What do you put in the middle of a table?

Answered by Jarrod Smith

In the middle of a table, you would typically place a serving plate. This plate is the centerpiece of the table setting and is where the main course or main dishes will be served. It should be large enough to hold the food for everyone at the table and should be visually appealing.

Next to the serving plate, you can place a bread plate. This smaller plate is usually placed to the top left of the serving plate and is where guests can place their bread or rolls. It is important to ensure that the bread plate is clean and free of any crumbs before placing it on the table.

Moving on to the silverware, it is generally placed on the left side of the serving plate. The order of the silverware from left to right typically begins with the salad fork on the outside, followed by the dinner fork on the inside. This arrangement allows guests to use the appropriate fork for each course.

On the right side of the serving plate, you would place the knives and spoons. The order of the knives and spoons is typically from the outside in, with the soup spoon on the far right, followed by the dinner knife, and then the salad knife. This arrangement ensures that guests have the correct utensils for each course.

In addition to the serving plate and silverware, you can also add other elements to the middle of the table to enhance the overall table setting. This could include a decorative centerpiece, such as a vase of flowers or a candle arrangement, to add visual interest and create a welcoming atmosphere.

The middle of the table is where the main focus of the meal is placed, which is typically the serving plate. By arranging the silverware and other elements in a logical and visually pleasing manner, you can create an inviting and well-coordinated table setting for any casual dining occasion.