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Table settings

Nowadays, no one expects to see a perfect table setting at a regular old dinner party, but I think it’s helpful to know the old-school rules. For those who are curious, here are the traditional Southern ways to set a table: you use the acronym FORKS, where the dinner plate is the O: Fork, O for plate, Knife, Spoon. Yes, I know that spells FOKS. Just go with it.

Seating

The guest of honour is traditionally seated to the host’s right and is served first. Try to mix up seating so couples aren’t always together. They already see each other every day! And you want to give them something to talk about on the way home.

Serving

A buffet is considered a bit more casual. For a seated meal served at the table, plates are served from a guest’s left side and taken away from their right. Serving moves counterclockwise, with the host served last. For family-style service, platters are passed from left to right. Each guest should hold the platter for the guest on his or her right.