Table Setting and Etiquette

Foreign and Gourmet Foods

Table settings

• Dinner Plate – 9 to 10 ½ inches

• Salad Plate – 8 inches used for salad, desserts and cheeses – Placed on top of dinner plate.

• Bread Plate – 6 inches- Goes above the forks

• Bowls – 6 to 10 inches – Used for soup, chili, stews, and pastas.

Flatware or Silverware

• Basic Setting – Knife and spoon go to the right of the plate. A good way to remember is that Knife, spoon, and right all have five letters. Fork goes to the left of the plate. Fork and left both have four letters. Usually the napkin goes under or next to the fork.

Formal Setting

• In addition to the flatware in the basic setting, there will be at least one additional smaller fork for salad to the left of the dinner fork.

• Dessert spoon and/or fork go above the dinner plate

• Bread knife is usually on the bread plate• Soup spoon is to the right of the regular spoon. • All flatware is used in order of courses. Work

your way into the plate from both sides.

Formal Setting

• Glasses – Water goblet or glass goes above the knife. If you have a second glass it goes to the right of the water goblet.

Serving Styles

• Family Style – all food is brought to the table in serving bowls and is passed around the table. Bowls are usually passed to the right. Used for more informal events.

• Plated meals – Plates are prepared in the kitchen and brought out to guests. Used for more formal events. Bread, salad dressing, butter, and salt and pepper are usually pre-set on the table.

Serving Styles

• Buffet – Guests are seated and their table is usually called to the buffet. Plates are usually at the buffet table. Silverware may be at the buffet table or pre-set at the guests’ table. If you need seconds you wait until all guests have been served once.

Etiquette QuestionsWrite down the question and the answer on your

paper

• What is the first thing you do when you sit down?– Place your napkin in your lap

• What do I do with my napkin when I need to leave the table?– Set it on your chair

• Which set of glasses are mine?– The ones to the right of my plate

Etiquette Questions

• Which bread plate is mine?– The one to the left of your dinner plate

• How should you sit and eat at the table?– Sit with good posture and bring the food to your

mouth. Do not slouch over the plate and scoop the food into your mouth.

• How do you pass food around the table?– To the right. If food is far away always ask someone

to pass it, don’t get up and lean over the table to get it.

Etiquette Questions

• How do you pass the salt?– Always with the pepper

• How do you remove food from your mouth?– Discreetly take it out with your fingers and

place it on the side of your plate.

• How much should you tip?– 15 to 20% of your total before taxes

Etiquette Questions

• How do you hold silverware?– With the stem between your thumb and forefinger

resting on your middle finger. Not gripped in your fist

• When do I start eating?– At a table of eight or less – when everyone has gotten

their food. If more than eight once at least half the guests have been served.

• How do I chew my food?– With small bites and ALWAYS with your mouth

closed. Do not talk with your mouth full.