How to set the table properly for casual and formal meals

• Tablecloth: Your tablecloth should be wrinkle-free and lying flat on the table. We like the Williams Sonoma Hotel Table Cloth for its classic, understated look.
• Table runner: Some people prefer the more casual look of a runner in lieu of a tablecloth. It should also lay flat and run down the center of the table. We recommend the Solino Home Linen Table Runner.
• Wine glasses: Always place your wine glass to the right of the water glass. We like the Libbey 4 Piece Signature Kentfield Grande Wine Set because it's affordable, durable, and well made.
• Salad fork and spoon: The fork will rest to the left of the dinner fork and the spoon goes to the right of the dinner spoon. Remember to start from the outside and work your way in. We recommend the Lenox Portola Stainless Steel 65 Piece Flatware Set if you're serving salad, because it includes a salad fork.
• Salad plate: Place the salad plate on top of the dinner plate. We like the Nevaeh White by Fitz and Floyd Rim Dinnerware Set because it comes with salad plates and is well made.
• Dessert spoon: This little guy can rest horizontally above the dinner plate. We recommend the Aero Flatware Place Setting, which includes a nice dessert spoon in addition to your typical cutlery.
• Bread plate and butter knife: Place the plate above and to the left of the dinner plate. Lay the butter knife horizontally on the bread plate. We like the Williams Sonoma Apilco Tradition Porcelain Plates and CB2 Set of 6 Mini Stainless Steel Cocktail Spreaders.

Finally, it's always nice to have salt and pepper shakers on the table, and if you have room, candles in candle holders, fresh flowers in a vase, or a small bowl of fruit for decorative purposes.

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