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THE FORMAL PLACE SETTING

How to set silverware on table

Whether you are planning a formal dinner party or simply wanting to elevate your dining experience, understanding proper silverware placement is essential.

THE FORMAL PLACE SETTING

How to set silverware on table

Where to place silverware on table

A well-set table is an indication of refinement and bon ton, confirmation of the attention and care with which hosts like to receive their guests during a meal. Harmony is the peculiarity that etiquette requires of a well laid table, but between flatware, plates, glasses, tablecloth and napkins, but also centrepieces, place cards and bread holders, every element contributes to the ritual.

CUTLERY FOR STARTERS

Flatware is placed in the order in which it will be used, starting from the outside towards the inside. For example, the fork for the first course is placed to the left of the plate, followed by the fork for the main course. From the right-hand side of the plate, the spoon for the main course is placed, followed by the knife for the first course. The position of the spoon depends on the menu. If the menu includes a soup dish or a course that requires the use of a spoon, the spoon is positioned to the right of the knife for the main course.

FLATWARE FOR FRUIT & DESSERT

For subsequent courses such as dessert or fruit, the flatware should be placed on top of the plate, with the fork with the tips pointing to the left and the spoon to the right. If several pieces of flatware are served on the same plate, they should be placed from the outside inwards, following the order of use.

Complementary sets

To enrich the variety of flatware already on the table, there are complementary sets that can be used for specific dishes, such as steak knives, fish cutlery and sets for serving your guests in style.

Steak knives
Accessories which guarantee the perfect cut and balance during use.
Dessert flatware
Refined sets to serve and taste your dessert at best.
Fish flatware
Enjoy your fish dishes with the perfect flatware.

How to set a formal dinner

By following these placement guidelines, you can create an inviting and sophisticated dining experience for yourself and your guests. Happy serving!

Tablecloth

Linen, cotton, patterned or plain, the secret is that it should blend perfectly with the tones of the occasion and the other protagonists on the table. For a trendy table, only if there is a beautiful table, replace the tablecloth with placemats, runners or fine underplates for each guest. Although extremely pleasant, these solutions are recommended for informal occasions and only for lunch, never for dinner. The napkin is to the left of the plate.

Plates

The flat plates, placed on under plates or directly on the tablecloth, are placed at an equal distance from each other and, if decorated, oriented towards the outside of the table and the guest to be read correctly. This is followed by the soup plate or cup for the consommé or hors d'oeuvre plate. The plate bread plate to the left and above the flat plate. You can set up to three plates at the same time as the others, such as the salad plate, follow the courses placed on a small table or on a trolley. Plates for hot dishes should always be served lukewarm.

Glasses

The glasses, at least two and never more than four including water and champagne, slightly to the right of the plate in front of the knife. The larger one for water dominates the composition, then the wine glasses: for red and white wine to the right. If the number of glasses increases, to serve more wines, they should be placed on the right. To serve only champagne, set the table with the water glass in addition to the one dedicated to "bubbles".

Centerpieces

A centerpiece is the star of any table decor, but figuring out the right dimensions and where to position it can be overwhelming. First things first, consider the size of your table: your centerpiece should not be too small (making the decorative element useless) nor too large (to avoid being in the way of diners), and it must never hide the faces of the diners, who are the main characters of the meal. So to be functional it must be very low, or very high so as not to be a visual distraction. When it comes to where to position your centerpiece, the possibilities are endless: it should be positioned at the center of the table, but you can also try to create an off-center and perfect asymmetrical effect, placing the centerpierce closer to an end of the table.

How to set up silverware on buffet table

Precious and multipurpose design ideas which focuses on objects having a specific function but alluding to various uses.‎ These utensils can be used in different contexts to enrich your house.
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Penelope Centerpiece

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Kyma Showplate

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How to set up silverware on buffet table

Precious and multipurpose design ideas which focuses on objects having a specific function but alluding to various uses.‎ These utensils can be used in different contexts to enrich your house.

How to set table in style
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