How to Set a Table with Salad Plates and Dessert Bowls

Quick answer

Place the salad plate to the left of the dinner plate or on top of it, and set the dessert bowl above the dinner plate or bring it out with the dessert course.

Steps to set the table

1. Place the dinner plate: Center a dinner plate at each seat, about an inch from the table edge. This is the anchor of the place setting. Check that all dinner plates are evenly spaced and aligned.
2. Add the salad plate: Set the salad plate to the left of the dinner plate, or stack it centered on top if serving salad as a first course. For a stacked look, remove it before the main course arrives. Common mistake: stacking the salad plate too far left can crowd the flatware. Keep it close enough to feel part of the setting.
3. Position the dessert bowl: Place the dessert bowl above the dinner plate, near the top of the place setting. Alternatively, bring it out only when dessert is served to keep the table uncluttered during the meal. If you set the bowl early, make sure it does not block guests' view of each other across the table.
4. Arrange flatware and glassware: Place the salad fork to the left of the dinner fork (or replace the dinner fork if only one fork is used). Set the water glass above the knife tip. The dessert spoon or fork can be placed horizontally above the dessert bowl or brought out later. A common error: forgetting to remove the salad fork after the salad course. Clear it before the main course arrives.

Products that make it easy

• Single Salad Plate: This Single Salad Plate from Fable comes in four colors and is sold individually. You can buy exactly the number you need and coordinate with your existing dinnerware or mix colors for a casual look.

  

• Dessert Bowls: These Dessert Bowls come in a set of 4 and are hand-finished in Portugal with natural stoneware flecks. The organic shape and slight variations give each bowl a unique feel, perfect for serving gelato, fruit, or snacks during dessert.