How to Set a Basic Table for Everyday Meals

A basic place setting includes only what the meal requires. Start with the dinner plate in front of the seat, then arrange utensils and a drinking glass. You do not need to reproduce a formal dinner diagram for a simple lunch.

Blue rectangular placemat with a cream plate, folded decorative napkin, rose, gold fork and knife, plus six rolled color examples below. — A product styling example showing a fork to the left and a knife to the right. Decorative napkins, plates, flowers and cutlery are not included. Color examples do not represent a bundled set. View the pictured placemat.

Place the essentials

In the conventional basic arrangement described by the Emily Post Institute, the fork goes on the left. The knife sits on the right with its blade toward the plate; a spoon, when needed, goes to the right of the knife. The water glass sits above the knife. Emily Post Institute: basic table setting

When the menu has more than one course

Put out only the utensils required for the menu. When several are needed, arrange them in order of use from the outside inward. In the informal setting, forks sit to the left and knives and spoons to the right. Emily Post Institute: informal table setting

Leave the glass easy to reach

Try lifting and replacing your usual glass with the full setting in place. Keep it on a stable surface and avoid an uneven layered edge. The glass need not be squeezed onto the placemat.

Choose a napkin position

A napkin can sit to the left with the fork on it, or you can place it on the plate. Keep the arrangement easy to use rather than adding utensils for courses you are not serving. Etiquette diagrams are a reference, not a requirement to purchase a larger dinnerware set. Emily Post Institute: basic table setting

Compare the two napkin positions

A folded napkin can sit on the center of the plate or to the left of the forks in an informal setting. Try each with your actual dinnerware and keep the arrangement easiest to use. Emily Post Institute: informal table setting

Check the whole setting

Put your plate, utensils and glass on the table before choosing a mat. Make sure nothing sits awkwardly against a neighboring setting. Read the size guide for actual product dimensions, then use the everyday-setting guide if you want color and texture ideas.

Try it with what you own

For a meal needing a fork, knife and water glass, begin with only those pieces and the plate. Add a spoon only if the food requires it. Check the arrangement at every seat before adding a central object.