If using a place card, set it above the dessert spoon. Formal Table Setting Etiquette Tips. After the soup course is complete and the bowls are cleared, a salad plate will take the soup bowl's ...

The difference between a basic table setting and a more formal one is generally the number of utensils you see. You’ll want to include a plate, knife, fork, napkin and water glass.

5. Bread Plates For a formal table: Rarely seen at home in these carb-conscious days, bread plates go above the forks, with the butter knife laid horizontally or diagonally (pointing toward 10 o ...

A comfortable table setting, especially a formal one with a variety of glassware and flatware, should allow about 2 feet of space between the center of one plate and the center of the next.

First, the ABCs of table setting: Place the plates on the center of the placemat. Lay the napkin to the left of the plate, or get fancy with a fold — it's easier than you think.

And speaking of Europe, a fork is laid in Paris or Amsterdam with the curve facing up, tines touching the table, whereas it would be set just the opposite way here. On your right, spoons appear ...

Finally, for a formal affair, switch out your universal wine glass, for a red wine glass, a white wine glass, and a champagne flute or sherry glass. And don't forget to dress up your table with ...