LookHow to set a basic table
For a basic table setting, put the dinner plate in the center, the fork on the left, the knife on the right with its blade facing the plate, the spoon to the right of the knife and the water glass above the knife. The napkin goes left of the fork or on the plate.
That is the Emily Post Institute’s everyday setting. Lay the flatware so it is used from the outside in, and set the glasses last.
How to set a formal table
In a formal place setting a charger sits under the first-course plate with the napkin on top. Forks go on the left and are used from the outside in; knives and the soup spoon go on the right. The bread plate sits above the forks, and the glasses stand above the knives in the order they are used.
The salad fork sits inside the dinner fork when salad follows the main course. No more than 3 of any utensil go on the table at once.
Three table setting diagrams
An everyday meal: one plate, fork, knife, spoon, water glass and napkin.
- Napkin: To the left of the fork, or under it.
- Dinner fork: To the left of the plate.
- Dinner plate: Centered in front of the chair.
- Dinner knife: Next to the plate, blade facing the plate.
- Spoon: To the right of the knife.
- Water glass: Above the knife, or at a 45-degree angle to its right.
Salad after the main course, a bread plate, one wine glass and dessert flatware above the plate.
- Dinner fork: The largest fork, to the left of the plate.
- Salad fork: Inside the dinner fork, next to the plate, for a salad served after the main course.
- Charger (service plate): Under the first-course plate; removed before the main course.
- First-course plate: Centered in front of the chair.
- Napkin: On top of the charger.
- Dinner knife: Next to the plate, blade facing the plate.
- Bread plate: Above the forks.
- Butter spreader: Laid diagonally across the bread plate.
- Dessert spoon: Above the plate, handle to the right.
- Dessert fork: Below the spoon, handle to the left.
- Water glass: Above the knives.
- Wine glass: To the right of the water glass, in the order the wines are poured.
Soup, fish, main and salad courses, two wines and a toast. Dessert flatware arrives with dessert.
- Fish fork: Outside the dinner fork, because it is used first.
- Dinner fork: The largest fork, to the left of the plate.
- Salad fork: Inside the dinner fork, next to the plate, for a salad served after the main course.
- Charger (service plate): Under the first-course plate; removed before the main course.
- Soup bowl on its plate: Centered in front of the chair.
- Napkin: On top of the charger.
- Dinner knife: Next to the plate, blade facing the plate.
- Fish knife: To the right of the dinner knife.
- Soup spoon: To the right of the knives.
- Bread plate: Above the forks.
- Butter spreader: Laid diagonally across the bread plate.
- Water glass: Above the knives.
- First wine glass: To the right of the water glass, in the order the wines are poured.
- Second wine glass: Next in line for the second wine.
- Champagne flute: At the end of the row.
Where sources differ
- Dessert flatware. Some settings place the dessert spoon and fork above the plate; the Emily Post Institute’s formal setting brings them in on the dessert plate. The diagram maker offers both.
- When the charger leaves. The Emily Post Institute removes chargers when the main course is served, Lenox after the entrée, and Wikipedia notes that some hosts remove them once guests are seated.
- Not covered. We have not found a source we trust for cup-and-saucer placement or buffet layouts, so the maker leaves them out.
Setting a holiday table? Read how to set a Thanksgiving table, a Christmas Eve dinner table setting or brunch table setting ideas. Name the seats with the place card maker.
Table setting: common questions
Which side does the fork go on?
The fork goes on the left of the plate. The knife goes on the right with its blade facing the plate, and the spoon sits to the right of the knife.
Where do the glasses go in a table setting?
The water glass goes above the knife, or at a 45-degree angle to its right. In a formal setting, wine glasses and a champagne flute stand to the right of the water glass, above the knives, in the order they are used.
Where does the bread plate go?
The bread plate goes above the forks on the left, with the butter spreader laid diagonally across it.
Where does the napkin go?
In a basic setting the napkin goes to the left of the fork, or under it, or on the plate. In a formal setting it sits on top of the charger.
How many forks can be on the table?
No more than 3 of any utensil, according to the Emily Post Institute. Flatware for later courses, such as dessert, is brought out with the course.