How to Set Flatware on Table? Professional Guidance For You

In formal or everyday table settings, proper placement of flatware is not only beneficial to the dining process but also reflects table manners. For a family dinner, a business banquet, or a wedding banquet, proper set flatware can make the table more refined and organized. This article will introduce the standard placement of flatware and some practical tips in detail.

Basic Flatware Placement Rules

In table settings, flatware sets are usually placed from the outside to the inside according to the order of dining, that is, the first tableware to be used is placed on the outermost. For example:

• Dinner Knife: Place it to the right of the dinner plate with the blade toward the dinner plate.
• Dinner Fork: Place it on the left side of the dinner plate.
• Soup Spoon: If soup is being served, place it to the right of the dinner knife.
• Dessert Fork/Spoon: If a bread plate is being used, the butter knife is placed on the bread plate with the blade facing down.
• Butter Knife: If there is a bread plate, the butter knife should be placed on the bread plate with the blade facing down.

Flatware Placement For Formal Occasions

At formal dinners or elegant dining restaurants, placement of flatware is specific and each of them has its respective position:

• Appetizer: The fork of the appetizer is placed to the outside of the main fork, and the knife of the appetizer to the outside of the main knife.
• Fish Course: When a fish course appears, you need to use the fish fork and fish knife and place them at respective positions.
• Dessert & Coffee: The dessert fork or spoon is usually put at the top of the plate, and the coffee spoon is put with the coffee cup.

Flatware Placement for Different Table Styles

• American Style: The fork and knife are placed in the “4 o’clock” position in the plate after a meal.
• European Style: The knife and fork are not changed when using them, and the knife and fork are placed parallel to each other in the plate after a meal.

Tips for Placing Flatware

• Make sure the edges of the flatware are against the tablecloth and the space between them is equal.
• If it is a buffet, you may have the flatware neatly on the side of the plate for people to serve themselves.
• Choose the right material of flatware, e.g., stainless steel cutlery set, easy to clean and long-lasting and suitable for use in various occasions.

Purchase Premium Flatware to Enhance the Dining Experience

FANGYUAN is one of China’s top 3 stainless steel flatware manufacturers, engaged in producing high-quality sets of cutlery, such as modern simplicity, classic European and customized design styles. We support wholesale and OEM/ODM customization, and all cutlery sets meet international food safety standards, such as FDA, LFGB, SGS certification, to ensure safety, non-toxicity and high quality. Whether for restaurant use, hotels, wedding banquets or domestic use, we are able to provide you with high-quality flatware solutions.

Welcome to contact FANGYUAN for further information on wholesale and customized cutlery set service to enhance the style and tastefulness of your dining table!