how to set a table for a six course meal

How to Set a Formal Table

To set a formal table, you'll need a table cloth, charger, dinner plates, soup bowls, salad plates, bread plates, napkins, salad forks, dinner forks, knives, soup spoons, butter knives, dessert spoons, water glasses, red wine glasses, and white wine glasses.

1. Cover the table with a tablecloth or placemat (tablecloth is preferred).
2. Set a charger at each seat. Place a salad plate and soup bowl in the center of each setting.
3. Place the bread plate to the left of the charger. Stick the butter knife on the plate with the handle facing right for easy reach.
4. Place a cloth napkin to the right of charger.
5. On the left of the charger, place the salad fork and dinner fork, from left to right.

Full Answer

What is a meal expanded to 6 courses?

A meal expanded to six courses means adding an appetizer, soup and palate cleanser prior to the main course, and serving the salad after. The order is usually appetizers, soup, palate cleanser, entree, salad and dessert.

How do you set a table for multiple courses?

Setting the table for multiple courses requires more pieces of dinner ware, glass ware and flatware. With a little planning, it becomes simple. Start with a tablecloth that drapes at least 10 inches below the edge of the table.

What is the difference between a 6 and 7 course meal?

A six course meal usually includes an amuse-bouche, a soup, an appetizer, a salad, a main course, and a dessert. A seven course meal includes an amuse-bouche, a soup, an appetizer, a salad, a main course, a dessert, and a mignardise with coffee or tea. 2

What is the correct table setting for dinner?

Basic Table Setting. The dinner plate is positioned in the center of the place setting and everything else is placed around it. Then, the flatware is arranged around the plate in the order in which it will be used: To the left of the plate is the fork. To the right of the plate is the knife and spoon.

What is the order of a 6 course meal?

6 course meal: A 6 course dinner menu includes an hors d'oeuvre, soup, appetizer, salad, main course, and dessert.

How do you set up a multi course meal table?

3:004:40How To Set A Table For A Five Course Meal - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace it exactly above the main course knife at the height of the dessert cutlery with a top lineMorePlace it exactly above the main course knife at the height of the dessert cutlery with a top line and the knife line meat. Select any further glasses needed to go with the dishes.

How do you set a dinner table correctly?

Place the dinner plate in the center of the table setting. The fork is placed to the left of the plate. Place the knife to the right of the dinner plate and then set the spoon to the right of the knife. Set the water glass in the top right corner, above the knife.

What is the correct pattern for a complete meal course?

Full course meals are made up of three courses: an appetizer, main dish, and dessert. Also known as a three-course meal or a standard course meal, you will sometimes see restaurants offering a full menu with these three items. You can add more courses to a full course meal.

Which comes first soup or salad?

When soup is served for a luncheon or dinner, Emily Post's “Etiquette” offers the following advice: --Soup should be the first of six courses. It should be followed by fish, the entree, salad, dessert and coffee.

How do you display food on a table?

How to Display Food on a Banquet TableAccommodate the number of plates with a large enough table. You don't want to cram 15 dishes onto a table suitable for only eight. ... Elevate some of the dishes to give variety to the layout of your table. ... Arrange the food in relative groups. ... Mirror the plates. ... Decorate your table.

What are the 5 basic types of table set up?

5 Classic Table Settings Every Host Should KnowBasic Table Setting.Informal Table Setting.Formal Table Setting.Five-Course Table Setting.Buffet Table Setting.

What does a proper place setting look like?

Forks are placed to the left of the plate, knives and spoons to the right. Stemware is set above and to the right of the dinner plate; bread-and-butter plates sit above the forks, to the left of the place setting.

Where do glasses go on the table?

The water glass is placed to the upper right of the plate above the spoons and knives. Setting a formal table typically calls for all of the drinkware and utensils that will be used in the meal placed in the proper position before the meal even begins.

Is soup or appetizer first served?

Present the soup course. This course is usually served before the appetizer or in place of an appetizer. This dish is served in a small soup bowl and eaten with a rounded soup spoon. Your soup choice may vary by season.

