How to Set Silverware at the Proper Distance From the Edge of the Table

Set each dinner plate -- or a large plate, called a service plate or charger -- one inch from the table edge. This creates the center of the place setting, so that you can line up the silverware placement with the plate.

Set the napkin in the center of the plate with its open, unfolded edges facing the table edge. For informal dining, set the napkin to the left of the plate, with its bottom edge a half-inch from the table's edge. It's also fine to roll napkins, put them through napkin rings and place them across the plate, or to fold them in decorative ways.

Set the silverware so that the ends of the handles line up one inch from the table edge. Set the knife on the right of the plate with the blade edge facing the plate. Set the spoon to the right of the knife. A soup spoon, if used, goes to the right of the teaspoon.

Lay the fork to the left of the plate, with the handle lined up one inch from the edge of the table, even with the other silverware. A salad fork, if used, goes to the left of the dinner fork. In informal dining you can center the fork on the napkin or place the fork between the plate and the napkin.