Emily Post's Ultimate Dinner Table Setting Guide: Elegant Table Decor & Etiquette Tips

Emily Post, the renowned American writer on etiquette, has been a guiding light for generations on proper dining etiquette. Her timeless advice on dinner table setting continues to influence modern dining practices. Let's delve into the art of setting a dinner table according to Emily Post's guidelines, ensuring a harmonious blend of elegance, functionality, and warmth.

Understanding Emily Post's Dinner Table Setting

Emily Post's dinner table setting is characterized by its simplicity, balance, and attention to detail. She believed that a well-set table not only enhances the dining experience but also reflects the host's thoughtfulness and respect for their guests. Her principles, first outlined in her 1922 book "Etiquette: The Blue Book of Social Usage," remain relevant today.

Key Components of an Emily Post Dinner Table Setting

• Tablecloth: A tablecloth sets the tone for the meal. Choose one that complements your dishes and cutlery, and ensures it's long enough to reach the floor on all sides.
• Placemats and Napkins: Placemats protect your tablecloth and add a touch of color. Napkins, folded neatly, should be placed on the left of the plate.
• Flatware: Emily Post recommended placing forks on the left of the plate, with the most formal utensil (usually the salad fork) on the farthest left. Knives and spoons go on the right, with the knife's cutting edge facing the plate.
• Glassware: Glasses should be placed above and slightly to the right of the knife. The water glass goes first, followed by wine glasses, with the most formal glass on the farthest right.
• Dishes: Dinner plates go in the center, with a smaller plate or charger underneath. Dessert plates can be placed above the forks or brought out later.

Setting the Table for Different Occasions

Emily Post's guidelines cater to various dining scenarios, from casual family dinners to formal dinner parties.

Casual Dinner Table Setting

For everyday meals, keep the setting simple and functional. Use placemats instead of a tablecloth, and opt for casual dishware and glassware. Place a small bowl for bread in the center of the table, and consider using individual serving dishes for food.

Formal Dinner Table Setting

For formal occasions, Emily Post recommended using a tablecloth, fine china, and polished silverware. Place a small flower arrangement or candle in the center, ensuring it doesn't obstruct conversation. Use charger plates underneath the dinner plates, and consider providing a printed menu as a keepsake.

Emily Post's Table Manners: Beyond the Setting

While the table setting is crucial, Emily Post also emphasized the importance of table manners. She advised hosts to ensure guests are comfortable, to serve food from the left and remove plates from the right, and to engage in polite conversation throughout the meal.

In the spirit of Emily Post, setting a dinner table is not just about following rules, but about creating an inviting atmosphere that shows respect and care for your guests. By combining her timeless principles with modern aesthetics, you can create a dinner table setting that is both elegant and welcoming.