1940’s-1950’s Place Setting Rules

“Flatware should always be laid in the order of its use, from the outside in, toward the plate. Spoons and knives (cutting edges toward plate) go to the right —forks to the left. An exception is the oyster or cocktail fork, which belongs on the extreme right, outside the spoon.” – Etiquipedia Editor’s Note: An escargot fork is another of the small “starter” forks that can go to the right of the place setting.

Correct Table Settings 

Make sure, you have perfectly set tables for parties and entertainment!

Every successful hostess is an artist, for she blends into colorful harmony her guests, each of whom she makes feel specially honored with her tastefully prepared food, correct table settings. Following these general common sense rules which prevail for all settings and all meals, the gracious hostess will always be assured of the charm of perfectly set tables whether for the big family dinner, parties during every season or gay holiday get-togethers.

Flatware should always be laid in the order of its use, from the outside in, toward the plate. Spoons and knives (cutting edges toward plate) go to the right —forks to the left. An exception is the oyster or cocktail fork which belongs on the extreme right, outside the spoons. Pieces called for are butter spreader, fork, knife, cereal spoon (dessert), and, frequently placed on saucer, spoon for coffee (teaspoon).

Should your menu include fruit, cereal and a main course with coffee, use a serving plate of medium size, placing a fork at the left. On the right next to the plate lay first a knife, next a dessert spoon for cereal and then a teaspoon. Have the edge of the plate and the tips of the handles of the silverware in line about an inch from the table edge. The bread and butter plate, with an individual butter spreader, is placed in its usual position at the tip of the fork. Coffee is poured and passed with teaspoon in place on the saucer. Try to serve breakfast in the brightest, most cheerful spot in the home.

Individual Place Setting for Informal Luncheon: 

Usually a simple meal, luncheon can be be helped along with emphasis on the attractiveness of the table appointments. A colorful cloth of individual mats and a centerpiece of poinsettias will do much for stimulating the appetite. Pieces needed are butter spreader, fork, salad fork, knife, cream soup spoon, dessert spoon or dessert fork and teaspoon for beverage would be brought in after the main course has been cleared. 

At each place set a bread and butter plate and individual spreader, a goblet of water and a napkin. The salad fork and the luncheon fork are at the left of the service plate with the salad fork next to the plate. On the right is the knife and outside that, the soup spoon. A teaspoon should be placed at the extreme right if a fruit cup is to be served. The spoon or fork to be used with the dessert is brought in when it is served. Coffee may be served with the main course. For the dessert, and teaspoons should be ready to pass with it.

Service for the Buffet Supper: 

The buffet supper has become one of America’s most convenient and most popular methods of entertaining large numbers of people. Guests happily adapt themselves to the gay informality and the fun of helping themselves to tastefully prepared food. For the buffet suppers the individual pieces are laid out flat in symmetrical form in a convenient place—all spoons together, all forks together, etc... Guests take the pieces they want. Individual pieces depend upon what dishes are served, but the hostess will usually place for each guest: Fork spoon for coffee (after dinner coffee spoon if demitasse cups are used)—dessert spoon or fork (or salad fork) for dessert, and possibly a knife. Serving pieces are placed on table beside each dish.

Place Setting for Informal Dinner: 

A casual, pleasant atmosphere surrounds the informal dinner — leisure, relaxation, cheer, friendly conversation. A white damask-cloth is always correct and conventional. Fewer and simpler courses are served than at formal dinner. The bread and butter plate with butter spreader is at the left directly above the forks (dinner fork on outside and salad fork next to plate). 

At right next to dinner plate are the dinner knife, soup spoon (oval bowl or cream soup) and the spoon for fruit or fruit cocktail (orange or teaspoon). An oyster (or cocktail) fork may be substituted when seafood cocktail is served. The dessert fork or spoon is brought in with dessert.— By Raymond A. LaJoie, Central Press Association Correspondent, December 1957

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia Etiquette Encyclopedia