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.

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 ...

The biggest eating holiday of the year is upon us. You’ve brainstormed the menu, shopped for sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts, and thawed the turkey. (You have thawed the turkey, right?) With all ...

We’ve all been there, we head over to a friend’s for dinner and staring up at us are what appears to be a dozen pieces of cutlery and no less than five wine glasses. So, how can you manage the formal ...

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was taught that at formal dinner parties, bread plates were not used, and that they were not considered part of a formal place setting for multi-course meals. Now, I am given to ...