Informal Settings Generally have fewer utensils and dishes but use a layout based on more formal settings. Utensils are arranged in the order and according to the manner in which the diner will use them.

Formal Settings Utensils are placed about an inch from the edge of the table, with all placed either upon the same invisible baseline or upon the same invisible median line.
Option 1: Formal Dinner Table Setting

Tips for an Formal Table Setting :

Holidays and formal dinners are the perfect time to dress the table with a formal table setting. Since this table setting was designed with the formality of many courses such as soup, salad, and a dessert course, it requires the use of additional forks, spoons, glasses, and plates.
Tips for a formal dinner table setting: * For a formal setting, use both matching place mats and a tablecloth. * Start by placing matching ceramic plates in the center of the place mat to use as a reference point. * A cloth napkin is ideal, and should be folded in half and put on the left side of the place setting, under the forks. * Formal dinner settings include both a dinner and salad fork on the left-hand side. The dinner fork should be as close to the plate as possible without touching, and the salad fork should be a centimeter to the left of the dinner fork. * The knife should be placed on the right hand side, with the cutting edge facing in, followed on the right by the teaspoon, then the soup spoon. * Wine glasses should be placed at the top right corner of the place mat, and water glasses just above the wine glass to the left.

* Option 2: Casual Meal Setting (Also called “Basic Setting”)

Tips for an Informal Table Setting :

* A casual, or basic, table setting is acceptable for most all occasions and requires the use of only the necessary utensils. * Though not required, a place mat is still recommended for a casual table setting to help with placement of the table setting elements. * Start by placing the plate in the center, and place all other utensils relevant to the plate. * Napkins may go under the fork(s) or centered on the plate. * A casual table setting requires only the use of the dinner fork on the left, and a knife (cutting side in) and soup spoon on the right. If no soup is being served, you may eliminate this utensil. * Wine glasses (both stemmed and non-stemmed glasses are acceptable) should be place a few inches above (and to the left) of the soup spoon. The water glass should be back, and to the left of the wine glass, and should be larger than an ordinary glass. Whether adding a small amount of elegance to a casual dinner or pulling out all the stops for a formal sit-down, a proper table setting will add an element of sophistication to any meal. But don’t forget that small details make a difference too. Remember to choose a centerpiece that allows guests to see each other across the table, clear away salad dishes before serving the main course, and don’t wash your dishes until after your guests have left. Bon Appetit!

Maria Ai Aquino Higa
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