Table Settings: Feel Confident Navigating ANY Table Setting!

We all know that terrible feeling of sitting down at a nice restaurant, or a dinner party with friends, and looking down at the table setting and experiencing that all too familiar panicked feeling override us…

“What is this knife, and that fork used for?”
“What order do I use all the different knives and forks in?”
“What are the little knives and forks above my plate used for?”
“What’s the nutcracker & spade thing used for?”

The important thing to remember about (what appears to be) complex table settings, is that there is a very structured order for using the utensils. So, while it can look daunting, as long as you remember the (rather simple) rules, you will be able to navigate the settings with ease! The most important rule for navigating utensils is simply: start from the OUTSIDE and move your way INSIDE for each course!

Generally, utensils are laid out on the table from the outside in – in accordance with the dishes. For example, let’s say you have a setting with two forks to the left of the plate, two knives to the right, and a single spoon also on the right, but inside the two knives – a total of five pieces – quite daunting if you’re unsure of how to proceed. So, here’s how you work your way through this setting: first remember the basic rule – work from the outside in:

• For the entrée, use the outermost knife and fork.
• For the main course, use the innermost knife and fork.
• For desert, use the spoon on the right.

So, as you can see this basic table setting is actually very simple to navigate – just remember: from the outside to the inside!!

Okay, what about a slightly more formal table setting of two forks to the left, two knives to the right, and a single smaller knife and fork ABOVE the dinner plate?? This is the sort of setting that can send novices into a panic! Well, not any more - now you can approach this with complete confidence. As with the past example, follow the simple rule “from the outside in”:

• Use the outermost knife and fork for the entrée.
• Then move to the larger, innermost knife and fork for the main meal.
• And finally, move to the knife and fork above the plate for desert – these are simply the desert utensils!

So as you can see, even this formal table setting is really quite simple when you know how.

Obviously these are only two of MANY different table settings that you may potentially encounter. The more prepared you are, the more comfortable and confident you will be in ANY dining situation.

Make sure you have all the knowledge you need to navigate your way confidently through ANY dining setting – simply check out my dining and social etiquette manual: Dining Etiquette – The Concise Guide For Everyone! which will enable you to feel total confidence in your ability to handle any table setting! For more information, simply click here!