How to Set a Table 3 Ways: Jenni Kayne

Materials:

Dinner and salad plates

Bowls

Napkins

Silverware

Water glasses

Water carafe

Twine

Sprigs of greenery

A semi-formal, casual and communal table setting by Jenni Kayne.

1. Semi-Formal Table Setting

Fold the napkin in thirds with the opening consistently facing to the right so that it's a rectangle. Set the napkin to the right of the place setting or underneath the dinner plate. Stack a bowl on a salad plate on top of a dinner plate. Place the fork to the left of this place setting and a sharp knife with its blade facing toward the dinnerware to the right. Outside of the knife, set the soup spoon. Place a glass of water above the knife and fill it halfway. Leave a carafe or pitcher of water on the table for easy refilling.

2. Casual Table Setting

For a weekday lunch or dinner with family or close friends, keep it simple but beautiful. Set each place with a single dinner plate. Place the fork and knife on the left and right sides respectively. Make sure to provide a sharp steak knife to cut through meat dishes or crunchy vegetables. Leave a butter knife near the butter dish and bread. Get a helping hand when setting the table by having kids or early guests tie napkins in a knot and place atop each plate.

3. Communal Table Setting
A buffet table works wonders when accommodating larger crowds and invites your guests to mingle while they serve themselves. Stack plates at one end of the table with napkins and cutlery. Put helpful early-arrivers to work by making grab-and-go silverware sets. Simply have them place a fork and knife side by side on a napkin folded in half and then roll it up. Secure it with a bit of twine and a sprig of something green.