Your Ultimate Guide to Setting a Table Like a Pro
Setting a table properly is paramount in bringing cohesion to an event or party. Often the focal point of functions, a table setting can be confusing to many people.
Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering with your small team or having a company-wide get together, arm yourself with the knowledge of how to prepare for any situation that comes your way.
Keep reading to learn how to set a beautiful table.
1. Basic
If your corporate function is more like a small dinner party, a basic table setting is perfect for you. It’s a great place to start when learning how to properly set your table.
Start as normal with a plate right in front of the chair. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can place a mat underneath the plate. Next place a folded napkin to the left of the plate. Then place the fork on the left of the plate, on top of the napkin, while the knife and spoon are on the right, respectively, with the knife’s blade pointing towards the plate.
After you ensure the bottoms of all the utensils are level, round out the place setting with the drinking glass sitting above the tip of the knife. Viola! Brunch can be served!
2. Casual
If you’re planning on hosting a larger corporate event and you’re planning on serving multiple courses, a casual table set up is what you’re looking for. Also know that if you are not planning on serving any of these courses, you do not need to use the flatware. For instance, if you don’t plan on serving soup, no need to include a soup bowl in the setting.
The casual table setting is almost identical to the basic table setting, with the addition of a salad plate, soup bowl, and wine glass. As mentioned, no need to use flatware for courses you don’t plan to serve. The salad plate is placed on the dinner plate with the salad plate on top. Finish out the setting with a wine glass to the right of the drinking glass.
3. Formal
If you’re planning an elegant corporate retreat with meals that have three or four-courses, you’ll want to use the formal table setting. Not only do formal dinners usually include tablecloths and centerpieces, but they also feature an array of extra glassware and utensils.
Start with a charger underneath the dinner plate, finished with a folded napkin on top of the plate. Next is the dinner fork on the left, closest to the plate and a salad fork next to it. To the right will be the knife, spoon, and a seafood fork.
The bread plate and knife go to the top left of the dinner plate with the dessert utensils above the dinner plate. The glasses should be placed as follows, water glass, red wine glass, white wine glass, and champagne flute.
You’ll find there are a lot of variations to this setup so go with what serves you best. As mentioned previously, if you do not intend to serve seafood, for instance, no need to include a seafood utensil.
When Setting a Table Doesn’t Seem Beneficial
While many corporate events won’t require the finest of china or the most intricate table setting, it’s important that you understand the importance of setting a table for any occasion. Not only is a well-set table inviting, but it also sets the stage for an event worth remembering.
Learn more about how to properly plan for your next event down to the very last dime you spend and make it an occasion your guests won’t forget!