The Proper Way to Set a Table

My parents sent me and both of my brothers to cotillion classes when we were younger.  I suppose in an effort to shape us into proper young adults.  I think it worked…well, for the most part!  I may not always mind my manners, but at least I know what I am supposed to be doing!  We learned a variety of things from manners, to dance moves, to how to set a table.  As I was thinking of this article, I realized that maybe more of the lessons stuck with me then I had originally thought.  I may not know all of the steps to the Waltz anymore, but after doing some research online to verify my ideas about proper table settings, I surprised myself by how much I actually remembered.

If you are hosting Christmas dinner, and have found yourself wondering, “Where in the heck do I put the little fork?”, then keep reading because I’ll tell ya!

There are a number of different ways to set a table.  I like to keep things fairly basic, so I am going to show you what I would do for a formal dinner.  You can of course step things up a notch or tone it down also, depending on your style and meal plans.

 And, here is a more informal place setting, with just a salad fork, dinner fork, plates, knife, spoon, and glasses.   You don’t have to be super fancy about it!  What are your holiday dinner plans?