How to Arrange Plates & Forks for a Buffet Table

1. Place a dinner plate in the center of the placemat. Position it so that the bottom of the plate is just above the edge of the table. This will be your main course plate.

* Make sure the plate is clean and free of any smudges or fingerprints.

2. Add a salad plate to the left of the dinner plate. Position it so that the center of the salad plate is about 2 inches (5.1 cm) to the left of the center of the dinner plate. This plate will be used for your salad or appetizer.

* If you are not serving a salad or appetizer, you can skip this step.

3. Add a bread plate to the left of the salad or appetizer plate. Position it so that the center of the bread plate is about 2 inches (5.1 cm) to the left of the center of the salad plate. This plate will be used for your bread or rolls.

4. Place a soup bowl on top of the dinner plate. Position it so that the center of the soup bowl is aligned with the center of the dinner plate. This bowl will be used for your soup or chowder.

* If you are not serving soup, you can skip this step.

5. Add a dessert plate to the right of the dinner plate. Position it so that the center of the dessert plate is about 2 inches (5.1 cm) to the right of the center of the dinner plate. This plate will be used for your dessert.

Method 2: Stacked Plate

1. Place a dinner plate on the center of the placemat. Position it so that the bottom of the plate is just above the edge of the table. This will be your main course plate.

* Make sure the plate is clean and free of any smudges or fingerprints.

2. Add a salad or appetizer plate on top of the dinner plate. Position it so that the center of the salad plate is aligned with the center of the dinner plate. This plate will be used for your salad or appetizer.

3. Add a bread plate on top of the salad plate. Position it so that the center of the bread plate is aligned with the center of the salad plate. This plate will be used for your bread or rolls.

4. Place a dessert plate on the right side of the dinner plate. Position it so that the center of the dessert plate is aligned with the center of the dinner plate. This plate will be used for your dessert.

Tips

* If you are serving a formal dinner, you may want to use a charger plate under the dinner plate. A charger plate is a large, decorative plate that is used to add height and elegance to the table setting.

* You can also add a water goblet to the right of the dinner plate.