How do you balance a menu?

The rules for an esthetically well-balanced meal are easy enough to describe: very distinctive foods and seasonings should be present in only one dish, consistencies and textures should contrast, mild dishes should precede those with stronger flavors and only one really substantial or heavy dish should be included.

What is the order of a 5 course meal?

Five-course mealAppetizer.Soup.Main course.Dessert.Cheese.

How to set up a formal table?

Set a Formal Table 1 Cover the table with a tablecloth or placemat (tablecloth is preferred). 2 Set a charger at each seat. Place a salad plate and soup bowl in the center of each setting. 3 Place the bread plate to the left of the charger. Stick the butter knife on the plate with the handle facing right for easy reach. 4 Place a cloth napkin to the right of charger. 5 On the left of the charger, place the salad fork and dinner fork, from left to right. 6 On the right of the charger, place the dinner knife, salad knife, and soup spoon, from left to right. 7 Place water glass above the knives. Wine is set from right to the left in the order used. White wine is for the first course on the outside, the red wine is next for your entrée. 8 Stick dessert utensils above the charger — fork handle to the left and spoon handle to the right. 9 When the main course is served, the charger (a.k.a. server plate) should be traded out for the dinner plate.

Where to place a soup spoon on a salad plate?

Place a napkin to the left of the setting. On the left of the plate, place the dinner fork on the napkin. On the right of the plate , place the dinner knife and soup spoon, from left to right. Place the water glass directly above the knife.

What do you need to set a table?

For casual events, one needs just a basic table setting: a placemat, cutlery (fork, knife, and spoon), a dinner plate, a water glass, and a napkin.

How to set a table?

Basic Table Setting Instructions. Lay the placemat on the table. Put the dinner plate in the middle of the placemat. Lay the napkin to the left of the plate. Place the fork on the napkin. To the right of the plate, place the knife closest to the plate, blade pointing in. Place the spoon to the right of the knife.

What to do after a soup course?

After the soup course is complete and the bowls are cleared, a salad plate will take the soup bowl's position. Traditionally, a charger holds the spot for the dinner plate, and is removed after the salad course so the place is never bare. If you do not want to clear the table after the soup course and bring out dinner plates, you can place a dinner plate on top of the charger.

How to set a charger on a clock?

Set a charger at each seat. In the center of the charger, place a soup bowl. Place the bread plate to the top left of the charger (between 10 and 11 p.m. on a clock face). Lay a napkin to the left of the charger. On the left of the charger, place the salad fork on the outside, and the dinner fork on the inside.

What is the basic table setting?

Essentially, the basic table setting, above, and the casual table setting are nearly identical, but in a casual table setting, there is the addition of a soup bowl and a dinner plate. As a general rule, only set out the glassware, tableware, and flatware that you're going to be using.

Where to place a napkin on a salad plate?

Lay a napkin to the left of the charger. To the left of the plate, place the fork on the napkin. On the right of the plate, place the knife closest to the plate and then the spoon. Directly above the knife, place the water glass.

Where to place salt and pepper shakers?

If using individual salt and pepper shakers for each guest, place them at the top of the placemat. Otherwise, place them near the center of the table, or, if using a long, rectangular table, place them in the middle of each end.

What is the art of setting a table?

The art of table setting is actually simple once you understand a few basics. Treat your guests to a beautifully set table. When it comes to entertaining, few things impress quite like a formal dinner table—especially when it's been properly set. More importantly, taking the time to set a formal table shows your guests how much you care.

What is the water glass on a dinner table?

The water glass stands above the dinner knife, white wine to its right, and red wine top center. "When more than four guests are expected, be sure to create seating in advance," says Smith. " Place cards are a lovely touch, or the host may direct people to their seats.".

What plate is salad served on?

Salad is served on a midsize plate and eaten with the remaining fork, which has a broader end tine than other forks and can be used for cutting. After this course, the bread-and-butter plate, butter knife, and both wine glasses will be cleared, along with the salad plate and fork, leaving the table set for dessert.

What is the only stemware still on the table?

