Proper Banquet Table Setup

Dinner guests, especially in business and chic social settings, expect to be entertained comfortably, be it in your home or in a larger banquet setting. Proper banquet table setups may be used in both settings to heighten the experience and indulge your guests. Set out your best china, buy a fresh seasonal bouquet and let your guests relax. Does this Spark an idea?

Consider the Event

Each event requires a different table layout plan. A wedding reception, for example, may consist of a head table and several other rectangular or round tables facing the front. An event with a speaker may be similar, but with the head table in the center. While considering the event itself, think about necessary table cloths and centerpieces; its best to measure the tables before ordering such items.

Choose a Shape

Long tables may be aligned in a U shape or a square, allowing you to customize the space, but round tables fit into smaller areas and may better facilitate conversation. A herringbone, slanted arrangement of rectangle tables allows all guests to face a speaker.

An Informal Setting

Set the plate in the center of the setting with a napkin on top. On the left of the plate, set the dinner fork and the salad fork on the very left. On the right of the plate, set the dinner knife, teaspoon and soup spoon. Silverware should be set so that the first used is on the outside of the setting; work your way in through the silver. The water glass should go directly above the tip of the knife, and the wine glass, if used, slightly southeast of the water glass.

A Formal Setting

Set the service plate or charger in the middle of the setting; a salad plate, when the course arrives, is placed atop the charger. To the left of the charger, place a dinner fork, salad fork and napkin. To the right, place a dinner knife, teaspoon, soup spoon and teacup atop a saucer. To the top left of the charger goes the bread plate and knife. Directly above the charger, place the cake fork and dessert spoon, if desired. Above this goes the name card. Rounding out the top right of the charger goes the water glass, red wine glass and white wine glass. Items not being used will be removed as needed, such as the white wine glass if the guest chooses a red.