Etiquette Expert Describes The Perfect Way To Set A Table
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With the holidays coming up, it's time to get set for setting lots of tables. NY1's Jill Scott traveled with Robyn Moreno, author of Practically Posh, to Macy's to find out how to put everything in its place. First, Moreno showed the correct placement of silverware.
"A really good rule to remember is to work from the outside in, in terms of courses," says Moreno. "So, basically we'll start with salad fork or soup spoon and work your way in. Some people set the table in terms of silverware size, but that's not the case. For instance, if you were to having salad after main course, as many Europeans do, then your salad fork would go on the inside."
Dessert silverware should sit at the top of the plate, with the spoon handle to the right. If there is a dessert fork as well, it should face the opposite way with the handle to the left.
"Drinks are another one that really throws people off because of 10 types," Moreno says. "Here's the rule. Your first glass to the top right of your plate is going to be your water or non-alcoholic beverage glass. That's will be followed by your red wine glass, then your white wine glass."
If you are having champagne, the flute goes between the water and the red wine glasses. Any post-dinner drink glasses would be placed at the far end.
As for napkins, most people place them underneath the forks, but Moreno says it's not the most practical position.
"That's not ideal because people then have to rearrange the table or silverware to access their napkin," she says. "The ideal place is to the left of the forks, or even on the plate, so they can have easy access."
Once the table is set, it's up to the guests to keep it neat. It's a general rule that dirty silverware should never touch the table. So after you butter your bread, put your bread knife on the plate. When you are done with your soup, tuck the spoon under the bowl, and with tea, leave the teaspoon on the saucer.
And if you are a guest and you get confused which plate or glass is yours, Moreno says there's a trick that can help.
"A great way to remember is the old B and D," she says. "All you need to do is make a B and a D with your hands and that will indicate that is my bread plate to the left and those are my drinking glasses to the right."
Now that you know all the basics, you can sit back and enjoy time with family and friends. After all, that's what really makes for the perfect setting.