How to set a table (protocol)
The rules on table setting have a key role in any black tie event where the organiser strives to make the occasion an outstanding success.
When it comes to protocol in terms of setting the table not only are we referring to the aesthetics and the decoration of tables at galas and formal banquets. These standards are also followed to help the host and the guests enjoy a much more organised meal.
Would you like to know what cutlery is essential and how to arrange the cutlery correctly? Follow all these tips and you will become a real expert in both the language and the meaning of table setting and dining etiquette.
Basic cutlery at a table
Before finding out about the proper table setting protocol it is important to know what cutlery is basic and essential at type of meal, whatever it is.
These are the basic pieces of cutlery:
Spoons are the pieces of cutlery that are used to enjoy soups, creams and desserts. There are soup spoons, serving spoons, dessert spoons and also, ice cream spoons.
Although forks were the last to appear in the history of cutlery, these are the pieces that are used the most in any meal. There are salad forks, meat forks and fish forks.
Another essential piece of cutlery is the table knife. There are fish knives, steak knives, dessert knives and, even, breakfast knives.
What is the correct way to set the table?
Surely on more than one occasion you have wondered how cutlery is arranged on the table. Although not everyone is familiar with this type of protocol, it never hurts to know what steps should be followed to set a table properly.
We will tell you what the correct order of cutlery is on the table and what is used first according to a formal and informal table setting protocol.
1. How to arrange the cutlery on a formal table
The formal table setting protocol is where elegance and the traditional style are the true protagonists.
At this type of type the forks are laid down first to the left of the plate. Remember that the cutlery is always placed from the outside first, working inwards in the order of use.
The spoons and the knives are laid on the right of the plate. The main knife is the piece of cutlery that is placed closest to the plate, followed by the other specialised knives. And, finally the spoons are placed on the table that, in general, are used for the creams and the soups that are usually served for the first course.
2. How to arrange the cutlery at an informal table
Although the informal table setting protocols is much more casual than that of a formal table, there are still standards and rules that have to be followed.
When it comes to informal table setting the cutlery is laid on the table in the same order as it is to set a formal table.
Remember that the arrangement of the cutlery will help you follow the order when it comes to using the different pieces during the meal.
Dining etiquette
The language and the meaning of how the cutlery is arranged during a meal can help us answer one of the big questions that are asked: How is the cutlery positioned after eating?
These are the ways that the used cutlery is positioned to communicate without talking:
- Cutlery arranged in a triangle on the plate means that you haven’t finished eating yet.
- If the cutlery is arranged in a cross it means that you are getting ready to start the next course.
- If you want to convey the fact that the dish was excellent the cutlery has to be arranged in parallel on the plate with the handles to the left.
- If you have finished eating, the cutlery is positioned perpendicular to the plate with the handles touching the bottom part of the plate.
- To say that you have not liked the meal you have to create a 90º angle with the knife and fork by putting the knife in between the tines of the fork.
Knowing what it means to cross the pieces of cutlery when you have finished eating or arranging them at an angle of 90º will help us understand the non-verbal communication of dining etiquette.
Now that you know how to set the table and what all the points are that you need to take into account when arranging the cutlery, you can also adapt the table setting protocol to the modern trends.
