How to Set a Table For Pre-Plated Dinner

Dear Polite One,

I want to throw my first dinner party and I am very new to this. I would like to serve the food pre-plated. My question is, how should I set the table? Should I only set out the flatware, napkin, and glasses? I love the look of having everything laid out, but it doesn't seem practical in this circumstance. Is there a happy compromise to be made?

Thanks,

Rachel, Utah

Dear Rachel,

You could set it like that. But it is more proper to use chargers as well. These are large plates that ‘save’ the setting until the first course is finished. You set the first-course plate or bowl on top of this large plate and then remove all when it is finished.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

Picture Credit: Table setting at the 2019 Paulée Dinner at DeLoach Vineyards in Santa Rosa, California; Sarah Stierch (CC BY 4.0); File:2019 Paulee Dinner - Stierch 05.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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