The task of setting a table has evolved over the centuries, developing from one that took great care and precision to one that is hurried and rushed. Today’s generation often wonders how to properly place flatware, melamine dinnerware, glassware and napkins. This is especially essential for planning a formal dinner party, which is ideal for special occasions such as engagements, weddings and anniversaries.

Beginning with a basic, simple table setting, dinner tables can easily be dressed up or down depending upon the gathering or mood. A basic table setting is typically most appropriate, allowing glasses, silverware and other serving pieces to be easily incorporated. This type of setting includes a large dinner plate being located in the center. Everything else is then placed around it. The flatware is then placed on each side of the plate, with the forks located on the left and the knife and spoon on the right. A water glass is placed above the knife, and napkins are placed underneath the silverware.

For an informal luncheon or dinner, a salad fork should be included, placed to the left of the dinner fork. A salad fork can easily be eliminated if a salad is not being served and if dessert is served after dinner, it can be served with a dessert fork on the side. If serving soup, the soup bowl can be placed on the dinner plate with a soupspoon placed to the right of the beverage spoon.

The bread, salad and butter plates are always placed to the left of the forks, with butter plates placed above the forks with a butter spreader neatly placed across the plate. If serving formal teacups with a cup and saucer, the teaspoons should be placed with the handle facing towards the right. Water or wine glasses should be placed to the left of the tea and/or coffee cup.

For a formal dinner party, wine glasses and water glasses should be included, positioned directly to the left of the tea or coffee cup. Soup, beverage and dessert spoons should be placed to the right of the knife or can be served when the appetizer or dessert is shared.

To dress up a dinner setting, the addition of a charger under the dinner plate adds for a special, fanciful touch.

When planning a sit-down dinner, guests can be served platefuls of food instead of having a casual family-style meal, one where dishes are passed between guests. This is easily accomplished by maintaining a small guest list, using crystal, china, linens and silver and using table cardholders and placecards that assign guest seating. An appropriate centerpiece is one that does not exceed 10 to 12 inches, ensuring that guests can easily communicate. A helpful tip includes serving beverages and appetizers to guests prior to being seated at the dinner table.

Lions Deal offers a wide variety of discount commercial kitchenware and commercial dinnerware, perfect accompaniments for summer’s dinner parties.

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