Prim & Proper: Tablesetting etiquette
As we near closer and closer to that special day, it becomes evident that there are more and more things that we must accomplish to prepare for the big "feast". Tasks like --how to prepare the turkey, who sits where, and what should I wear?! Well with today's post, we took one of the checks off your ever-growing list. As a continuation of our Thanksgiving Tablescape, we bring you a little lesson in proper table-scape etiquette and ideas that will put your decorating minds at ease.
- A- Soup bowl
- B - Appetizer or salad plate
- C - Service plate
- D - Water glass
- E - White wine glass
- F - Red wine glass
- G - Napkin
- H - Fish fork
- I - Dinner fork
- J - Salad fork
- K - Service knife
- L - Fish knife
- M - Soup spoon
- N - Bread and butter service
- O - Dessert spoon
- P - Dessert fork
CUTLERY-The golden rule is ALWAYS work from the OUTSIDE, IN. Use the outside knife and fork for the first course (entrée), and then simply work inwards for each subsequent course.Knives are always to the right, and forks are always to the left.The soup spoon, if required, will always be on the extreme right if being served as a first course, or second in from the right if being served as a second course.Dessert cutlery will always be at the top of the place setting with the fork facing right and the spoon positioned above this with the bowl facing left.
STEMWARE- Depending on how many different wines are being served, they will normally be positioned above the knives. They should be placed with the water glass to the extreme left, and then follow in the order for which they will be used, working from left to right.For example: Water - Champagne - White Wine- Red Wine - Dessert Wine
Since we are in the modern age, we chose to forgo the traditional place-setting and update it with a more realistic approach. I mean after all, who wants to wash all of these dishes? Certainly not me!Our table was set with a cork board in place of a place-mat, an ornate gold charger, dinner plate, salad plate and lastly a a bread and butter plate placed accordingly. We also kept the stemware simple by adding a water glass, champagne/wine glass and our darling little bottles of Martinelli's. The flatware was a simple version with one dinner fork, knife and soup spoon, although we suggest using a minimum of two forks.By using some of these tips, you'll be sure to wow your guests and impress your in-laws!