TABLE SETTING DECODED

The Tools

The hallmark of a beautiful table is accuracy and symmetry. Don white cotton gloves to keep fingerprints off fine china, sterling silver, and crystal. Use a butler stick to achieve even spacing between chargers and place setting elements.

Napkins

Wash, press, and fold napkins with the fold on the right. Place napkins on the chargers or to the left of the forks. Avoid putting napkins in glassware, as that is customarily done in hotels or for banquets.

Cutlery

Place cutlery according to the menu with the first course on the outside, farthest from the charger. Note that dessert cutlery is set above the charger, with the tines of the fork to the right and the bowl of the spoon facing left.

Glassware

Select appropriate glassware to accompany the beverages that will be served during the meal. The water glass is placed directly above the dinner fork, with the following glasses to the right: red wine, white wine, and champagne.

Place Cards

Use place cards for larger gatherings when you aren’t able to personally show guests to their seats. Traditionally, women are interspersed between men, and couples, relatives, and colleagues are separated. Remember, the host and hostess do not require a place card when entertaining at home.

Chiara believes in the subtle art of style and grace, and in imparting the confidence to go anywhere and interact with anyone. In founding Etiquette Moderne, she has adapted the tradition of politesse for the modern world: for the trendsetters, the tastemakers, the movers and shakers, the leaders of today and the trailblazers of tomorrow—because good manners never go out of style.

Chiara offers private and corporate coaching sessions from San Francisco to Los Angeles. This fall, she will launch a modern cotillion program for Central Valley residents. To work with Chiara or to learn more about Etiquette Moderne, follow @etiquettemoderne or email chiara@etiquettemoderne.com.

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