The arrangement of your flatware on a table is an essential element in table dressing, bringing a touch of elegance to every meal.
Discover the subtleties of formal table dressing by diving into the traditional French and English ways of arranging your cutlery. It will be easier than twisting the rules and making them your own!
Two main traditions: French vs English
FRENCH LAYOUT
ENGLISH LAYOUT
The French tradition uses a symmetrical arrangement of the flatware on either side of the plate. In the French cutlery layout, forks are placed to the left of the plate and knives and spoons to the right. Dessert cutlery is placed at the top of the plate.
Another special feature of French-style flatware layout is that the forks are placed with their points downwards (supposedly to avoid large sleeves to be cought in the tips...) and the spoons with their curved sides facing the guest.
In contrast to the French layout, the English flatware layout has a deliberate asymmetry which is justified by the organisation of the flatware on the table according to the order in which it is used. They are positioned from the outside inwards.
The forks are positioned with their points facing upwards, such as the spoons that are placed with their curved sides against the tablecloth. Maybe to prevent the tips of the fork damaging the table (or tablecloth)?
CHRISTOFLE FLATWARE
The Evolution of Tableware
Christofle's modern collections, such as Mood by Christofle and the Albi collection, keep pace with the latest developments in tableware. These collections offer cutlery with contemporary designs that fit in perfectly with your modern, formal, and elegant table settings.
These pieces illustrate how silverware can be formal while timeless and in tune with current trends. They are accompanied by new table-setting rituals, such as the MOOD, where guests are invited to take their own cutlery and arrange it as they wish in a relaxed atmosphere.
These new arrangements bring a touch of elegance to your formal table while creating a real moment of conviviality and sharing.
Useful tips : Harmony and balance
For formal meals, opt for a classic French layout to create a sophisticated atmosphere. Dessert cutlery should be positioned horizontally above the plate.
An engraved napkin ring is a must, as well as individual bread plates and spreaders. To bring volume to a formal table, choose a large centerpiece, display flowers in a crystal or silver vase and add 2 or 3 candle holders. Don’t forget to lit the candles slightly before the guests arrive!
You can opt for an English-style layout for casual dining. Arrange the cutlery sequentially, from outside to inside, according to the dish that will be served first. You can also choose from our Mood collection of flatware in a set, display the canister on the table and have each guest helping themselves for a casual moment!
When choosing to mix & match, make sure to combine different styles of flatware or decor, but not both!
