When you know how to set a table you are saying something about yourself. You are telling others that you are educated and have class. You are telling them that you care about them, and are going through the extra effort to make a fine meal with fine surroundings. Setting a table is more than just throwing a dinner set onto a table. It’s a ritual that shows you are sophisticated. In this article we will outline the steps required to set a dinner table.Here Are the BasicsHere are the basics with which you can start. Depending upon the type of dinner party you are planning, you can add to these basics.a) Determine how many people you are going to be having over. You will need one place setting for each person, so make sure that they have their own space around the dinner table.b) Place the dinner plate in the center of the place setting. Everything else will go around the focal point of this dinner plate.c) The flatware (i.e.: fork, knife and spoon) will be arranged around the dinner plate in the order in which it will be used. The fork is placed to the left of the plate, while the knife and spoon are placed to the right. The knife is placed right next to the plate with the cutting edge pointed inwards. To the immediate right of the knife is the spoon.d) Next comes the glass for water. Place this directly above the knife.e) Napkins make a welcome addition. They go under the forks.Informal DinnerFor an informal dinner party you merely need to start with the basics, and add to them. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:a) Are you planning on having a salad? If so, you will need a place for the salad fork. It goes to the left of the dinner fork. You already laid the dinner fork down during the basics.b) Do you plan on serving soup? If so, the soup bowl goes directly on top of the dinner plate. The soup spoon goes to the right of the spoon that you put into position during the basics.c) If you have salad or bread and butter knives, they go directly to the left of the forks. If available, a butter plate is placed above the dinner plate with the butter knife placed on top of the butter plate.d) The cup and saucer go directly above the spoons. The cup handle is pointed towards the right. If you have wine or water glasses they go to the left of the coffee cup.Formal Dinner SettingsThe formal dinner setting is the most elaborate setting of all, but there is nothing to worry about…we will explain all the steps to you. You merely need to follow the guidelines for an informal dinner setting, and build upon it. Here is the additional information you need:a) If you are planning on serving both red and white wine, you will need two wine glasses…one for each type. They go next to the water glasses that you have already positioned.b) Additional spoons (i.e.: for soup, beverage, or dessert) should be placed immediately to the right of the knife. Alternately, they can be brought to the table when either the soup or dessert is being served.c) A centerpiece not only looks nice, it is a great conversation piece. If you can’t find an appropriate one, you could always create one (if you are artistic that is).That’s it. You’ve done it! Sit back and admire your dinner set and all your great work. Looks nice, don’t you think? Now all you will need is to cook up some great dishes, and open the front door. Let the party begin!