How to Set a Table for Formal Events

1. Begin by laying out a crisp tablecloth. Then place the dinner plate in the middle of the setting. (For a more traditional table setting, place a charger plate beneath the dinner plate.)

2. Next, add the salad plate on top of the dinner plate.

3. The bread plate should be placed above and to the left of the dinner and salad plate. The butter knife can be placed horizontally on the bread plate.

4. The dinner fork goes to the left of the dinner plate and the salad fork goes to the left of the dinner fork.

5. Place the knife to the right of the dinner plate and then set the spoon to the right of the knife.

6. The dessert spoon should be placed horizontally above the dinner plate.

7. Water and white and red wineglasses go in the upper right corner or the place setting. The water glass should be closest to the guest (since hopefully they drink more water than wine), and the red wineglass goes just behind the white wineglass.

8. Fold the napkin (or use a chic napkin ring) and place it on top of the salad plate.

9. Add a place card above the dessert spoon. Write the guest's name on both sides so they can find their seat and the guests on the other side of the table will know who they are talking to.

10. The coffee cup and saucer can be set below the glasses with the dessert course.