Setting Your Christmas Dinner Table (3/3)

Cutlery: Don’t let the fork run away with the spoon! Forks go on the left, spoons and knives on the right. They should be placed in the order in which they will be used, with the first utensil on the far end from the plate, the second utensil closer toward the plate and so on. Knife blades should be turned toward the plate. China: The side plate goes to the left of the place setting. If the first course is a cold one, such as a salad, set the dish at each place before guests sit. If you’re serving finger foods that might get messy, set out finger bowls with warm water and a lemon slice. Glasses: If there is one wineglass, place it at the tip of the main-course knife. If there is more than one glass, arrange them in the order they will be used, outermost first. Bring liqueur glasses or brandy balloons to the table with the liqueurs. Napkins: If you are using a fancy fold, place the napkin on top of the main plate. Otherwise, place it on the side plate or underneath the knife and spoon. Place Cards: Using place cards to help on guest seating arrangement. You can make place cards by simply folding in half an unlined index card and writing in calligraphy. Traditional Table Setting Diagram 1. Napkin 2. Salad fork 3. Dinner fork 4. Dessert fork 5. Bread-and-butter plate, with spreader 6. Dinner plate 7. Dinner knife 8. Teaspoon 9. Teaspoon 10. Soup spoon 11. Cocktail fork 12. Water glass 13. Red-wine glass 14. White-wine glass 15. Coffee cup and saucer Source: Better Home and Gardens /www.bhg.com http://www.almanac.com/holiday/table.html Readers’ Digest / RD.com