How to Set a Table for a Holiday Dinner Party

A well-set table makes any meal feel special. Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving or a Christmas dinner, the basics are easy to learn.

The simple rule

Forks go on the left; knives and spoons go on the right. Use cutlery from the outside in, course by course.

Casual table setting

1. Dinner plate in the centre
2. Fork to the left of the plate
3. Knife to the right, blade facing the plate
4. Spoon to the right of the knife if needed
5. Water glass above the knife
6. Napkin on the plate or to the left of the fork

Formal table setting

• Salad fork outside the dinner fork on the left
• Soup spoon outside the knife on the right
• Dessert spoon and fork above the plate
• Bread plate top left, with butter knife
• Water glass, then wine glasses to the right, above the knives

Easy festive touches

• A simple runner with candles or greenery
• Folded napkins with a sprig of rosemary
• Handwritten place cards
• Keep centrepieces low so guests can see each other

Don't worry about perfection — good food and good company matter most.