Setting the Table
   "I'm always amazed at how many people don't know how to set a table," says Roseanna Robinson, director of Home Entertaining and Dining for The Pfaltzgraff Co. "We often intimidate guests by being too formal, yet some rules do apply." The following diagram shows a full-blown table setting for a fancy dinner party. Adjust it as necessary to fit your menu. "Remember to make your guests as comfortable as you can. Don't put out utensils that won't ever be used. If your menu doesn't include anything that would be eaten with a teaspoon, don't put teaspoons on the table. If you're planning to serve coffee and dessert afterward, bring out the teaspoons then," advises Robinson.
Table Setting
  1. Napkin
     
  2. Salad fork
     
  3. Dinner fork
     
  4. Dessert fork
     
  5. Bread-and-butter plate,
    with spreader
     
  6. Dinner plate
     
  7. Dinner knife
  1. Teaspoon
     
  2. Teaspoon
     
  3. Soup spoon
     
  4. Cocktail fork
     
  5. Water glass
     
  6. Red-wine glass
     
  7. White-wine glass
     
  8. Coffee cup and saucer*
* For an informal meal, include the coffee cup and saucer with the table setting. Otherwise, bring them to the table with the dessert.