Correct Place Settings and Tables

 

The 2nd Annual Etiquipedia International Place Setting Contest is Officially On!

 

Here is an illustration of a great example of a perfect American place setting. We have numerous links with examples and instructions listed below. Just pick a time period and start reading! Good luck to everyone who wishes to enter.

 

We have articles on table settings and place settings from around the world and over centuries. Below are just a few of the labels you can search for, and read, on Etiquipedia:

• Table Setting 1890’s (1)
• Table Setting 1950’s (1)
• Table Setting 1960’s (1)
• Table Setting 1970’s (1)
• Table Setting 1980’s (1)
• Table Setting 1990’s (1)
• Table Setting Etiquette (10)
• Table Setting Etiquette 1890’s (2)
• Table Setting Etiquette 1900’s (2)
• Table Setting Etiquette 1910’s (1)
• Table Setting Etiquette 1920’s (2)
• Table Setting Etiquette 1930’s (6)
• Table Setting Etiquette 1940’s (1)
• Table Setting Etiquette 1950’s (1)
• Table Setting Etiquette 1960’s (2)
• Table Setting Etiquette 1970’s (1)
• Table Setting Etiquette 1980’s (1)
• Table Setting Etiquette 1990’s (1)
• Table Setting Etiquette 2000’s (2)
• Table Settings 1930’s (1)
• Table Settings 1940’s (1)

To fill out a form to enter, click on the place setting photo on the top right of this page or click here

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

Place Setting Etiquette

Lay the silver so that the piece to be used first is always on the outside. The piece or pieces for each succeeding course should follow in logical progression of use. — Above is a mid-century modern setting featuring the Franciscan Ware “Desert Rose” patterned tableware with the 1940 Grille Flatware in the “Treasure” pattern.

The Individual Place

Place plate: Mark each individual place with the place (as frequently called “service”) plate. If you have no special plates for the purpose, use a regulation dinner or luncheon-size plate. Space the plates evenly. See that those that you intend to have opposite each other are really opposite each other. The plate should be set just far enough in from the edge of the table so that it will not slip off. A plate at each place is standard table setting except at the most informal meals. Special service plates are nice if you can afford them but any sizable plate will do.

Silver flatware: Lay the silver so that the piece to be used first is always on the outside. The piece or pieces for each succeeding course should follow in logical progression of use. This brings the silver to be used last closest to the plate, which generally is the silver for the salad course.

Lay all silver pieces in a neat parallel arrangement, with the tips of the handles in line with the edge of the service plate and far enough back from the edge of the table so that they are not easily brushed off. They should be laid close enough to each other and to the service plate, yet without crowding, to give a feeling of unity to the complete place setting. Sprawling silver is a pretty sure indication of a careless hostess.

Silver used in the left hand lies at the left side of the plate; that used in the right hand at the right of the plate. In other words, forks are at the left, knives and spoons are at the right.

The oyster fork is the exception to the above rule. It is used in the right hand only and quite naturally lies at the right of the plate. The cutting edges of the knife blades are turned toward the plate.

Whatever your menu, there should be no more than three forks at the left of the plate and three knives at the right on a well-set table. This is a matter of taste and good usage. If the menu requires more knives and forks, they should be brought as needed. Dessert silver is brought later with the dessert service or may be laid at the top of the plate for an informal luncheon or dinner.

 —From “Setting Your Table... Its Art, Etiquette and Service,” by Helen Sprackling, 1960

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