Food For Thought Fridays

Ok, so I was inspired by my friend who does a "Two Tips Tuesdays" on her blog Twoshadesofpink.blogspot.com and decided to start "Food For Thought Fridays". Little things I have learned and found to be helpful in the kitchen or while entertaining. So here goes...

Setting A Table.


It doesn't seem like that big of a deal but simply setting a table the "right" way can make all the difference when having company over. Your guests may not notice their water glasses are in the correct position or that their salad forks are strategically placed but you will have the satisfaction of knowing you have set a table Martha Stewart would be proud of.

1.) Iron napkins (hahahahahaha!) in flat squares then fold them and place them in the middle of the plate or to the left under the forks. Fortunately the napkins I use come folded in a convenient little plastic wrapper and require no ironing. Of course I could attempt to iron them but prefer to start fires on the stove top and not by pressing paper, disposable napkins.

2.) The forks go to the left of the plate and the knives and spoons go to the right. The utensils that are used first go to the outside (farthest from the plate). For example, the appetizer fork goes first, the main course fork goes to its right and the dessert fork goes closest to the plate. The same is true for the knives and the spoons are to the right of the knives. If you have a lot of utensils, the dessert spoon and fork can go at the top of the plate. But who are we kidding here, most of us are lucky to have matching forks and knives let alone multiple sizes of each. Just make sure the forks go to the left and the knives go to the right. Even if they are multi-colored plastic utensils left over from the multitude of children's birthday parties you have hosted.

3.) Glasses are placed at the top of the knife; the wineglass (no, not red Solo cups) also recognized as the "sweet tea glass" goes to the right of the water glass. Finally, place cards, if you're using them, go on the plate or on the table at the top of the plate. Of course your finger pointing serves as a sufficient place card or if you are like my family, we prefer to write our name on a red Solo cup then claim our place at the table by putting our cup where we choose to sit. Anyway, hope this clarifies any confusion and happy entertaining!