A gourmet meal for a unique event calls for special protocol when setting your table. Not sure which plates to use or where they should be placed? Which fork goes where? A number of factors need to be taken into account; from dinnerware placement to how you behave at the table, here is a description of everything you need to know for your next formal dinner event.

General Items
The tablecloth should reach half the distance between the edge of the table and the floor. The traditional color of the tablecloth is white. Silverware should be placed so that your guests start from the silverware placed furthest away from the plate (for appetizers) and finish with the silverware closest to the plate (entree). Silverware for desserts should be placed above the plates

Glasses
Glasses are placed to the right of dessert silverware and should be ordered as follows:
Place the glass for white wine furthest to the right, then the glass for red wine and finally, closest to the plate, the glass of water. The glasses should be placed on a diagonal line that points towards the center of the plate.

Bread plate
The bread plate is placed to the left of the main course dish, at the height of the dessert silverware. During the meal, bread is cut with your hands and carried to your r mouth with your right hand.

The Napkin
When sitting place the napkin on your knees, stretched but not open. When you leave the table place it on the left side of your plate without folding it.

Table manners
In a formal dinner do not place the water and wine on the main table. Only serve water to your guests sitting at the table prior to serving food White wine can be served during the appetizers and red wine during the main course (depending of the menu). The wine bottle should be covered by a napkin to prevent wine from dripping. When serving food, do it from the left and when removing it, do it from the right. If you are adding a clean plate, it should be done from the left If offering food from a platter, it should be done from the left Salad is recommended to serve in separate bowls or small plates placed to the left of the guest’s main plate Before serving dessert you must remove the salt and pepper shakers as well as the bread plates. Champagne, if served, should be served with dessert. Do not start eating until the host begins Your elbows should be held close to your body when using silverware Bring the food to your mouth, not your mouth to the food.