Most holiday gatherings are casual, according to Internet foodies. While there’s nothing wrong with a fancy, sit-down dinner, it usually results in more work for the hostess. I prefer to spend more time with my family and less time with my hands in soapy water.
You don’t have to use fine china to be festive. Even plastic plates and utensils can be arranged to achieve a beautiful holiday table setting. Here is proof.
Table setting etiquette is much simpler than most people think. When nicely arranged, your Christmas table setting can impress guests regardless of the type of tableware you use. Here’s a handy guide:
Food plate: Place the plate in the center of the setting.
Fork: Place a fork to the left of the plate. (If using a larger dinner fork and a smaller salad fork, place the larger one closer to the plate. According to etiquette, place the first utensil to be used on the outside.)
Knife: The dinner knife is placed to the right of the plate with the cutting edge inwards.
Spoon: Place the spoon directly to the right of the knife. A soup spoon, if needed, would be placed on the outside.
Napkin: The napkin should be folded and placed on top of the plate. Optional napkin placements are to the left of the fork/forks or below them.
Drinking cup: A drinking cup is placed above the knife and spoon, at the top right of the plate.