The water glass is the only stemware still on the table. "While the other stemware is removed, a formal meal will often have a dessert wine or champagne toast as part of the final course," Smith says. Both Lee and Smith emphasize the importance of the dessert course.

Is course 2 cleared?

Credit: Emma Darvick. Course two has been cleared, leaving the table set for the main course. The large dinner plate may be brought in either bearing a portion of food or empty, if food is to be served at the table. In either case, the plate should be preheated unless the main course is served cold.

How to host a full course meal?

To host your own full course meal, begin by planning your menu in advance. Decide how many courses you’d like to serve and what they will be. Next, set the table before you begin cooking. This will save you time and allow you to relax with your guests before the meal is served. Finally, begin serving each course.

What is the main course on a dinner plate?

The main course is served on a dinner plate. This course is usually a combination of baked, fried, or roasted protein with a seasonal vegetable side dish and bread. If you serve bread, make sure to provide a bread dish and butter knife in the top-left corner of the placemat. Main courses include:

What is dessert course?

The dessert course is served on a small appetizer plate with a dedicated dessert spoon or fork. This course usually consists of a slice of cake, pie, or other sweet dish and a glass of dessert wine. However, some people prefer to serve cheese and crackers instead of dessert. For example:

What is a three course meal?

A three-course meal usually has an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert. A four course meal might include a soup, an appetizer, a main course, and dessert. A five course meal can include a soup, an appetizer, a salad, a main course, and a dessert.

What to do if you have too many courses?

If you do too many, you might not have time to prepare everything properly or spend time with your guests. Remember that each course will require its own plate or bowl and silverware. Make sure you have enough of each to serve your courses. A three-course meal usually has an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert.

How to make a menu for a dinner party?

Multiple course dinners take a lot of time to cook. If you plan ahead, you will leave yourself plenty of time to cook every course. When creating your menu, choose one or two items that will be prepared fresh and cook the others in advance.

Is salad course served after main course?

Serve the salad course. In some parts of Europe, the salad course is served after the main course. However, it is becoming more and more common to serve the salad first. Salad courses usually feature seasonal vegetables with a flavorful dressing.

What is setting the table?

Setting the table is often a hurried, last-minute task that can leave you wondering about the correct placement of the flatware, plates, napkins and glassware. Don’t add stress to your dinner plans, and keep the focus on the food, your family and friends, with these super easy table setting ideas. Be sure to check out these impressive (and affordable!) recipes.

How to set a dinner plate?

The dinner plate is positioned in the center of the place setting and everything else is placed around it. Then, the flatware is arranged around the plate in the order in which it will be used: 1 To the left of the plate is the fork. 2 To the right of the plate is the knife and spoon. The knife is placed to the right of the plate with the sharp edge toward the plate. To the right of the knife is the spoon. 3 A water glass goes above the knife.

How to keep greens crisp at a party?

If you’re serving a salad, fill individual salad plates and set them at each place setting. Consider chilling the salad plates in the refrigerator for several hours to keep greens crisp.

What to serve before dessert?

Before serving dessert, clear the table of all dishes, including extra glasses, salt and pepper shakers and condiment dishes. Serve the dessert and coffee cups. Place the sugar and creamer on the table. Avoid the temptation to clear the table and start washing dishes…that can wait until after your guests leave. 1 / 35.

How to warm up stacked dinner plates?

If your dinner plates are oven-safe, set the oven to the lowest possible temperature and place the stacked plates in the oven to warm while enjoying salad and bread. If your dishes are not oven-safe, rinse them under hot water and dry just before filling.

What is a sit down dinner?

The holidays are a perfect time to add a little elegance to the table. Instead of a casual family-style supper, where food is passed from one person to another, host a formal sit-down dinner, where individual plates of food are served to guests. Here’s how:

How tall should a centerpiece be for a dinner table?

When selecting a centerpiece for the table, make sure it isn’t too tall (10 to 12 inches is an acceptable maximum height), otherwise guests won’t be able to see each other across the table. Serve appetizers and beverages in the living room before sitting down. You’ll have one less course to bring to the table.