Setting your table...

There is no single universal way of setting table as different cultures have different ways of serving and eating food. Like in some parts of India, food is served on a banana leaf and eaten with fingers, while in other parts food is served in a Big Plate (Thali) and small bowls (katori).


In China, traditionally, only rice is served in individual bowls while meat or vegetable dishes are laid out in communal bowls for all diners to dip into and share. They don’t use forks or knives as they are considered as weapons.

A formal western dinner is an elaborate affair including many rigid set of rules regarding what is served and when , accompanied by what and placed where. Even there are some rules on using the fork and knife…like fork in the left hand and knife in the right hand, soup spoon for the soups, dessert spoon for having dessert….blah blah blah (for a video reference you can check the movie PRETTY WOMAN, in which Julia Roberts learns about the cutlery to use in a formal dinner)

Well let’s concentrate on a simple family dinner party…..

Choosing a table cloth depends upon the type of guests who are coming for the dinner….for example if the guests are a group of friends then you can use dark coloured table cloths….if the guests are some of your colleagues or it’s a decent gathering, then you can opt for white or lighter version of table cloths….if the guests are small kids (a kiddy get together) then without any other thought please go for plastic table spread…..(kids may feed the table too……just to avoid your table cloth from stains, it is advisable to use plastic table sheet)

It is usual to decorate the centre of the table with a low arrangement of flowers, or with a tall candle holder…..this is known as a centrepiece as it is normally placed at the geometrical centre of the table. Avoid using aromatic candles as centrepiece coz it will lessen the aroma of the delicious food.(Avoid candles if it’s a kiddy party)

Using Placemat is upto you…if you have some new placemats then go on and impress your guests.:-)

Selecting crockery is again upto you…..but try to use same set of crockeries….like if you are using ceramic plates, then fill the table with ceramic crockery….if you are using steel or metal plates then use metal bowls and serving plates and side plates…if you are using mud plates, then use mud bowls, serving plates,blah blah blah….but if it’s a kids party then use fibre tableware.(just to avoid breakages).

Place the forks on the left side of the plate, knives and spoons on the right side. The blades of the knives should always face the plate. (I got this info from a magazine).

The various glasses to be used during the meal are placed to the right of the plate above the spoons and knives. Always keep 2 types of glasses, one stem glass for having wine/champagne/juice or coke and one normal glass for water.

Napkin can be put on the plate with a nice fold or you can keep it on the left side of the plate next to the fork.

Do not put any utensil that won’t be needed.

So hope you all got a nice info on setting you table…..Set the table right and you will win the hearts of your loved ones and guests.