How do you set the table?

Question

I've known people who are prim and proper and always put knives, forks, spoons ect on the table even if the meal doesn't call for it. Me, I just put what we need on the table. If we don't need spoons, I don't put them on. I see it as a waste and more dishes to do.
How do you set the table?

Answer 1

I only set out what's needed. If there's no soup or need for a spoon, I skip it. If someone needs one I can always get up and get it while asking if anyone else needs one.

But most of my gatherings are nice, but more like a buffet. So I set the silverware of all kinds out in a basket lined with a napkin. People can take the utensils they need. I hate formal sit-down dinners if I can possibly avoid them.

Answer 2

I set the table also for what is needed. You usually need knife , fork, spoon for most meals so i do put them out. If you are tryinmg to be prim and proper when using the utensils start from the outside in, in order of what part of the meal is coming first. i.e. soup spoon, Also the knife and spoon are on the right and fork on left. Small plate on the left of the forks.

Answer 3

If it's an informal gathering (pick-up supper, weeknight supper, lunch on the fly, etc) I put out only what'll be needed. If it's a medium-formal gathering (sit-down dinner or Sunday lunch) I'll put out knife, fork, and spoon. If it's a fully formal meal, I'll use more than one spoon and fork and plate per person -- first-used utensils on the outsides of the settings -- cloth napkins or serviettes, the good china, and a nice tablecloth.

There. Enough answer for you? I don't have only one way to set a table. It depends on the occasion.

Answer 4

The only time I set the table is if we're having family over for a special meal. Usually I just put the cutlery on the table when I put the meal down. Most of the time it's just me anyway, so there's no point setting everything out.

Answer 5

I always put a fork, knife, and spoon; water glass, wine glass, salad plate, and bread plate; table cloth, place mats, and cloth napkins. Actually, I shouldn't say always, but if it's any kind of a formal or semi formal dinner, that's what I put out. If it's just a casual dinner, I set the table with just what we need.

Answer 6

It used to be considered very bad form to have an extra piece of silver on table after meal was over.


I'm kinda white trash so when I got my first full set of good silver (not stainless steel). I wanted to show it off and pile 1 of everything on the table.


Thankfully I got over that pretty quickly. And now like others have said I just put out what we will actually need.

Answer 7

TV remote on the right, beer on the left, kids in bed, missus SILENT!