It is time to get fancy and invite friends over for that five course sit-down meal!
In South Africa we love to braai, have potjiekos or eat al fresco. We are a very friendly, informal nation – who seldom deems it necessary to go the formal route. Our ancestors used to have dinner around the kitchen table and these days we have it in our laps in front of the television. Although I truly love being a South African and being informal certain situations call for some formality and glamour – whether you are entertaining en important client at home or having your fancy in-laws from England over for supper.
The problem is that because we are so informal, we are often just as confused as Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman when it comes to knowing which cutlery should be used for which course – and that is just when we are supposed to eat of a pre-set table, meaning that setting a formal table could very well be a nightmare!
We did some research to tell you how a formal table should be set – which will not only allow you to entertain like a pro, but also save you some red faced moments when attending a formal dinner.
Setting an elegant table with shiny silverware and crystal
Table cloth and napkins
The secret to creating the perfect formal table is to remember that less is in fact more. When choosing a table cloth for such an occasion, keep it plain. White, clean table linen always make a statement and will compliment any type of table setting with any kind of cutlery and crockery. If you are mainly focussing on white eat ware, it might be a good idea to use an elegant table cloth with a hint of colour to break the white shades. An overlay will also add some colour to a white table setting.
Also remember that a proper table cloth must at least stick over at least 15cm to give you a neat and balanced look.
We suggest: The white Punch Poke Embroided tablecloth from Woolworths for that neat, crisp look or the black and white Polycotton scroll print table cloth for an elegant twist. Also from Woolworths.
Napkins can be neatly folded and placed in the side plate, dinner plate or next to the forks, depending on what you have in mind. Do not take paper serviettes to a formal party – use napkins made from cotton or silk instead.
We suggest: The Cotton Cutwork Embroidery napkins from Woolworths to ensure that your guests have something to wipe their hands and mouths with during dinner.
Glasses
The wine and / or water glasses are placed at the right hand side, just above the dinner plate and at the tip of the dinner knife. Arrange the glasses according to the order in which drinks will be presented.
We suggest:
The Reed Red and White wine glasses from Bohemia Crystal will most certainly make an elegant statement at your formal dinner party.
If you are only serving one type of wine, it is always good to add a tumbler tot the table like this elegant Reed tumbler from Bohemia Crystal.
Visit Spilhaus for more info on this delicate glassware.
If you would like champagne glasses on your table, the Nomorados Flutes from Atlantis is a good option.
Tip: Always ensure that your glassware is polished and shiny when setting a formal dinner table!
Cutlery
This is the most difficult part of setting a formal table, as there are rules that need to be followed as far as the placement is concerned:
- Knives and the soup spoon always go on the right hand side whilst forks go to the left.
- Dessert cutlery is placed horizontally above the dinner plate. A dessert fork and spoon will be placed above the place setting.
- The cutlery used will depend on the courses and the type of food you will be serving, as well as the order in which this will be served. Position the flatware so that the diner is beginning from the outside and working their way in.
- The salad knife and fork should be placed on the very outside as it is normally the first set of cutlery to be used.
- The soup spoon is placed inside your salad knife on the right.
- The fish course will be next and a fish knife and fork should be placed next. If you do not have a set of fish knives and forks, ordinary cutlery will do the trick.
- The meat course cutlery is the final set in this part of the layout and is placed closest to the plate. Always place knives with the blades facing left towards the placing.
Tips to keep cutlery clean and shiny:
- Wash cutlery in hot, soapy water as soon as possible after use. Rinse quickly with hot water, wipe immediately with a dry clean cloth. Never leave dirty cutlery to soak and never leave cutlery damp.
- Use only pH neutral or slightly alkaline detergents when you wash your cutlery.
- Do not mix stainless steel or silver plate in same dishwasher load. Do not allow cutlery to stand in dishwasher after the cycle is completed.
We suggest:
The 24-Piece Rod Cutlery Set from Boardmans for an elegant finish.
The Nicolson Russell Conti Design 24 Piece Cutlery Set from Yuppie chef.
The 48-piece stainless steel Regency cutlery set from HomeChoice.
Plates
The plates are placed in the middle of the forks and knives. The dinner plate goes at the bottom with the soup bowl on top. One side plate is placed above the plates and can be used for bread and salad. A butter knife is horizontally placed on the side plate.
We suggest:
The Allure dinner set, which is crafted from high quality translucent porcelain, is ideal for a formal dinner table. Available from HomeChoice.
Extras
- This Diana Carmichael Cheetah salad servers will definitely compliment any sophisticated table and impress fancy guests.
- The Scirocco crystal vase from RCR is the perfect item to put those beautiful long stemmed white roses in that will ultimately be the perfect finish to any elegant table.
- The Philippi Mug Salt and Pepper Shaker Set from Yuppie Chef is trendy and sophisticated.
Bon appétit!
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