To set a table, put the dinner plate in the centre, forks to the left, and knives and spoons to the right with the knife blade facing the plate. The napkin goes to the left of the forks or on the plate, and glasses sit above the knife. For an everyday meal you need only a plate, one set of cutlery and a glass; a formal setting adds a charger, a set of cutlery for each course, and a wine glass beside the water glass.
Key takeaways
- Forks go on the left; knives and spoons on the right, with the knife blade facing in.
- Glasses sit above the knife, to the upper right of the plate.
- Lay cutlery from the outside in — the outer pieces are for the first course.
- Everyday = plate + one cutlery set + a glass. Formal adds a charger, more cutlery and wine glasses.
- Match your dinnerware, glassware and serveware for a calm, cohesive table.
On this page
- What you need to set a table
- How to set an everyday table
- How to set a formal table
- Where do the glasses go?
- Napkins and the finishing touches
- How to choose dinnerware
- Table-setting checklist
- Frequently asked questions
What you need to set a table
A complete place setting is built from a few simple parts. Start with these and you can dress a table for anything from a weeknight supper to a dinner party.
| Component | What it does | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Plates & bowls | The base of each setting — dinner plate, side plate, soup or pasta bowl | Plates, Bowls |
| Cutlery | Forks, knives and spoons for each course | Cutlery |
| Glassware | Water glass plus wine, champagne or cocktail glasses | Glassware |
| Napkin & linen | Softens the setting and ties the colours together | Tablescapes |
| Serveware & trays | Platters, fruit baskets and trays for serving at the table | Trays & Serveware |
| Tea & coffee | Cups, pots and sets for the end of the meal | Tea & Coffee |
How to set an everyday table
A casual, everyday setting is quick and uncluttered. Place the dinner plate in the centre of each seat, about an inch from the edge of the table. Lay a fork on the left and a knife on the right with the blade facing the plate; add a spoon to the right of the knife if you are serving soup or dessert. Set a water glass just above the knife, and fold or drape the napkin to the left of the fork (or on the plate). That is all a relaxed meal needs.
How to set a formal table
A formal setting follows the same logic but adds pieces for each course, laid from the outside in — your guests simply work inward with every course.
- Begin with a charger (a large under-plate) and set the dinner plate on top; a side plate sits to the upper left for bread.
- On the left, lay the forks in order of use, outermost first (for example, salad fork then dinner fork).
- On the right, place the knives (blades in) and spoons, outermost first (soup spoon, then knife).
- Lay dessert cutlery horizontally above the plate, or bring it in with dessert.
- Arrange the glasses above the knife (see below) and place the napkin on the charger or to the left.
Keep the spacing even and the edges aligned — a formal table reads as calm because everything lines up.
Where do the glasses go?
Glasses always sit above the knife, on the right. Start with the water glass directly above the knife tip, then set wine glasses to its right, in the order they will be used. A simple, reliable arrangement is below.
| Glass | Where it goes |
|---|---|
| Water glass | Directly above the knife |
| White wine glass | To the lower right of the water glass |
| Red wine glass | Between the water and white wine glasses |
| Champagne flute | Behind and to the right, for a toast |
For a casual meal, a single water or wine glass per person is plenty.
Napkins and the finishing touches
The napkin goes to the left of the forks or, for a dressed table, folded on the plate or charger; a napkin ring adds polish. From there, a few small touches lift the whole table: a runner or placemats to frame each setting, a low centrepiece or fruit bowl that does not block sightlines, and serveware brought to the table rather than plated in the kitchen. Browse table linen and styling pieces and serving trays and baskets to finish the look.
How to choose dinnerware
Dinnerware sets the tone of the table and decides how hard-wearing it is day to day. The four materials below cover almost everything you will see.
| Material | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain | Fine, smooth, bright white and strong for its weight | Elegant everyday and formal dining |
| Bone china | The finest and most translucent, yet surprisingly durable | Special occasions and gifts |
| Stoneware | Heavier, warmer in tone, with a relaxed artisan feel | Casual, rustic and modern tables |
| Ceramic / earthenware | Characterful glazes and colour, a little softer | Everyday use and handmade looks |
If you are starting from scratch, a coordinated dinnerware set is the easiest route to a cohesive table; add bowls and side plates as you need them.
Table-setting checklist
| Position | What goes there |
|---|---|
| Centre | Charger (formal) and dinner plate; bowl on top if needed |
| Left of plate | Forks (outermost used first); napkin to the far left |
| Right of plate | Knives (blades in) then spoons, outermost first |
| Above the plate | Dessert cutlery, laid horizontally |
| Above the knife | Water glass, then wine glasses to the right |
| Upper left | Side / bread plate |
Frequently asked questions
Which side do the fork and knife go on?
The fork goes on the left of the plate and the knife on the right, with the knife blade facing the plate. Spoons sit to the right of the knife.
Where do you put the napkin?
Traditionally to the left of the forks. For a more dressed table you can fold it on the plate or charger, often with a napkin ring.
Where do the wine and water glasses go?
Above the knife, on the right. Place the water glass directly above the knife and set the wine glasses to its right, in the order they will be used.
What is a charger plate for?
A charger is a large decorative under-plate that sits beneath the dinner plate at a formal setting. It frames each place, catches drips between courses, and is removed before dessert.
How do you set a casual table?
Keep it simple: a dinner plate in the centre, a fork on the left, a knife (and spoon if needed) on the right, a water glass above the knife, and a napkin to the left.
Last updated: October 2026 · Written by Artevaris Editorial
Keep reading: Glassware, Dinnerware & Tablescapes, and Serveware & Trays.
