Special Event Network / Finger Lakes Weddings & Events

 

A proper table setting is important if you’re planning a formal dinner party, business function or a wedding reception.  The following easy-to-follow layout can help with your table setting.

 

The general rule of thumb is to start from the outside of your place setting and work your way toward the service place (mail meal plate): soup spoon first, then fish knife and fork, then service knife and fork, etc.

 

See Photo

  A—Napkin    
  B—Service Plate   
  C—Soup Bowl on Plate   
  D—Bread & Butter Plate w/Butter Knife 
  E—Water Glass    
  F—White Wine    
  G—Red Wine
  H—Fish Fork
  I—Dinner Fork
  J—Salad Fork
  K—Service Knife
  L—Fish Knife
  M—Soup Spoon
  N—Dessert Spoon & Cake Fork 

 

It is often recommended that the salad fork (J) is placed to the left of the dinner fork (I). 

 

However, in this formal setting, the dinner fork is placed before the salad fork because it is suggested that the guest waits for the main meal before helping him/herself to the salad.