Beautiful Settings

All too often in our busy lives we hastily prepare meals that we eat just as hastily. So when the occasion arrives for a ceremonious sit-down dinner, whether an intimate family gathering or a larger celebration with extended family and friends, we turn to our trusty Joy of Cooking for a refresher course in the art of proper table setting. "There are," as the author reminds us, "certain time-honored positions for tableware."

We know the basics—forks to the left, spoons and knives to the right—it's the details we forget, among them these "time-honored" tableware positions:

• Place flatware in the order that pieces will be used, working from the outside to the center (in other words, flatware used first should be placed farthest from the plate). A single dessert spoon or fork may also be set just above the serving plate.
  
  
• Never have more than three pieces of flatware on either side of the plate; if more are needed—for example, a dessert fork or spoon—pieces should be brought out with the corresponding course.
  
  
• Water glasses should be placed directly above the knife tip, wineglasses just to the right of their respective water glasses.
  
  
• The sharp edge of a knife should point toward the plate.

If you've read books on entertaining etiquette, you know there are many more table setting rules. While we prefer to keep things simple, we also believe that properly setting the table is worth the fuss because it connects your meal to a long tradition of elegant, formal dining. It also announces to your guests that you've arranged this evening with care and consideration.

Placement of tableware aside, you'll obviously want to carefully coordinate your linens, china and centerpieces (for great ideas about the latter, see Centerpiece Chic, an article from our 2004 holiday editorial lineup). If you're covering your dining surface with a tablecloth, we recommend using a solid color, like white, to allow the patterns on your china or dishware to shine. Or, if you want your cuisine to take center stage, using white plates and serving dishes will nicely draw attention to the food you've prepared. If you opt for colorful linens and china, be sure to coordinate those colors with other elements on your table, such as floral arrangements, place cards and candles.

Finally, look for ways to add creative accents to your table. Secure rolled napkins with a bit of satin ribbon or raffia. Personalize each setting with a single stem flower in a small vase, or a boxed truffle or two, or a votive. Your attention to detail will make your guests feel welcomed, which, in turn, will give rise to a generosity of spirit among all your guests, just the sort of atmosphere that makes for an unforgettable evening.