How to set the table. Properly. Apparently

How to set the table. Properly. When looking into this subject matter it quickly became apparent that table settings are pretty old fashioned. The majority of us don’t even have enough cutlery in our homes to put together one of these formal settings. Even the informal setting is pretty formal in my world. But if you are interested in how things should be done here is a little ‘how-to’ for the next time your great aunt comes round for dinner. I mean for her to appreciate the fine linen… lets not do it an injustice by confusing the cutlery and crockery. After some research it also became clear there are many differing opinions on how to lay a table but the following are the most widely accepted methods.

For the formal setting you may use name cards to avoid confusion of who sits where, you would do well to avoid any spelling errors here, can you spell awkward! Allow for plenty elbow room (my gran always used to ask where I was flying to with my elbows) and the cutlery should be placed 1 inch from the edge of the table, that’s 2.5 centimetres (what no one told you to bring a ruler?). Start with bread. Then serve soup (you can serve this in the kitchen so no need to have the bowl on the table when setting it), followed by a small plated salad. After that the main is served. Then dessert and finish with tea or coffee. Remember to offer wine and or water throughout to your guest.

Formal table setting