Summertime is a time to invite friends and family over for an outdoor dinner party. Setting the table can be quite overwhelming and it doesn’t have to be. We created a guide on How-To Guide to Setting an Artful Dining Table with extra tips and tricks.

Photography by: Steven Steinhardt

How to Set the Table

1. Place the largest plate, entrée, on top of a decorative charger plate or service plate. Place the salad plate on top on the entrée plate. If soup is being served, place the bowl on top of the salad plate.
2. Get creative with placing your napkin. Try napkin origami, use a napkin holder, or play it safe and place it off to the left.
3. Always add a beautiful menu card that can add a nice touch to each guest’s place setting.
4. The salad fork is smallest because it is served after the soup. Place it on the outer edge of the left side.
5. The entrée fork is largest fork so it is placed directly to the left of the entrée plate.
6. Again, if soup is being served, it is typically the first being served. The largest spoon will be placed on the outer edge of the right side.
7. The entrée knife is placed directly to the right of the entrée plate.
8. The salad knife is placed directly in between the entrée knife and soup spoon.
9. The dessert spoon is the smallest of spoons and is placed directly above the entrée plate.
10. The water glass is placed above the entrée knife.
11. The wine glass goes to the right of the water glass.

Tips

Tip #1: Utensils are places one inch from the edge of the table.

Tip #2: Set the table ahead of time. Heck, fill the water glass with water before your guests arrive.

Tip #3: Clean your barware and glassware of any streaky or cloudy marks. How? Use a sponge and clean with hot water and soap. Wipe dry with a soft cloth right after.

Tip #4: Keep your candles unscented so it does not interfere with your guests smelling the wonderful meal you have provided or competes with the beautiful floral centerpiece.

Tip #5: Do not block anyone’s view. We want to be able to see and interact with everyone attending, so keep your table décor lower than your eye level.

Tip #6: Get creative and have fun. Mix and match patterns and dinnerware.

Inspired by: 

FT by Design