The Ultimate Guide to Table Place Settings for Every Occasion

Whether you keep it simple or go full-on fancy, this place settings guide will help you set your table for an unforgettable night, whether formal or casual. Print our handy place settings guide and hang it inside a kitchen cabinet so it's always on hand when needed. Now, you need a few good recipes, and you're ready to entertain!

Casual Place Settings

Not every get-together requires formal place settings. Instead, choose something casual when hosting impromptu parties and lunches with friends or family.

For casual table settings, the knife and spoon go to the right of the dinner plate; the fork and napkin are placed to the left. The glass goes above the knife. A soup spoon and a salad fork can be added (placed on respective sides in order of use); a cup and saucer may be set to the right.

Informal Dinners or Luncheons

Add an extra fork for salad and serveware for dessert for informal dinners. You may also choose to add a wine glass to each setting.

Arrange the knife and soup spoon to the right of the dinner plate; place the dinner fork and salad fork to the left in order of use. If serving dessert, place a dessert spoon and fork above the plate, pointing left and right, respectively. Arrange glasses, bread plate, and bread knife as directed for formal sit-down meals, below.

Formal Place Settings

For formal occasions, like holidays, go all out with your place settings. Depending on what you're serving, you'll need multiple spoons, forks, and possibly knives. You can also opt to include bread or salad dishware and utensils, as well as items for serving dessert. You'll also need a cloth napkin for each place, napkin rings (if desired), and place cards.

Place a knife (blade edge in) next to the plate. Then, place spoons to the right of the knife in order of use from the outside in. Place forks to the left of the plate in order of use from the outside in. Arrange glasses above the knife, left to right; the water goblet is first, followed by wine glasses, placed large to small.

If you're using a bread plate, place it above the forks. A butter knife may be placed across the bread plate. The salad plate is placed left of the forks. The cup, saucer, and coffee spoon are right of the setting, though these are usually brought to the table for formal dinners.

Add Decor to Your Table

Any place setting design will be enhanced with a centerpiece. Go light and casual for a low-key summer dinner. Take advantage of abundant flowers in your garden or from a local grocery store to make a colorful arrangement. Dried flowers last a long time and can be reused for multiple events. Or take a cue from the holiday dinner you're preparing to create a simple Thanksgiving centerpiece with a focus on candlelight. Christmas can be expensive, but low-cost table decor can help save money.

For additional touches, use napkin rings for cloth napkins to add shimmer or texture. Placecards can make it less chaotic when sitting down to eat, and placemats add a layer of color. Experiment with combinations until you find something that works for your event.