Setting the table

The following guide is a basic set of rules for setting the table. It can be used for setting a formal as well as an informal one.

An attractive table adds to the enjoyment of a meal. To set the table, you need a “place setting” for each person. A place setting is all the items each person needs for eating. This includes the following appointments (any item used to set a table):

• dinnerware (plates, cups, saucers, and bowls);
• glassware (glasses of all shapes and sizes);
• flatware (forks, spoons, and knives);
• napkins;
• centerpiece; and
• placemats or tablecloths, optional.

How a table should be set is determined in a large part by the serving style. Every family has its own eating style. There is really no right and wrong way to serve a meal, but there are three traditional serving styles:

• family,
• formal, and
• buffet.

For the Foods Level C Guide, the family style table setting is most appropriate. Food is either:

• passed around the table for everyone to serve themselves, or
• portioned out by the head of the family and full plates are served to each family member.

The following rules for setting a table correspond to the numbers seen in the table setting illustration below.

1. The flatware, plate, and napkin should be one inch from the edge of the table.
2. The plate is always in the center of the place setting.
3. The dinner fork is placed at the left of the plate.
4. If a salad fork is used, it is placed to the left of the dinner fork.
5. The napkin is placed to the left of the fork, with the fold on the left. It can also go under a fork, or on top of the plate.
6. The knife is placed to the right of the plate with the sharp blade facing in towards the plate.T
7. he teaspoon is placed to the right of the knife.
8. If a soup spoon is needed, it is placed to the right of the teaspoon.
9. The soup bowl may be placed on the dinner plate.
10. The drinking glass is placed at the tip of the knife.
11. If a salad plate is used, place it just above the tip of the fork.
12. The cup or mug is placed to the top right of the spoons.

Tips for setting the table

• The table should be clean; it can be left bare or a table covering can be used as the background for the food and appointments placed on it. A table covering helps protect the table and muffles the noise of clanking glassware and dishes.
• Placemats or tablecloths can be used for special occasions.
• Choose dinnerware and flatware appropriate for the occasion and that compliment the other table appointments. Match or blend colors and textures in the dishes or contrast with something different.
• Use appointments that match the meal or food to be served. That means, a snack can be served on a paper plate with paper napkins while a home-cooked dinner should be served on attractive dishes to show off the meal. On the other hand, party food may use the family’s best dinnerware and cloth napkins.
• Only the utensils necessary for the meal need to be placed on the table.
• Put down the correct number of placemats or a tablecloth, if these are being used.
• If there is room, serving utensils and dishes can be placed in the center of the table or on a nearby counter or server.
• The centerpiece should be attractive. Simple ones such as fresh flowers, a plant, or fruit can be used. If candles are used, they should be lit with the flame above eye level. Be sure that the centerpiece is:
  • low, so that people at the table can see over it,
  • colorful and blends with the colors of the tablecloth and dishes;
  • fresh and clean looking.
    

Learn the following tips that deal with eating manners so you won’t be embarrassed!

• Try some of every food served even if you don’t like it or don’t think you will.
• Avoid playing with foods on your plate.
• Ask to have foods passed to you, rather than reaching in front of someone else or across the table.
• Eat quietly with your mouth closed. Wait to speak until you have swallowed any food in your mouth.
• Take small bites. Eat all that you take on your fork or spoon in one bite.
• Look neat and talk about cheerful topics to make mealtimes pleasant.
• Pass food at the table to the right with your left hand. Try not to blow on soup to cool it - it is not polite.
• Cut salad with a knife if the pieces are too large to fit in your mouth.
• Use a small piece of bread as a “pusher” to help guide food onto your fork.
• Break off a whole piece of bread or roll into 2 or more small pieces.
• Leave your silverware on the plate or saucer under a bowl when you have finished.
  

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