If you will be serving dishes that require specialty silverware, be sure to arrange the silverware on either side of the plate according to the order in which they will be eaten. Cups and Glasses Water glasses should be placed above the dinner knife, with other drinking glasses arranged neatly nearby the water glass. Often drinking glasses are arranged in a triangular formation. Coffee cups and saucers may be placed on the table to the right of the knife and spoon. Other Items Napkins are commonly placed on the plate, to the left of the forks or inside of a drinking glass.
Name cards are always a good idea for place settings, if the dinner party is large.
Place the card above the dessert utensil, to the left of the drinking glasses. To put your newfound table setting knowledge to work for a party you're planning, please see Serving Styles for Parties . This article was written by Tammy Weisberger , an Allrecipes staff writer. Please review our Legal Notice and Privacy Policy .