While many live-in carers may never be asked to entertain lots of other people, laying the perfect formal table is something which is easily done, and which will bring comments of admiration from most guests.
While it is not tricky to lay a formal table, it can be a daunting task if you are unfamiliar with the table rules.
Setting for soup
Soup is always served in a heated soup bowl which should be placed on top of a dinner plate. The soup spoon should be placed at the outer side of the right-hand cutlery.
Salad
If salad is served next, then a salad knife and fork should be placed just inside the soup spoon. The fork should be on the left and the knife on the right.
Fish setting
From the salad course you may move on to the fish dish which will have the fish fork placed inside of the salad fork and the fish knife inside of the salad knife. Fish cutlery is broader and shorter. The blade of the knife – and all the knives should face inwards.
Main setting
The main course should be presented after all the other dishes have been cleared away and if the course is hot the plate should be heated. The main course cutlery is placed on the inside of the fish course with the knives facing the same way.
Dessert
Dessert plates should be brought in with a small cake fork and knife on each plate and each guest if offered the dessert individually. This can be done by passing the dessert around the table or by making dessert in individual bowls.
Final thoughts
Note that it is not essential that you serve all the guests, particularly if you are paying attention to your client, but with a formal table people will appreciate that you have taken time to make them welcome.
The general rule is to start using the outermost cutlery and move inwards. People who eat with the forks in the right hands should be able to simply change their cutlery over as the table should all be laid the same before anyone sits down.
Tags:
© 2025 EJOBBOARD LTD. All Rights Reserved.