Silverware
1. Silverware should be placed on the table in the order that it will be used. Silverware that will be used first should be found on the farthest left and right sides of the dinner plate.
2. Utensils should be about ½ inch away from the plate or each other and should be lined up evenly from their bottoms.
3. Forks are arranged on the left of the dinner plate, while knives and spoons on the right.
4. The dinner fork is placed at the left of the plate.
5. If a salad fork is used, it is placed to the left of the dinner fork.
6. The knife is placed to the right of the plate with the sharp blade facing in towards the plate.
7. The butter knife is laid flat on the bread plate.
8. If a soup spoon is needed, it is placed to the right of the teaspoon.
9. Dessert silverware can be brought out with the dessert or originally placed on the table; centered above and parallel to the dinner plate.
10. If serving courses that require specialty silverware place them on either side of the plate according to the order in which they will be eaten.
Glasses and Cups
1. The glasses are arranged in the form of a triangle to the top right of the dinner plate.
2. The water glass is placed on the far left, just above the dinner knife.
3. The red wine glass is placed to the right and slightly below the water glass.
4. The white wine glass is placed to the right and just above the red wine glass, lining up with the water glass.
5. Coffee cups and saucers may be placed on the table to the right of the knives and spoons brought out at end of meal.
Other Items
1. There are a variety of options when arranging the napkins. The napkin can either be placed on top of the dinner plate, to the left of the forks, underneath the forks, or inside one of the drinking glasses.
2. Name cards are a good idea when you are hosting a larger dinner party or when guests don’t know each other. Place the cards in the centre of the place setting, just above the dessert silverware and to the left of the drinking glasses.
