Having the time and setting the table for a special meal has become a rare occasion for many households these days it seems. When I grew up, we sat at the table every night with a table set in a very traditional way and I was often responsible for that, as I was the youngest. So, my mother taught me the correct way to do this, as taught to her by her mother, etc. My sister was responsible for clearing and doing the dishes, I think, and I have no memory of what my brother did. (ahem)
Here is a drawing of a very basic western place setting. As I embark on this subject, I am struck by how vast the material is. I have several books on how to set the table, but they are each of European descent. Living in an age where every culture around the world holds relevance, value and adds possibility to everything we undertake, I am starting to understand how truly uninformed I am. Ah well. Maybe a good thing to start sharing this here. I will be motivated to learn more!
very simple place setting
To begin with what I already know seems a good place to start. I was taught to place the fork to the left of the plate, the knife to the right, blade side facing the plate and the spoon outside of that. Napkins have many creative possibilities. Classically, a folded napkin, in a triangle or rectangle under the fork is a basic option. Folding it across the plate is another. Fancier methods hold forth, and they (napkins) can be fluffed in the wine glass or center of the plate or any nearly infinite options. I believe in knowing the rules before we break them. All for rule breaking, I still want to what and why. So, my first post about setting the table is basic and classic.
This is just a start to what I hope will be a useful guide to inspiring that age old practice, the family dinner. Or, the dinner party. Cooking, breaking bread together, and sitting down to a meal has always been an expression of sharing love, laughter and strengthening bonds between friends and family. Taking the time to do this in busy and sometimes exhausting lives gives pause for us each to remember just how truly blessed we all are, in good times and in hard times.
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by Carol F. Davis on August 22, 2009
Wow! I love this site! After planning a picnic for 35 quilters, with a challenge of providing a place setting for compitition, this really appeals to me. We gave 9 prizes for the Best of Picnic, Viewers Choice, and several more. Many different things appeared, a picnic cloth with ants, crystal wine glass and sterling silver. I’ll try to send photo’s.