When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Mary Hollis Huddleston Setting a perfectly laid table is an essential part of hosting.

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Learn how to set a table, from a basic table setting, to an informal table setting for a casual dinner party, to a formal place ...

While there are certain protocols for basic, casual, and formal table settings, there is some flexibility. Get creative based on the items you already own and what you’ll be serving. For a formal ...

Table settings will vary depending on the type of event and the food being served. Set up silverware and glassware so guests can work from the outside in and top to bottom. A floral centerpiece is a ...

If you want cooking advice that focuses on making things simple and realistic, you turn to Ina Garten. The same goes for advice about dinner parties and entertaining. Garten has repeatedly centered ...

Napkins on the right or the left? Which way does the knife face, anyway? Sometimes it’s just plain hard to remember. Follow this guide and your table will look picture perfect, whether you're going ...

The intricacies of table settings have gone the way of butlers and parasol flirtations, calling cards and dressing for dinner. But that may be changing. After all, Downton Abbey was wildly popular for ...

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Michael Sullivan is a writer covering kitchen equipment and tableware. He has ...