Perfectly Practical #76 - How to Set the Table

You now know the "whys" behind family dinners and meaningful table talk so now it is on to the "hows".

If you didn't grow up in a household that had dinner together at the table then chances are, you aren't sure how to set a proper table.  Don't fret, by proper, I am not talking about a formal table setting (that's another post for another time), just a conventional table service.

Here are the basics:

• Fork to the left of the plate 
• Knife to the right of and facing the plate
• Spoon to the right of the plate and the knife
• Napkin goes under the fork
• Glass goes above the plate and slightly right of center

I have seen place mats for children that show the outline of a table setting to help kids learn and remember how to set the table by themselves.  Getting children to set the table helps involve them in dinner preparations, not to mention take one thing off of your plate, so to speak.

To have a successful family suppertime does not have to involve china, crystal, silver, linens, and candlelight (although it's good to give your kids exposure to those things every so often.)  What it does involve is your connection as a family.

Much like highs and lows are loose table talk guidelines, a place setting is a nice casual foundation for table manners.  You are teaching your children etiquette without them even knowing it.

This is the third in a series about Family Suppertime.   Here are the others:

Perfectly Practical #74 - Dinner Together at the Table
Perfectly Practical #75 - Highs & Lows


If you have any questions that you would like me to address in this series please write to me at parymoppins (at) ymail (dot) com and I will do my best to answer them.

This is part of We Are That Family's Works for Me Wednesday.