Perhaps I’m starting to show my age here, but I keep finding myself commenting on how casual the world has become. I notice it especially in how we dress, how we speak, and how we eat.
I realize there are many more pressing matters in our lives to be concerned about over table etiquette. Does it truly matter if the knife and fork are in a particular place? No. However, without wanting to sound too old-fashioned, having a table laid properly creates an atmosphere of elegance and respect. You are constructing a beautiful environment to eat, drink and converse with your guests, and showing them that you have made an effort for them. Eating with a proper table setting is ritualistic – it feels special. In fact, the process of setting a table can be a ritual in itself.
Easy Entertaining with Noritake
I chose Noritake Grey on Grey Swirl for my own table. I like this contemporary, clean design because I feel it would work across many different cuisines and could either be used casually for everyday dinners or for formal occasions. Noritake is world-renowned for providing homes with fine porcelain china tableware since 1904 and today, many designs and pattern options are available.
The stunning swirl finish on the plates is both pleasing to look at and touch. It also presents food beautifully.
The Proper Way to Set a Table
- Make sure the table is clean. Either use a tablecloth or a placemat at each seat.
- Have different glasses for white, red or champagne. Always have water glasses. The glasses are placed to the upper right of the place setting.
- A general guideline is to lay the utensils at the edge of the plate an inch away from the edge of the table. Make each place setting identical.
- Use more than one plate. Place a smaller bread plate to the upper left of the dinner plate. If using an additional salad plate, you can place it on top of the dinner plate.
- Place the napkin on or to the left of the plate. Use cloth napkins.
- The forks go to the left of the plate, and the knife and spoon to the right. A butter knife can be placed on the smaller plate. If serving two courses with use of forks and knives, use 2 sets. The small fork and knife go on the outside.
- Have a centrepiece and some subtle table decoration. Flowers in a vase and candles if eating in the evening.
More Table Setting Ideas:
Modern Tableware Tips with Ecology and TableKraft
Becky Gilhespie is a food writer and former Masterchef semi-finalist. Her blog, www.eatwhatweeat.com provides inspiration for meals that the whole family can enjoy. They are elegant, easy to follow recipes that are fast to get on the table and use every day ingredients.
Becky is originally from the US but lived in London for 15 years and now resides in Sydney with her husband and two little boys. Her food is inspired a lot by her travels (and desire to travel more).
