CREATIVE TABLE SETTING COMPETITION

Importance of Setting a Table

Mealtime is not only a time to nourish the
body, but also a time to relax and enjoy the
food and the company. The evening meal,
especially, is often the only time when
families touch base and share schedules and
activities.

Even a simple soup and sandwich can taste

better if served in attractive surroundings.
The table setting can help create the mood for
the meal.

Table settings do not need to be expensive or “fancy”. The food to be served determines what
utensils are used. Imagination and variety can add to the enjoyment of the food.

Table setting rules are flexible, but knowledge of these rules creates self-confidence for the host
and makes dining more pleasant for the guest.

Must be a Table setting for one person.

What is a table setting?

The napkin, dinnerware, glassware and flatware to be used
by one person make up a “cover” or place setting. Use only
those necessary for the foods you plan to serve.

 When setting a table, allow 24” of width for each person and place the bottom tip of
dinnerware and flatware about one inch from the edge of the table or place mat. This amount
of space permits comfortable eating at a picnic table or other setting as well.

 Arrange flatware in the order of use, working toward the plate from each side. In a basic
cover, forks are placed at the left, tines up; the knife is at the right with cutting edge toward
the plate. Spoons are arranged at the right of the knife, bowl up.

 The beverage glass (or goblet) goes above the point of the knife.

 The napkin is usually at the left of the setting; it is also found in the center of the plate or used
as a decorative accessory. Wherever it is located, it should be easy to unfold and convenient
to use.

Choosing Your Table Setting. The basic setting may not be suitable for the menu you have
chosen. Kitchen cabinets are like clothes closets; they contain a “wardrobe” of dinnerware for
you to choose from.
Dinnerware may be china, stoneware, ironstone, plastic, glass, or paper. Interesting and
useful pieces can also be found of wood, stainless steel, silver plate and other materials.

 Meal plates are found in different sizes (dinner, luncheon or breakfast). Many families may
have only the dinner size. These are placed in the center of the setting.

 Butter plates, if used, are placed directly above the fork. For this competition, use a butter
plate unless the meal is very informal.

 Cup and saucer are provided for tea or coffee if this is part of the menu. The cup and saucer
are placed outside the flatware on the right of the plate.

 Salad plates are placed above or next to the fork if a butter plate is used.

 Dessert plates are placed in the center after clearing away other dinnerware. These may be
displayed in the center of the plate for this competition.

 Soup bowls are placed in the center on a small plate. If your place setting includes both soup
and dessert, place the dessert dishes to the right or at the top of the table setting and note this
on your description card. Also read the section on flatware (dessert fork and spoon).

Glassware may be clear glass, milk glass, colored glass or crystal. Plastic and paper can be
used if suitable or if needed to carry out a theme.

 A water, iced tea, milk glass (or goblet) is placed above the knife. If there is more than one,
put the one used first on the right.

 The juice glass is placed to the right of the beverage glass or above the plate.

 A wineglass or goblet is placed to the right and below the beverage glass or it can be placed
above the plate.
Flatware is also called hollowware. It may be made of silver, silver plate, or stainless steel.
Sturdy plastic may be the best choice for informal or outdoor events.

A) Butter Knife, if used, is laid across the top of the butter

plate; with blade parallel to table edge or it may be placed
on the right of the plate parallel to other flatware with
blade facing the plate.

B) Coffee or teaspoon is set at the right of the knife: also

may be placed at the right of saucer or mug.

C) The salad fork will be at the left or right of the dinner

fork depending on when salad is served. Note this in the
description if you are using a salad fork.

D) Dinner fork is placed to the immediate left of the plate.

E) Dessert fork should be to the right of the dinner fork.

F) Dinner knife is placed on the right side of plate.

G) Dessert spoon is to the left of soup/dinner spoon.

H) Dinner spoon is on the right side of the knife.

For family meals, the dessert fork is placed at the right of the dinner fork and the dessert spoon
is placed to the left of the soup/dinner spoon. Another option is to place the dessert flatware
horizontally at the top of the dinner plate with fork handle to the left and spoon handle to the
right. For “formal” meals, it is correct to bring the dessert flatware to the table when dessert is
served after the meal. Note this in your description and place the entire dessert setting to the right
of or above the table setting.

A soupspoon may be used alone or at the far right of other spoons.

Coffee and teaspoons can be placed at the right of the knife or they may be placed at the right of
the saucer or mug. Iced teaspoons follow the same rule. Be sure there is a place to rest wet
spoons so they do not have to be placed directly on the tablecloth or place mat.

A good general rule to remember is that flatware should be placed in the order that it is used.
When oval or round place mats are used, the flatware is still arranged in a straight line.

Table coverings can be fabric, plastic, or paper “tablecloths” or place mats. They can be
white, patterned or in colors to compliment the occasion and the menu.

 Napkins are a useful and decorative part of any place setting. These are usually placed
at the left with the opening next to the flatware or they can be placed in the center of the
plate. If a member chooses a more decorative or creative placement for the napkin, they
should be able to explain why they chose the alternate location to the judges. Judges will
 decide if the alternate location is appropriate. (See the item on
napkins under What is a Table Setting?)

 Tablecloths should be of easy-care fabric unless they are

disposable. They should be larger than the table (allow 4 –
10” of overhang for small tables and up to 29” for large
tables). Interesting color effects can be achieved by layering
cloths.

 Table runners can add interest to the table and can be used
with or without place mats. These are 12 – 15” wide and can
add color or pattern to enhance your theme.

 Place mats can be used on the bare table or over a tablecloth

to define each place setting and provide a foundation for
your design.

Accessories are like jewelry—they add special touches. Use them to carry out your theme
and to gain color and harmony.

 Napkin rings were designed to use at family meals; napkins made of washable fabric were
replaced after each meal unless they were soiled. Today we use them more for adding color
and variety and for carrying out a table theme. They should be functional and easy to handle.

 When candles are used, these should be lighted with the flame above eye level to prevent
glare.

 Centerpieces should be low enough so that diners can see

and talk to the person across the table. These can be
flowers, fruit, vegetables, figurines or other objects that
compliment the setting; they should be attractive from all
sides.

 Salt and peppershakers should be within reach of those seated. It

is not necessary to include these in your table setting unless you
want to, in that case, display them above the table setting.

March 2000, Shelby County Table Setting Guidelines