How do you properly set a table for dinner?

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This post was sourced from submitted reader questions and posted by wikiHow Editorial Staff.
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Expert Comments

04/09/25 6:39pm
Properly setting a table can be confusing, since there are so many pieces to keep track of. Here's how to set a table.
  • Lay down your placemat and/or charger.
  • Place a dinner plate in the center of the setting.
  • Place a salad plate and/or soup bowl on top of the dinner plate.
  • Place a napkin to the left of the plate.
  • Place forks on the napkin, with the larger dinner fork closer to the plate, and the smaller salad fork further away.
  • Place knives to the right of the plate, with the blade facing toward the plate. The dinner knife should be closer to the plate than the salad knife.
  • Place spoons to the right of the knives with the teaspoon closer to the plate than the soup spoon.
  • Place a bread plate above the forks and place the butter knife on top of the bread plate.
  • Place glasses above the knives and spoons, with the water glass on the left and wine glass on the right.
Do you have tips for how to set a table? Share them in the comments below!
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wikiHow Expert
Christine Ferrera
Etiquette Coach
06/09/25 9:49am
Dining at an elegant establishment is a special experience! Understanding utensil placements and their use makes the offerings even more tasty.
Learning to properly set a table may be challenging. However here are a few tips for wonderful experiences.
Each person has 12 to 14 inches of personal dining space. One of the most asked questions at a dining table is "Is this my glass or is this your glass?" Remembering the water glass is placed slightly above the knife. This, allows the diner to focus on the dining experience.
Now, within the personal dining space, know which is the diner's dominant hand (Right or Left) then place the knife accordingly. Tip: Left-handed guest's best seating position is an end. seat, to prevent bumping into the right-handed person. The single or double forks preferably a small and standard size, depending on the courses on the opposite side of the plate.
This beautiful plate is placed about an inch above the table's edge. Then above the plate, there may be a small spoon and a small fork.The wait staff will remove one after guest has chosen a dessert.
As one's dining experience becomes more elegant, their establishment's courses increase. And...more utensils. Encourage yourself to become familiar with the styles and uses. Then, enjoy every elegant meal in style at home or a fine restaurant.
The Joy of knowing what to do.
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Reader Comments

Itsss Amyyyy!
04/10/25 3:15am
ok first check if everything is there and set. first clean the table and make everything smell good. then set a napkin or paper then add plates and spoons and the rest. then comes the food and enjoy!
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