What are basic principles in table setting?

Answer 1

There are 7 Basic Principles in Table Setting

1. Table appointments include materials for setting the table such as the tablecloth, place mats, napkins, china or dinnerware's, flat wares and glass wares. Table appointments that are placed on the table for each person make up an individual "cover". At least 20 inches should be allowed for each cover.

2. Tablecloth which should be placed evenly over a silence pad may consist of linen, cotton, nylon, plastic, and native materials such as rattan, bamboo, cork and sinamay. It is a must for every occasion and should hang 4 to 6 inches on all sides of the table for informal occasions and 8 to 10 inches long for formal occasions. If a place mat is used, it should be about 16 to 18 inches long and 12 to 14 inches wide. When used, the long edge should be aligned with the table.

3. For formal occasions, napkins 24 x 24 square inches are recommended. For informal meals such as breakfast, lunch or dinner 17 x 17 square inches may be used. Informal occasions require smaller napkins 12 x 12 inches long. It should be folded and placed with the open edge nearest the left side of the fork 1 inch from the side of the table. For formal occasions, napkins may be placed on the service plate or on the goblet depending upon one's taste.

4. Table wares refer to the utensils used for eating and serving, including flatware's, dinner wares, and glass wares. Flat wares are usually made of sterling silver steel or silver plated steel or plastic. Spoons, forks, knives, teaspoons and serving pieces are flat wares. Place the knife for and spoon 1 inch from the edge of the table.

5. Dinnerware's refer to chinaware or dishes such as platters, dishes, saucers, cups, and bowls. Plates should be set at the center of each "cover" which is approximately 20-24 inches wide and 12-16 inches long. Salad plates should be at the left of the dinner plate away from the forks. Place the cup and saucer at the right. The bread and butter plate should be at the top of the fork.

6. Glass wares include tumblers, goblets, and glasses. In the choice of glasses, think of the flatware and dinner wares which will be used with it. The water glass should be placed at the top of the diner knife with the milk or juice glass slightly to the right of the water glass.

7. A centerpiece is used to add color to the table. The centerpiece may be placed anywhere on the table. Fresh flowers, artificial flowers mad of plastic, cloth or paper maybe used to add color to the table.

Answer 2

Different types of dinners call for different types of settings. This is for a General Table Setting:


From left to right: salad plate, bread plate, napkin, salad fork, dinner fork, dinner plate, dinner knife, water glass, teaspoon, soup spoon and wine glass in the upper right.

See related link below for photos of place settings and tips.

Answer 3

Tablecloth and PlacematsIf you have placemats, put one at each spot, centered in front of each chair. Place matsshould be about 1" back from the edge of the table (making your plate about 2" back). Ditto on the spacing if you're using a table runner-- make sure it's evenly spaced between each side of the table. Plates and China

Your serving plate/dinner plate will go right in the center of your placemat, if you're using one, or in area directly in front of the center of theguests' chair. If you're serving soup or an at-table salad, the soup/salad bowl goes on top of the plate.

Optional: Most simple table settings don't use one, but if you opt for a bread or roll plate, it goes above your forks on the left.

SilverwareSilverware gets set up adjacent to the plate with a knife tight on the right (blade in) and the main fork on the left. If you use salad or appetizer forks, they go on the outside of the main fork further left. The spoon goes on the right adjacent to the knife. (see diagram below)

This basic table setting silverware arrangement is a lot simpler and more "instinctual" than with a formal table-- but uses the same concepts. There's just less of it!

Glasses and GlasswareWhen planning your glasses and glassware, it's a good idea to plan your menu first. If you've got limited space, ask your guests in advance if they want wine, water, or coffee (or simply plan what you'd like to serve). This will save you putting out three different beverage containers for each place setting.

In most cases, a simple table setting will require a wine glass and a water glass, and no more. But in all cases, the drink glasses go up above the knife and to the right of the plate-- but not so far as people have to over-reach.

NapkinsWhen putting together a basic table setting, one of the ways you can really get creative is with napkins. Now, there's nothing wrong with opting for a nice paper napkin-- the proper way to set a table doesn't always haveto include a cloth napkin. That said, a cloth napkin is inexpensive, reusable, and a great way to add a touch of elegance to your dinner table. Either way, napkins can be placed at the center of the plate, to the left of the silverware, or even tucked into a wine glass.

Answer 4

Table setting (laying a table) or place setting refers to the ay to set a table with tableware - such as eating utensils and dishes for serving and eating. Utensils in the outermost position are used first. The blades of the knives are turned toward the plate. Glasses are places an inch or so above the knives, also in the order of use: white wine, red wine, dessert wine, and water tumbler.

Answer 5

The basic table setting includes a plate, fork, spoon, and knife, and a glass or cup. To complete the basic table setting you should also include a napkin.