Flatware placement recommendations? The first step to get you started is proper silverware placement. Utensils are placed in the order of use; from the outside in. Keep in mind that, with only a few exceptions, forks go to the left of the plate, and knives and spoons go to the right. (The oyster fork is the only fork placed to the right of the setting if it will be used.) Finally, only set the table with utensils you will use. Not serving soup? Then, no soup spoon for you. What kind of setting do you want to create? Remember to think about the type of meal you are serving, what you’re prepared to handle as a host, and what level of formality you’ve chosen for your gathering. A casual pot-luck with close friends or family certainly doesn’t need to be more than the most basic of table settings. A formal affair, and menu, however will necessitate a few more utensils and a bit of style thrown in to properly pull off a fancy at-home meal. That being said, many skilled hosts have been able to pull off a formal meal with limited tableware by putting practicality first and utilizing a dash of creativity (and maybe some very quick dishwashing between courses.)
If you’re hosting an elegant dinner party, you might want to know how to set a table for a three-course meal. Real Simple home editor Stephanie Sisco says the biggest difference between a casual table and a formal table is the use of chargers, also known as presentation plates. Traditionally, formal place settings also tend to forgo placemats, but she says you can opt to use a round placemat underneath a charger for an even more formal look. A formal table setting includes many pieces: a tablecloth, chargers, 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. Though this may sound overwhelming, if you know how to set a casual table, it’s a very easy leap to knowing how to set a table with charger plates. To see all of this in motion, check out this video on how to lay out a proper table setting.
The dinner fork is placed closest to the plate. It is usually 7 inches and has four shark prongs. The dinner fork is used for any main course meal and is by far the largest fork on the table. The dinner knife is the first thing closest to the plate on the right side. It is slightly sharp-edged and is about 7 inches. The dinner knife is used for eating any main course dish. The fish knife is an optional choice. Often when there is a fish appetizer served, a fish-based main course dish would also follow. This is an oddly shaped knife, which helps with almost all seafood. The salad knife is a blunt five and a half inch knife that is kept at the right end of all the knives. This is always the first knife to be used. See additional information on Silverware HQ’s Silverware placement guide.
One of the most commonly asked questions regarding stainless steel silverware is, “How can I prevent it from rusting?” While this flatware is technically not supposed to rust, pit, or discolor over time, it can happen as a result of improper care. Two crucial things to remember when caring for stainless steel silverware are to never place it in a dishwasher and never allow it to stand with food residue on it for any longer than necessary. Stainless steel silverware should only ever be hand washed in a tub of warm water with a mild detergent product, and then rinsed and thoroughly dried off afterward. This will help ensure that your silverware remains looking as good as new for as long as possible.
Lastly, put the soup spoon after the fish knife, which would be the farthest away from the plate. This makes it convenient for the diner to use the spoon since soup is usually served after the salad. Place a dessert fork and spoon above the plate, with the fork pointing towards the right. Then set a spoon above the fork, pointing towards the left. If you are planning on serving any bread, put a bread plate diagonal to the forks. Do not forget to place a butter knife whose handle is pointing towards the diner’s right hand. Lastly, place a water glass at the top right of the plate, above the table knives. If you are planning on serving wine, you can put the wine glass next to the water glass on the right-hand side. Discover additional details at https://www.silverwarehq.com/.