How To Create a Downton Abbey Worthy Table Setting

Formal dining has fallen out of favor for most households in the modern world, but do not be deterred! If you find yourself dreaming of those gorgeous dinner parties with the formal table settings you see on Downton Abbey, don’t fret. It’s time to brush up your knowledge on the Edwardian rules of etiquette and an elegantly set dinner table.

Inviting Guests

Before the table is even set, you must practice the principles of a good host or hostess. The first task is to invite your guests. When having a formal dinner party, it is important that your invitation, whether it be a phone call, evite or the classic printed invitation, is clear on everything from the date and time to the dress code. These days, in the non-formal, non-royal world, most people will not dress for dinner unless it is specifically requested. Making sure not one of your guests is caused embarrassment is of the utmost importance. Specify if you are allowing your guests to bring guests. If not, be sure to address the invitation to the guest in question only. If possible, consider hiring help for the evening as this will assist in tending to your guests, while you enjoy the party as well.

Setting The Table

Always start with a crisp white linen tablecloth, your beautiful dinnerware will stand out against the stark white. Decorate with colored table accents or centerpieces. Hang the tablecloth evenly on each end and on the sides of the table.

Formal tables require symmetry. Centerpieces dead center, an even number of candlesticks, place settings spaced evenly, silverware lined up. Centerpieces must be either below eye level or above the heads of the guests so no view between guests is obstructed. Flowers must be as mildly fragrant as possible. Candles should be white and completely scent-free. Set your candelabras at opposing ends of the table to allow for open views between guests.

After your tablecloth, set a placemat (if used) at each place setting followed by a charger. This will act as a base/underplate for all courses prior to the entree. For the initial presentation include an intricately folded cloth dinner napkin. To fold your napkins in a classic Bishop’s Mitre style watch this video.

Rules of Thumb for Utensils: The blade of the knives always face the plate. Never place more than three implements at a time at the place setting. The only exception is for an oyster fork. The rest of the utensils are brought with the course. All utensils are placed working from the outside in, meaning the first course utensils are on the outside, the second course next, and so on. See this guide from Emily Post for more intricate descriptions on setting the formal dinner table as the type of fork and knife will depend on what you decide to serve. If fruit or soup will be the first course, that spoon is placed to right of the knives.

Glasses go in the order they will be used, just as the utensils. The water goblet is just above the knives, then the white wine, then the red, and finally the champagne flute.

Glasses should be removed after each course it accompanies. (Except for the water, of course.) The butter plate is placed on the left, above the forks. The butter knife is placed across the butter plate.

Seating

Make sure the chairs are 36 inches away from the table to allow for seating with ease. The head of the household always sits at the head of the table. The guest of honor will sit to either side of the head of the household. In accordance with such, always use place-cards so guests at a formal dinner know where they will be seated. Never seat husbands and wives together, and try not to seat guests of the same gender together. As the host or hostess, do not make your guests wait as they will be following your lead. They will not sit until you sit, nor will they begin to eat, nor start a new course until you begin.

If you are having cocktails before dinner, Dry Sherry and light cocktails are appropriate aperitifs. Do not rush guests and do not gather everyone for dinner until dinner is ready. A formal dinner includes dessert, coffee and digestives. Not everyone invited to a Downton Abbey formal dinner will know the rules of etiquette and as a host or hostess, you must never point out the errors people are making. Being gracious is the most important part of your function for the evening.

Remember to have fun and enjoy yourself!