Principles that Influence Table-setting
They include:
Art -with art you consider factors such as colours, shape , size and balance.
- Balance -There should be uniform spacing between the covers and order in the way you present your cutlery , glassware , decorations and accessories. You may also balance the size of equipment you use by including both heavy and light utensils. The heavy ones can be set at the centre of the table while the light ones can be set further away from the centre of table.
- Size -For a bigger table, you may use larger utensils compared to a smaller table.
- Use a combination of colours that are complementary with each other.You may combine dark and light colours.
Courtesy-All essential utensils should be availed accordingly and placed in appropriate positions at the table.
Comfort -You should ensure that the utensils are placed at the convenience of the diners – can be easily accessed.
Basic knowledge- Only include the required equipment at the table. Do not over-crowd the table with unnecessary items.
Basic Rules for Table-setting
- The arrangement of cutlery in accordance of the order of use
- Glassware is placed above the knives- next to the tip of the knife.
- Forks are put on the left of the cover.
- Knives should be placed to the right of the setting.
- Dessert spoons and forks should be placed above the plate if dessert is available.
Table-setting
Linens
Use clean linens on bare table prior to placing table cloth. Preferably, use a thick fabric.The table cloth should drop down from the centre of the table, and its extension should not exceed 15 inches.The mats should not be more than 2 inches from the edge of the table.
Napkins
Napkins can either be folded in rectangular or square shape if they contain no embroidery but if they have some embroidery , place them in a manner that the patterns are noticeable. They should be put on the left side of the cover along with the required forks. Although, if the table is too narrow or small, they can be placed on the service plate.
Normally, napkins between 12-15 inches wide are used though larger napkins (18-24 inches) can be used for dinner.
Cutlery
Cutlery should be cleaned.Their positioning as aforementioned should be in accordance with their order of use- the one to be used first is placed farthest from the plate.
The ends of silverware should be in alignment in a way that they are an inch from the edge of the mat.
The dinner knife should be placed to the right of the plate with cutting edge facing the plate.Spoons should be laid next to dinner knife -to the right of dinner knife. The forks should have their prongs facing upward on the left side of the plate. Depending on whether salad is to be consumed with main course or after it, the salad fork should be adjacent to the plate, with dinner fork to its left.
The fork and knife positions can be interchanged depending on whether salad is consumed before or after main course.
As for dessert , cutlery should be kept on dinner plate.If a fork is required for dessert, its handle should be placed toward the right. If dessert requires use of both knife and fork i.e cake or fruit,place utensils on dinner plate with fork to the left and knife to its right.
You should avoid coming into contact with the inner surface of plates where food will be served.Salad bowls should be placed at the tip of the fork if there is no butter plate. However if butter plate is present , the salad should be to its left and just below it.
Glassware
As for glassware, water glass should be adjacent to the knife, just at the tip of the knife.Wine glasses should be next to the glass that contains water while milk glasses should be to the right side of water glass though slightly in front of it.
Accessories
Accessories such as jams, butter , sauces ,pepper etc should be placed at an angle they’re easily reached. Between covers, near the edge of the table is more appropriate.
Decorations
The decorations including flowers, candles, bowls of fruits, vases etc can be utilized to enhance the appeal factor of the table.Generally, they are put at the centre of the table unless they are small of which in that case, they can be placed at opposite corners of the table.
Note:
Cover-an individual’s place at the table.
In conclusion, the listed rules for table-setting should act as a guide when setting a table.