A 2nd Debut Table Setting Review

“Breakfast and luncheon napkins may be small, but dinner napkins should be from 18 to 20 inches square. They are placed to the left of the silver, or if the table is crowded, on the service plate.” ~ This very early 20th C. breakfast setting is confusing as the napkins are placed in a way that guests may wonder which napkin belongs to whom… 

TABLE SETTING IMPORTANT FOR PROPER DINNER

Homemakers' Bureau Suggests How to Arrange Linens, Dishes and Silverware

Table setting is often a problem for housewives. Books of etiquette sometimes disagree sharply as to what's proper. Sometimes it's a matter of geography, too, with the East and West far apart. For western homes, where informality is the rule, the Safeway Stores Homemakers Bureau has prepared guide. Here in outline form, are its main points:

• Table linen should be spotless. 
• Doilies, either linen or lace, are appropriate for informal luncheons and dinners. 
• Colored linens are used only for luncheon and breakfast.
• For more formal service, completely cover the table, using linen or banquet cloth or an elaborate lace cloth. This is placed on the bare polished table and not over colored cloth.
• Napkins should match linen in color if not in material.
• Breakfast and luncheon napkins may be small, but dinner napkins should be from 18 to 20 inches square. They are placed to the left of the silver, or if the table is crowded, on the service plate. 
• They may be folded in a triangle for breakfast or lunch but the usually folded very simply for dinner. 
• If folded in rectangular shape, place with open lower corner nearest the plate. 
• Never stand a napkin on the table.
• Table decorations should be kept simple. A centerpiece is always appropriate, but should be kept low, not obstructing the view across the table. 
• Candles have no place on the luncheon or tea table unless they are lighted and the room darkened by drawing the shades. 
• Silverware, whether plate or sterling, should be kept well polished and courses should not be included in the menu if the proper silver is not available. However, it is possible to substitute for various pieces. 
• The position of flat silver is, as a rule, one inch from the edge and vertical to the edge of the table, placing it in correct sequences as used, beginning from the outside and working towards the plate. – San Bernardino Sun, 1934

This article is a second debut article first published here in October 2017.

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