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.

You might think you know the basics for setting the table, but it can actually be a little more complicated than you initially think. But getting to grips with the essentials leaves you in good stead ...

Like many details we tend to brush off in our hurried daily lives, the art of proper table setting seems to be getting lost in the ether. While it's true that we've become a casual society, there are ...

Not sure how to set a table properly? Whether you're planning a casual gathering or a formal, intimate dinner, this is table-setting etiquette you need to know. Dining habits have changed drastically ...

Don't know how? Time to call in the reinforcements. For a basic table setting, place the napkin to the left of the plate with the fork on top of it. Position the knife and spoon to the right of the ...