Protocol Setting
Formal Table Setting
The protocol-correct placement of fork, knife, spoon, glass, and napkin — a flawless formal table.
Build This Table Step by Step
Set your table in 7 steps with visual diagrams and practical tips.
Start Wizard
The formal table setting is where etiquette becomes visible. Here every piece has its place, and the logic is simple: items are arranged from outside in, in the order they'll be used.
Forks sit to the left of the plate, knife and spoon to the right; the knife's sharp edge always faces the plate. Water and wine glasses are arranged diagonally at the upper right of the plate, while the bread plate takes its place at the upper left.
Folding the napkin neatly on top of the plate or to the left of the forks, and placing the dessert fork horizontally above the plate, are the fine but defining details of the formal table.
Tips
Small but effective touches
Forks on the left, knife and spoon on the right; arranged from the outside in.
Place the water and wine glasses diagonally at the upper right corner of the plate.
Fold the napkin neatly on top of the plate or to the left of the forks.
Bread plate at the upper left; the dessert fork lies horizontally above the plate.
Align all utensils at an equal distance from the table edge.
Don't put utensils on the table that won't be used; every utensil should have a purpose.