Table Settings Guide

Proper table settings can be a daunting task. Every different setting, from breakfast to dinner to formal occasions needs different flatware, dinnerware, and glassware. And it’s not just about abiding by traditional rules of table setting. Proper table settings will help you maximize your investment by matching your daily usage and the types of specialty pieces to what you have on your menu. You should also remember that the proper table setting creates the proper atmosphere and ambiance for each meal, and helps to compliment a fine menu and décor. You could have the finest European cuisine in the city, but unless you know how to set a table in the classical European style, your restaurant will never gain the reputation you desire. While all the standard eating, drinking and serving utensils have been outlined for you, there are plenty of items you may need for your table settings that are not standard for any type of meal. Here is the full selection of tabletop accessories available through this website.

(Flatware, Dinnerware and Glassware listed in order placed on table, left to right)

Breakfast Table Setting

• Flatware: Dinner Fork, Dinner Knife, Teaspoon
• Dinnerware: Two Bread & Butter Plates, One on a Dinner Plate, Cup, Saucer
• Glassware: Water Glass, Juice Glass (not shown)
• Napkin: Folded on the diagonal and placed to the left of the fork, flat edge pointing inward.

Lunch Table Setting

• Flatware: Salad Fork, Dinner Fork, Dinner Knife, Teaspoon
• Dinnerware: Bread & Butter Plate, Luncheon Plate
• Glassware: Water Glass, Wine Glass (not shown)
• Napkin: Folded into quarters, placed to the left of the outermost fork.

Dinner Table Setting

• Flatware: Butter Knife (on Bread & Butter Plate) Salad Fork, Dinner Fork, Dinner Knife, Teaspoon
• Dinnerware: Bread & Butter Plate, Salad Plate on Dinner Plate
• Glassware: Water Goblet, Wine Glass
• Napkin: Folded into quarters, forks placed on top

Formal Dinner Table Setting

• Flatware: Butter Knife (on Bread & Butter Plate), Salad Fork, Dinner Fork, Dinner Knife, Soup Spoon, Teaspoon
• Dinnerware: Salad Plate, Bread & Butter Plate, Salad Plate on Service Plate, Cup and Saucer
• Glassware: Water Goblet, Wine Glass, Champagne Flute (behind other two)
• Napkin: Decoratively folded and placed on the salad plate that is resting on the service plate

European Dinner Table Setting

• Flatware: Butter Knife (on Bread & Butter Plate), European Size Dinner Fork, U.S. Size Dinner Fork, Fish Fork, Fish Knife, European Size Dinner Knife, Dessert Knife, Soup Spoon, Teaspoon
• Dinnerware: Bread & Butter Plate, Salad Plate on Service Plate
• Glassware: Water Goblet, Red Wine Glass, White Wine Glass, Champagne Flute (behind other three)
• Napkin: Decoratively folded and placed on the salad plate that is resting on the service plate

Banquet Table Setting

• Flatware: Salad Fork, Dinner Fork, Dinner Knife, Teaspoon
• Dinnerware: Bread & Butter Plate, Salad Plate on Dinner Plate, Cup & Saucer
• Glassware: Water Glass or Water Goblet, Red or White Wine Glass
• Napkin: Folded into quarters and placed on the salad plate that is resting on the dinner plate

Final Tips

1. Allow at least 24 inches for each place setting.
2. Keep all tableware approximately one inch from the edge of the table.
3. Place all knives with the cutting edge toward the plate.
4. Arrange flatware in order of use, working from the outside toward the plate for each course served. If salad is served after entree, place salad fork next to plate.
5. Glass placement: from right to left, white wine, red wine, and water/iced beverage.
6. Champagne flutes may be placed behind red wine and white wine glasses.
7. A seafood/cocktail fork is always placed to the right of the soup spoon, unless served with a seafood cocktail. It may be placed on the cocktail plate.

*Information for this guide was provided by Oneida Customer Service Table Setting Guide