Formal Table Settings Etiquette

Questions and Answers

Where is the advertisement typically placed on a formal dinner table?

To the left of the forks or in the center of the dinner plate

What is the rule of thumb for handling a dirty knife on a formal dinner table?

Never place it on the table, placemat, or tablecloth

What is the primary purpose of a service plate in a formal table setting?

To serve as an underplate for the first course of food and drinks

Where is the soup spoon typically placed on a formal dinner table?

On the outside right of the dinner knife Signup and view all the answers

When hanging tablecloths, what should you ensure?

They are wrinkle-free and hung evenly on both sides of the table Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of learning a French-style table setup?

To impress in-laws and bosses Signup and view all the answers

Where is the butter plate typically placed in a formal table setting?

On the left side of the plate, next to the small fork Signup and view all the answers

Where are glasses typically placed on a formal dinner table?

Above the knives and spoons Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of utensil usage in a formal table setting?

From the outside in Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of presentation in a formal dinner setting?

It is crucial for impressing guests Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the charger plate?

To serve as an underplate for the first course of food and drinks Signup and view all the answers

Where is the pudding spoon or teaspoon typically placed on a formal dinner table?

To the left of the soup spoon Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal drop for a tablecloth in a formal table setting?

12-18 inches Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct way to fold a napkin for a formal dinner table?

Fold it in half and place it in a glass of water Signup and view all the answers

Where is the big fork typically placed in a formal table setting?

On the left of the plate Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of fine china and crystal in a formal table setting?

To add a touch of elegance and sophistication Signup and view all the answers

In an informal table setting, where is the small fork typically placed?

To the left of the small knife Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct placement of the cup and saucer in an informal table setting?

Approximately 30 cm from the edge of the table Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the larger fork in an informal table setting?

To be used for the main course Signup and view all the answers

Where is the napkin typically placed in an informal table setting?

On top of the plate Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct orientation of the fork and spoon in an informal table setting?

Fork pointing right, spoon pointing left Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the pudding fork and spoon in an informal table setting if there is not enough space?

They are served after the main course Signup and view all the answers

Who typically sets the informal table settings?

The principal or manager Signup and view all the answers

What is the first item to be placed on the table in an informal table setting?

The plate Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Formal Table Settings

Formal table settings are meticulously crafted down to the last detail, including white linen napkins, polished silver, and fine china and crystal.
Tablecloths should be wrinkle-free and hung evenly on both sides of the table with an average drop of 12-18 inches.
A service plate (also known as a charger) is placed on the table and serves as an underplate for the plate containing the first course of food and drinks.
The service plate remains in place until the main course is served, then it is swapped out with the dinner plate.
The butter plate is placed on the left side of the place setting, next to the small fork.
The largest fork is placed on the left side of the plate, with smaller forks placed next to it for the various courses.
The small fork is used for the fish course and is placed on the left side of the dinner fork.
The napkin can be folded or placed in a napkin ring and is usually placed to the left of the forks or in the center of the dinner plate.
The knife is placed immediately to the right of the plate with the sharp edge facing inward.
The spoon is placed to the right of the knife, and the soup spoon is placed on the outside right of the dinner knife when soup is being served first.
Glasses are placed above the knives and spoons, at the top right of the dinner plate.

Informal Table Settings

Informal table settings have fewer utensils and serving dishes and are frequently used in restaurants and at home.
The principal or manager usually sets the informal table settings, which vary depending on the meal served.
In informal table settings, napkins can be folded and placed in wine glasses or used to make napkin rings.
The small fork is placed to the left of the small knife, which is placed to the right of the bread plate.
The cup and saucer are typically placed approximately 30 cm from the edge of the tables.
In some restaurants, the pudding fork and spoon can be placed above the plate, otherwise, they are placed to one side on the table setting.
The fork should be pointing to the right, and the spoon should be pointing to the left.