Are you always second-guessing yourself when setting that table?
Yes, most of you do not need this post. But we’re here to help everyone, that newlywed included. And so, here’s a super quick tutorial on how to set a table.
That pretty much says it all, right? Take note of the locations of the dinner fork, salad fork (or for your fish first course on Shabbos), the knife, and the spoon. Of course, you might not need all this cutlery for each meal. If the napkin is not going on the plate, it belongs beneath the forks.
What’s that spoon at the top? It’s officially for dessert or coffee/tea. But we know it’s not so practical to have dessert spoons out when there’s also kids at the table because the spoon won’t make it to dessert and then you’ll just need to take out more spoons (so save that one for those rare elegant adults-only meals).
Your goblet at the top will be for water and the other for wine (if you’re fancy and having both red wine and white wine at this meal, then the white wine glass will be lower down next to the red). Of course, you can use a glass in place of the water goblet as well.
There it is. A properly set table. Now why does it matter? Who knows!
LC says
So, does anyone know where to buy fish knives in the U.S.? We still have to keep getting them in Europe every time we’re due for a visit or putting 2 dinner knives instead, hardly practical?!
Esty says
U can try replacements.com for fish knives or amazon. Good luck!
Esty says
How about the napkin if not setting dishes and using folded disposable napkins? My mother in law and I have a running debate on whether it belongs under the forks on the left or under the spoon and knife on the right…. I say the left! Who’s correct?
B says
My mother does left napkin & Mil does right! Now I do right to make my husband feel more at home! Lol!
rachel says
LEFT!
Leah Schapira says
Left is correct!
Karen Brook says
many items on replacements.com are used. Can they be koshered? Ask you rabbi.
R. says
A hint my mother taught me- right= 5 letters and so does spoon and knife. Left=4 letters and so does fork. Good hint to teach your children when they start seeing the table.
SM says
Love this!
Raizy sofer says
good tip!