set table

Basics: How to Set a Table

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!

Need Simcha Table Setting Ideas? She’s Got a Few

Between Carpools

Between Carpools is a collaboration between five talented friends who like to get a lot of stuff done “between carpools.” Since 2016, we’ve been sharing home and organizing tips, parenting insights, activities, how-to’s and DIYs, and of course, entertaining ideas, recipes, and inspiring reads both on the site and app.

11 responses to “Basics: How to Set a Table”

  1. LC Avatar
    LC

    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?!

  2. Esty Avatar
    Esty

    U can try replacements.com for fish knives or amazon. Good luck!

  3. Esty Avatar
    Esty

    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?

    1. B Avatar
      B

      My mother does left napkin & Mil does right! Now I do right to make my husband feel more at home! Lol!

      1. rachel Avatar
        rachel

        LEFT!

    2. Leah Schapira Avatar
      Leah Schapira

      Left is correct!

  4. Karen Brook Avatar
    Karen Brook

    many items on replacements.com are used. Can they be koshered? Ask you rabbi.

  5. R. Avatar
    R.

    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.

    1. SM Avatar
      SM

      Love this!

    2. Raizy sofer Avatar
      Raizy sofer

      good tip!

  6. Rikki Avatar
    Rikki

    Napkins go on the left under forks!!!! Can’t even imagine it on right under knife and spook

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