How to Set a Table: Step-by-Step Basic, Casual & Formal Guide How to Set a Table: The Basic Rule To set a basic table, center the dinner plate, place the fork on the left, put the knife and spoon on the right, position the napkin beside the fork or on the plate, and place the glass above the knife. The foundation is simple: forks go to the left of the plate, knives and spoons go to the right, and the glass sits above the knife. Everything from a weeknight dinner to a formal multi-course meal starts with this basic arrangement, with additional pieces added as the meal becomes more formal.…