used) side by side pointing into the centre of the plate.

To see pictures of formal table settings
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A final word of advice. Entertaining is intended to be ENJOYED��.so don't allow yourself to become overly concerned about table setting etiquette! As long as you are polite and well mannered, a few simple table etiquette "gaffs" will be passed off without a thought. Just relax, and ENJOY YOURSELF!

For those visitors who wish to further their knowledge in depth on Etiquette and Manners, Debretts offer an excellent range of publications which can be purchased online from AMAZON.com.

Debrett�s is recognised internationally as the arbiter of etiquette and behaviour.

As publisher of Debrett�s Peerage & Baronetage and People of Today, Debrett�s is regarded as the authority on significant individuals in British society.

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