How to (ahem…properly) Set the Table
As the holidays approach, we find ourselves pulling out the “good” china, polishing silver that hasn’t seen the light of day since last December, and setting the stage for the season’s best gatherings. But when it comes to setting the table properly, even the most confident hosts sometimes pause—forks to the left, knives to the right, dessert fork where?
You’re not alone. A quick internet search might seem like an easy fix, but for every accurate diagram, there’s another that’s misleading (and often from reputable sources!). So we turned to the ultimate authority on etiquette—the Emily Post Institute—to settle the debate once and for all.
Here is how to set a holiday table properly, whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner for six or a formal holiday feast.
Start with your base layer
Your dinner plate is the anchor of your setting. Place it in the center of each seat, about an inch from the edge of the table. If you are using a baseplate or charger plate, it will go first with the dinner plate on top.
To the left:
\ Forks. Courses lay from outside in. Your salad fork on the outside, dinner fork closest to the plate.
To the right:
\ Knife, knives and/or spoon (blades always face the plate). The dinner knife is directly next to the dinner plate plate, followed by a salad knife or a soup spoon if you are serving soup. Remember courses start from outside in.
Above the plate:
\ Dessert fork and teaspoon. The tines of your fork will always face toward your stemware.
Top right corner:
\ Stemware. Water glass first, followed by wine glasses arranged in order of use—white before red and champagne if there is a toast or pairing.
Top left corner:
\ Bread and butter plate with a small butter knife resting diagonally across
** remember, placesettings are designed for right handed users and based on Continental Dining Style (rather than American Dining Style).
Napkins and Details
A neatly folded napkin adds instant polish. Traditionally, it sits to the left of the forks or on the dinner plate itself. For more formal occasions, a napkin ring or simple sprig of greenery feels seasonal without being fussy.
If you’re using place cards, position them just above the dessert utensils or directly atop the plate for a more modern, layered look.
Formal vs. Informal
A formal setting typically includes more utensils (like a fish fork or soup spoon) and multiple glasses for water, white wine, and red wine. An informal table pares this down to the essentials: dinner fork, knife, spoon, and one or two glasses.
The key is consistency—whatever level of formality you choose, apply it to every place setting at the table.
Make It Personal
Proper doesn’t have to mean formal. A thoughtfully set table feels personal and inviting, layered with texture and warmth—think linen napkins, candlelight, and a single bloom or ornament at each place setting. These small details transform a table from simply set to hosted. And of course, no holiday table is complete without a centerpiece. Find my full guide for creating one on The Ghost Host Blog: Thanksgiving Gratitude and Centerpiece Ideas.
Once you’ve placed everything correctly, don’t overthink it. Hosting is about making your guests feel comfortable, not perfecting symmetry. A properly set table simply sets the tone—gracious, intentional, and ready for good company. This holiday season, let tradition guide you and your personal style shine. Because a well-set table isn’t just about etiquette—it’s an act of welcome.
xo – Danielle
Shop the Look | LTK
Design + Styling | Ghost Host by MB
Photography | Eli Turner Studios
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