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Casual Place
Setting
Whether you choose to serve your guests in formal, informal,
or buffet style, the comfort of your guests is top priority. To avoid
overcrowding, allow 24" to 30" for each setting. Place settings should
be 1" from the edge of the table, and avoid centerpiece arrangements that
obstruct the view of guests.
Do not place items such as coffee cups, tea cups, and/or dessert
plates on the table if it crowds your guests. It is appropriate to bring
those items to the table after the main course has been cleared and dessert
is served.
If a shortage of place settings is a problem, mix in pieces
that do not match. Mix and match place setting has become a popular trend.
When deciding on a table centerpiece, keep it low. Large,
tall centerpieces obstruct the view of your guests.
Choose an atmosphere that is appropriate for your gathering,
an atmosphere that compliments your meal and encourages conversation.
This less formal option provides more space for guests around
the dinner table.
Dessert spoon and fork are optional and can be placed above
the dinner plate.
Bread and butter plate is optional and can be placed above
the forks on the left.
Two goblets are set at a casual dining arrangement: a water
goblet (left) and one wine goblet (above tip of knife).
Napkins can be placed on dinner plate or to the left of forks.
Paper napkins are appropriate for a casual setting, folded
and set to the left of forks.
Formal Place Setting
Whether you choose to serve your guests in formal, informal,
or buffet style, the comfort of your guests is top priority. To avoid
overcrowding, allow 24" to 30" for each setting. Place settings should
be 1" from the edge of the table, and avoid centerpiece arrangements that
obstruct the view of guests.
Do not place items such as coffee cups, tea cups, and/or dessert
plates on the table if it crowds your guests. It is appropriate to bring
those items to the table after the main course has been cleared and dessert
is served.
If a shortage of place settings is a problem, mix in pieces
that do not match. Mix and match place setting has become a popular trend.
When deciding on a table centerpiece, keep it low. Large,
tall centerpieces obstruct the view of your guests.
Choose an atmosphere that is appropriate for your gathering,
an atmosphere that compliments your meal and encourages conversation.
Lay cutlery in order used, from outside to inside.
Save space by placing the dessert spoon and fork at top of
table setting. If table seems too crowded, bring when serving dessert.
Glasses are at the top right corner, wine glass placed above
tip of knife.
Three goblets are set at a formal dining arrangement: a water
goblet (left), white wine goblet (top right) and red wine goblet (above
tip of knife).
Napkins can be placed on dinner plate or to the left of forks.
Appropriate Stemware
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 |
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| Water Goblet |
Red Wine |
White Wine |
Sparkling Wine/Champagne |
Napkin Folds
Classic
Napkin Fold | Pocket
Napkin Fold | Ring
Napkin Fold | Accordion
Napkin Fold | Tulip
Napkin Fold | Cocks
Comb or Bird of Paradise Napkin Fold | Peacock
Napkin Fold | Snowflake
Napkin Fold
Napkins are used for functionality and to add to the decor of the table.
Both paper and cloth napkins can be folded to add decoration to your table.
Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Paper napkins will hold their
shape better because the paper holds a crease better than the cloth. They
work well for napkin folds that need crisp folds for the design, but the
biggest advantage is that they can just be disposed of after they have
been used. When working with paper napkins it is best to use a 3 ply napkin
and be sure your hands are clean and dry before working with the napkins.
Cloth napkins work well with napkin folds that have a flowing design
and if a crisp edge is desired, be sure the napkin has been starched so
they hold there crease better when finger pressed. They are softer and
more elegant to use. They do not have the prefolded creases so they are
easy to work with. They are reusable so they must be laundered, pressed
and store. They should be stored flat but if they must be folded to be
stored, you may want to wait to press them until just before folding for
use.
Basis Napkin Folding Tips:
- Always work on a clean, dry surface when making napkin folds.
- Most designs call for a square napkin. If using a large paper napkin
that is not square, trim one edge to make it square.
- Using a napkin with a right and wrong side makes it easier to follow
the folding instructions.
- When folding a design that must stand on its own, avoid using cloth
napkins that are all cotton or linen becasue they have a harder time
holding a crease and will begin to unfold. A more flowing or spreading
design would be best for these types of material.
For instructions on some common napkin folds, choose one of the folds
shown above.
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