Formal Table Setting

For the formal table setting, there are some more pieces, but the general setting remains the same.  We still have the dinner plate in the center, the forks on the left, the knife and spoons on the right, and the glass to the right of the plate.

To the forks on the left, we have added a fish fork and a salad fork.  We have also added a soup spoon on the right.  During the different courses of the meal, you will generally use the silverware in order from the outside (furthest away from the plate) to the inside (nearest the plate).

To the left and a bit above the plate is the salad plate.  The butter plate is near that.  Use the butter plate for bread and rolls.  If butter is offered, take a small slice and put it on your butter plate, not directly on the roll.  Then take the butter from the plate to butter your roll.

Above the plate you will see a few more pieces of silverware.  These are generally used for appetizers or dessert.

The cup and saucer for coffee or tea complete this formal place setting.

If you have ever been in a restaurant and wondered which plate to use for your roll and which water glass is yours, remember that the water glass on the right is yours.  Since the majority of people are right handed, having the water glass on the right makes it easier to pick up for most people.  Use the plate on your left for your roll.