How to set a formal table for the holidays

I’ve always been something of a stickler for a properly set table. It ain’t rocket science to do it the right way and there’s a reason for the order: it presents a logic for your guests to follow as they move through the various courses you present.

I place a bread and butter knife ( it’s the little short one with a rounded tip ) on a small bread place above the forks on the right side. If there is meat to cut, like with steaks or roast beef, then I will put the steak knife across the top of the dinner plate.

If you’re not serving coffee with the meal, then keep the coffee cups on the sideboard until you are ready to serve the dessert course.

Enjoy!

maven