The Lincoln Times

TABLE ETIQUETTE

Do you panic at the thought of setting a table for a party dinner or even going to one and not knowing which fork to use? There's no need to worry. Table setting rules are sensible and simple. Remember it's good etiquette to follow your hostess' lead. Don't start to eat until she does and then use the same piece of silver. The host sits at one end of the table, the hostess at the other end. A lady guest of honor is seated at her host's right; a gentlemen guest of honor at his hostess' right.

PLACING SILVER

To set the table, use only pieces of silver necessary for the meal. Place silver about one inch from the edge of table, with pieces to be used first on outside. Knives and spoons go to the right of plate, forks to the left.

TABLE LINENS

Fold napkins square or rectangular and place to the left of forks. Tablecloth should overhang the table 10 to 15 inches and should be exactly centered on table. If you use place mats instead of a tablecloth, they should be set one inch in from the edge of the table.

GLASSWARE AND CHINA

Glasses are placed to the right of each place setting and directly above the knives. Individual salts and peppers should be placed above the plate or between two settings the same goes to ash trays if they are used. Place the salad plate to the left of forks and one inch in from table edge. If bread and butter plates are used, place them just above the forks.