how do you set a table for a formal dinner?

Answer 1

My link is for a wedding but its all the same.

Answer 2

It depends how you are serving the food, how many courses ect. Basically you need a wine class and a water glass, the appropriate amount of cutlery, a cloth napkin - if you are serving the food on platters then place the plates on the table before people sit down. I usually do 2, one for first course, one for main (stacked as the first plate is smaller) and then I clear after main for dessert. Make sure that any flowers candles ect in the middle of the table do not block the view across the table.
this is a bad explaination, but check marthastewart.com - there will probably be diagrams and such , I think there is something about table setting on epicurious.com also

Answer 3

It really depends on what you are serving. This website allows you to mark what is being served then it shows you how to set the table accordingly. In general there is a utensil for each course and a class for each beverage - nothing is reused.

http://www.wholesale-table-linens.com/Setup-Tableware.html

Answer 4

http://www.replacements.com/piecetype/silver_formal.htm

has a nice diagram of a formal setting.

Answer 5

You may find this page helpfull:

http://gourmet-food-revolution.com/table-setting-etiquette.html