Table Setting Basics

Even though I’ve “set the table” since the age of five, when it comes to formal dinner parties, I start to get confused. For those of you in my same boat, I found the following diagram on the Old Farmer’s Almanac website very clear and easy to use.  Just remember to only put out the plates, glasses and utensils that will be used based on the menu.  (Helpful Hint: In a pinch, think, "BMW" for bread, meal, wine/water.)

1.    Napkin
2.    Salad fork
3.    Dinner fork
4.    Dessert fork
5.    Bread-and-butter plate,
 with spreader
6.    Dinner plate
7.    Dinner knife
8.    Teaspoon
9.    Teaspoon
10.  Soup spoon
11.   Cocktail fork
12.   Water glass
13.   Red-wine glass
14.   White-wine glass
15.   Coffee cup and saucer