French Dinner Party Table Settings

The Art of French Dinner Party Table Settings

French dinner parties are renowned for their elegance and sophistication. From the exquisite cuisine to the impeccable table settings, every detail is carefully considered to create a memorable dining experience. If you're planning to host a French-inspired dinner party, it's important to understand the essential aspects of their table settings.

Linens

The foundation of any French dinner table setting is the linens. A crisp white tablecloth is traditional, but pastel colors such as lavender or pale blue are also acceptable. The tablecloth should be large enough to drape over the edges of the table by at least 6 inches on all sides. Napkins should match the tablecloth and be placed to the left of the dinner plate.

Plates

The French use a variety of plates for different courses. The dinner plate is typically the largest and is placed in the center of the setting. A salad plate is usually placed to the left of the dinner plate, while a bread plate is placed to the right. When serving multiple courses, the plates are stacked with the dinner plate on the bottom and the salad plate on top.

Flatware

The French use a specific arrangement of flatware for each course. The dinner fork is placed to the left of the dinner plate, while the salad fork is placed to the left of the salad plate. The dinner knife is placed to the right of the dinner plate, with the blade facing inward. Spoons are placed to the right of the knife.

Glasses

The French have a different glass for each type of wine. Red wine glasses are typically larger and have a wider bowl than white wine glasses. Water glasses are usually the smallest and are placed to the right of the wine glasses. When serving multiple wines, the glasses are arranged from left to right in order of serving.

Centerpieces

Centerpieces are an essential part of any French dinner table setting. They add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the table. Flowers are a popular choice for centerpieces, but candles or other decorative items can also be used. Centerpieces should be low enough so that guests can see each other across the table.

By following these essential aspects, you can create a beautiful and sophisticated French dinner party table setting that will impress your guests and make your dining experience truly memorable.