Make Your Next Meal Special Part 2 (How To – Casual Table Setting)

Knowing how to set a casual table will come in handy when you’re tasked with knowing how to set an informal table for a get-together or a laid-back dinner party. Essentially, the basic table setting, posted on April 13 2019, and the casual table setting are nearly identical, but in a casual table setting, there is the addition of a soup bowl and a dinner plate. As a general rule, only set out the glassware, tableware, and flatware that you’re going to use. If you’re not having a salad course, all you need to set is a dinner fork. If you’re only serving white wine, a red wine glass is not needed. And if there's no soup course, skip the soup bowl and spoon.

Chargers are generally reserved for more formal place settings, but RealSimple home editor Stephanie Sisco says you can still use a charger in a casual table setting if you wish—just make sure it’s fashioned in a more laid-back style, like raw wood.

Casual Table Setting Instructions

1. Lay the placemat on the table.
2. Put the dinner plate in the middle of the placemat.
3. Place the salad plate on top of the dinner plate.
4. If you’re starting with a soup course, place the soup bowl on top of the salad plate.
5. Lay a napkin to the left of the charger.
6. To the left of the plate, place the fork on the napkin.
7. On the right of the plate, place the knife closest to the plate and then the spoon.
8. Directly above the knife, place the water glass.
9. To the right and slightly above the water glass, place the wine glass or a glass for another beverage.

Casual Table Setting Etiquette Tips

If using individual salt and pepper shakers for each guest, place them at the top of the placemat. Otherwise, place them near the center of the table, or, if using a long, rectangular table, place them in the middle of each end.