5. Bread Plates For a formal table: Rarely seen at home in these carb-conscious days, bread plates go above the forks, with the butter knife laid horizontally or diagonally (pointing toward 10 o ...

When setting a formal table, place your napkin in the middle of your plate stack. In the case of a casual or everyday table, your napkin can go either in this same location or beneath the fork.

Formal place setting with white plate on green plate, beige napkin in ring on top, and two forks to the left and a knife and spoon to the right© Delmonte1977/Getty Images ...

In 2025, the most compelling table settings hinge on contrast: oxblood with cream, lacquer with matte, contemporary plates beside heirloom flatware. “It’s less about harmony, more about ...

2. Charger plate: The charger, a bigger and usually solid-colored plate, comes first. “It’s like a picture frame for the dinnerware; it adds extra fun and flair,” Duerksen said. 3.

Get the Furman Galvanized Charger Plate Set (Set of 4) from Wayfair for $48.40 Get the Reynold Bead Dot Design Elegant Decorative Melamine Charger Set (Set of 4) from Wayfair for $45.99 3.

Nor will setting an empty plate at our table in solidarity. They will however start a conversation, and perhaps help raise awareness for a serious issue.

“Putting out plates and setting a nice table creates a different experience for guests,” Hildreth says. “Buy china not because you eat off it, but because it’s beautiful,” Wilkinson says.