How to set cutlery when laying the table ?

Setting a table with elegance while respecting traditional etiquette is an art based on simple yet precise rules. These guidelines help create a harmonious and practical presentation, whether it’s for an everyday meal or a more formal dinner. Here is everything you need to know to master the art of table setting, from the placement of the knife and fork to the gesture that signals you have finished eating.

Basic rules for setting the table

When arranging the table, cutlery should be placed in the order in which it will be used, moving from the outside toward the plate. The utensils intended for the main course should be closest to the plate. This rule is universal and applies to both formal and casual meals.

Where to place the knife and fork?

- The fork is placed on the left side of the plate, with the tines facing upward in French tradition (and downward in some English-speaking countries). It should be aligned symmetrically with the knife.

- The knife is placed to the right of the plate, with the blade turned inward toward the plate for safety and practicality.

- The soup spoon, if needed, is placed to the right of the knife, with the bowl facing upward.

- Dessert cutlery is usually positioned above the plate. The spoon should point to the left, and the fork to the right.

How to position your cutlery to show you have finished eating ?

The placement of cutlery at the end of a meal is a subtle but universal code of table manners.

- To indicate that you have finished eating, place the knife and fork parallel inside the plate, handles pointing downward at roughly the 5 o’clock position (like the hands of a clock).

- If you are taking a break but have not finished your meal, position the cutlery in an inverted V shape, with the handles resting on the edges of the plate.

These gestures allow serving staff to understand your intentions without asking.

Tips for an elegant and practical table

- Distance between cutlery and plate: leave about 1 to 2 cm between the cutlery and the plate for a balanced look.

- Napkin placement: place the folded napkin on the plate or to the left of the forks.

- Materials and consistency: for a harmonious table, choose cutlery with matching design and materials — with handles that are either uniform in colour, arranged in soft tonal variations, or made of wood or silver.

An art to practice every day

Laying the table is more than simply arranging cutlery — it’s a way of showing care for your guests and enhancing the meal you’ve prepared. High-quality cutlery, such as the pieces crafted by Claude Dozorme and selected by La Grande Coutellerie, brings together aesthetics and functionality for a refined result.

Taking a little extra care when setting the table is a timeless gesture that never goes out of style. By following these tips, you’ll bring elegance and sophistication to every meal, from everyday dinners to special occasions.