Q&A for How to Set a Table

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How do you set an informal table?

Natasha Miller
Event Planner & CEO, Entire Productions
Natasha Miller is an Event Planner, Chief Experience Designer, and President of Entire Productions, an event and entertainment production company based in San Francisco, California. Notable clients Natasha has collaborated with include Apple, Google, Gap, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Salesforce. Natasha and Entire Productions has been awarded Inc. 5,000's "Fastest Growing Companies in America", Entrepreneur Magazine's 360 List of "Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America." Entire Productions is also a Certified Women Business Enterprise. Natasha is a member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI).

Natasha Miller

Event Planner & CEO, Entire Productions

Expert Answer

You could set up large containers with slots for different utensils. If you're worried about spreading germs, arrange individually-wrapped utensil sets at each place setting instead.

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Question

Where should the steak knife be set?

Community Answer

If the entrée course requires a steak knife, replace the regular knife with the steak knife after the appetizer on the right side of the setting. If there is no appetizer, replace the normal dinner knife with a steak knife.

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Question

What do I say when dinner or food is ready?

Community Answer

You may call out "Dinner is ready!" like my parents do. Or if you want something more elegant you may ring a small bell.

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Question

If I'm serving fresh fruit with my Easter ham, do I need a bowl or plate for it?

Community Answer

A bowl is best for fruits like blueberries and raspberries. A plate would be best for apples, strawberries, etc.

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Question

How would you set a table in a French restaurant?

Community Answer

You would set 2 forks (big and small) 2 knives (big and small), and 3 spoons (snail, big and small).

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Question

Why do I need to follow the proper procedure in setting up a table?

Community Answer

This way, there's less confusion about which glass, bread plate, utensil, etc., belongs to whom.

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Question

What is the correct placing of tea/coffee cup and saucer?

Community Answer

It should go at the top left of any place mat, with the teacup or coffee cup handle pointing left.

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Question

Why are so many cups required?

Community Answer

They're not, you only need to put out the cups for the drinks that you are serving. For example if I am hosting a wedding, I would put out water cups, coffee cups, and champagne glasses.

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Question

If only cake and coffee is being served, where should the dessert fork be placed?

Community Answer

Not every person eats cake with a fork, so you should place everything in order and don't forget the spoon.

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Question

Where does the salad bowl go?

Community Answer

Place it on top of the plate.

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Question

Where should chopsticks be placed on a formal table?

Community Answer

Chopsticks should be placed on the dinner plate slightly above the center of the plate with the square (or decorative ends) pointing to the right and the ends overhanging the plate about an inch.

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Question

Where does the pasta spoon get placed?

Community Answer

I would think that the pasta spoon would be the same as the soup or dinner spoon, so it would go on the right side of the plate, outside of the knife.

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Question

If a knife will not be needed for the meal, should I put it out anyway?

Community Answer

No, the only requirements are the fork and spoon. People might get confused about what to to do with it if you put it out and it's not needed.

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Question

Would it be proper for me to set a table without a teaspoon, because coffee is at a station and not served at the table?

Community Answer

Informally, that is fine. Formally, everyone should have a teaspoon at their places, regardless.

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Question

Where would I put the cup when setting the table?

Community Answer

Depends on which cup. If you're only setting out one beverage cup, it goes above the knife.

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Question

Where do I place a coffee mug without a saucer underneath it when setting a table?

Community Answer

The coffee mug or tea cup goes upside down above the wine and water glasses.

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Question

Can you give a toast if it is a formal dinner?

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Top Answerer

Yes, giving a toast is appropriate for both a formal dinner and even an informal dinner, when the occasion calls for it. Use the style of toasting suited to your family/friends and/or guests. If someone is visiting from abroad, you might ask them to suggest a new toast for everyone to learn, for some creative fun.

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Question

Could I fold the napkins into a ruby instead?

Otterly Badgerific

Top Answerer

If you know how to do this type of fold, or have the instructions for doing so, then that would be perfectly fine to do. Folding napkins into an interesting shape can be ideal for making the table look finished.

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