Recently I organized a formal dinner for a family friend and came to realize how little people know about place setting. The hosts usually face the predicament of how many plates to make available, and the guest often don't know why there are two forks when one can do the trick just fine.
frankly, even when one is eating at home with family, the tablescape should be paid attention to notwithstanding; consider it makeup for the table. Just putting the glass on the correct side matters much on a subconscious level. Truly. Haven't we seen enough movies where even when the person is eating alone (s)he makes it a point to arrange the table before sitting in their own company - I don't know about you, but I have always found that classy!
So, to make it easier for all of you I did a quick research to tip you on table setting and sitting etiquettes.
(via The Washington Post)
If you are planning to serve soup then follow this setting:
If you are the guest, here are a few tips for you:
Rules on flatware:
Start from the outside and work your way in toward the plate as the meal progresses. Usually, the big fork is for the entree; the big spoon for the soup. Any utensils placed horizontally above your plate are for dessert.
Miscellaneous
If bread rolls are served, break the bread between your fingersrather than cut it.
When eating soup, always move the soup spoon away from you to the other side of the dish and "sip" the soup (quietly!) from it.
In some circumstances it may be appropriate for a finger bowl to be served, for example where ribs have been served. In which case, one should gently clean the fingers in the warm scented water and dry them on one's napkin.
Remember, tablescaping always gives the room a grand aesthetic feel; translating into a genuine way of welcoming the guests and impressing them all-in-one!
frankly, even when one is eating at home with family, the tablescape should be paid attention to notwithstanding; consider it makeup for the table. Just putting the glass on the correct side matters much on a subconscious level. Truly. Haven't we seen enough movies where even when the person is eating alone (s)he makes it a point to arrange the table before sitting in their own company - I don't know about you, but I have always found that classy!
So, to make it easier for all of you I did a quick research to tip you on table setting and sitting etiquettes.
(via The Washington Post)
If you are planning to serve soup then follow this setting:
If you are the guest, here are a few tips for you:
Rules on flatware:
Start from the outside and work your way in toward the plate as the meal progresses. Usually, the big fork is for the entree; the big spoon for the soup. Any utensils placed horizontally above your plate are for dessert.
Which drink is yours:
Here's an easy tip to help you remember. Make a circle with your thumb and forefinger. Your left hand will form a "b" and your right hand will form a "d."Bread (b) is on your left; drink (d) is on your right.
Once the utensils are used:
It never goes back on the table. When you're taking a break, rest your fork and knife entirely on the plate. When you are finished, place them diagonally on the plate, side by side, with the handles at 4 o'clock. The knife blade should face the center of the plate, not point out toward another guest (an ancient sign of aggression).If bread rolls are served, break the bread between your fingersrather than cut it.
When eating soup, always move the soup spoon away from you to the other side of the dish and "sip" the soup (quietly!) from it.
In some circumstances it may be appropriate for a finger bowl to be served, for example where ribs have been served. In which case, one should gently clean the fingers in the warm scented water and dry them on one's napkin.
Remember, tablescaping always gives the room a grand aesthetic feel; translating into a genuine way of welcoming the guests and impressing them all-in-one!
