In a previous post, we discussed the basic table setting. In this article we’re going to teach you about the informal table setting. This setting is appropriate for any informal, three-course dinner featuring the following courses: soup, an appetizer or salad, an entree and dessert. At One Stop Rental, servicing the greater Cincinnati area, we want to help make your event unforgettable. To start your informal dinner off on the right foot, you need the proper table setting. Keep reading to learn more.
Table-Setting Materials
Unlike the basic table setting, the informal table setting requires a few more items. Before setting your places, you will need dinner plates, forks, napkins, knives, spoons and glasses. Each item requires different quantities, but we’ll go over each one soon.
Table-Setting Positions
The entire table-setting process starts with the dinner plate, which is placed in the center, usually with a napkin folded on top.
Two forks are set to the left of the plate in order of use, with an “outside-in” placement. For example, the smaller fork for the salad or the appetizer would be placed on the outside, and the bigger fork for the main course would be placed on the inside.
As for the napkin, it should be folded or put in a napkin ring and set to the left of the forks. Alternatively, you could place it underneath the forks or in the center of the empty dinner plate.
With regards to the dinner knife, you should position it to the right of the plate with the cutting edge facing inward. At an informal meal, the dinner knife may be used for all courses.
Spoons are to be placed to the right of the knife, in an “outside-in” order, depending on usage. There should only be two spoons: soup and dessert. The soup spoon should go on the outside, with the dessert spoon resting closest to the knife.
Any and all glasses should be set at the top right of the dinner plate, above the knives and spoons.
Optional items for the informal table setting may include salad plates, bread plates with butter knives, dessert spoons and forks and coffee cups and saucers. In most cases, these items are extraneous and will only clutter your beautiful table. Avoid using them if the meal doesn’t require them.
It’s much easier to set an informal table than you may think. After reading this article, we hope you know how to make your table look amazing and impress your dinner guests.
One Stop Rental of West Chester or Liberty/Fairfield Township, Ohio is the one-stop shop for all your party and equipment rental needs. If you’ve got questions about entertaining or renting some flatware, please feel free to contact us or reach out on social media.