How to Set a Table
You’ve invited some friends over for dinner. You’re making a delicious meal (perhaps our Artisan Beef Wellington?) and you’ve purchased a few bottles of wine that will pair perfectly with the evening. You baked a homemade dessert and spent hours on the playlist. After all of that effort, you’d like everyone to sit around a properly set table. So you grab your china out of the cabinet, pull out six matching water glasses, and dump a pile of silverware out of your drawer, before realizing you have no idea what a proper table setting looks like.
Does the fork go to the left or the right of the plate? Do you really need to set out glasses for red and white wine? Where does the soup spoon go if you’re not making soup?!
Meet Emily Post
For five generations, Emily Post and her family have written numerous books and lead seminars and trainings on proper etiquette. The Emily Post Institute continues to be our go-to source for entertaining. Let me be clear: we believe in fun over fussy. But we also understand the importance of setting the right tone and atmosphere for every occasion.
When it comes to the seemingly daunting table-setting task, we turn the mic over to Mrs. Post. No matter if it’s a casual or formal affair, these links will help you with step-by-step instructions and diagrams so there’s no question or confusion. And, hey, if doesn’t work out and you serve your guests on paper plates in the living room, just remember these wise words:
“Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use.” ― Emily Post
How to Set a Table
Posted in: Entertaining Tips