That is a question that has been asked over and over by our parents growing up I’m sure. We all have learned the basics of fork on the left, knife on the right. However, when coordinating events, it goes so much deeper than that. This is one detail that should not be overlooked. There is an art to setting a table. It is a small detail, but it’s the small details that people will take notice of. There are slight variations between setting a casual dinner table and a formal dinner table, the main difference being the number of dishes. As you plan your party for the holidays, keep these things in mind as you prepare for your guests. Below are the steps to set the perfect place setting. You can make it as simple or formal you feel fits the atmosphere of your get together. Adjust the flatware and glassware to fit your dinner menu and the number of courses you plan to serve. It is probably likely you will only need half of the items mentioned, but you never know!

• Before you begin setting out the dinnerware, first things first. Drape a freshly laundered and ironed tablecloth over the table. A white tablecloth is the most classic choice for formal tables.

• Arrange the centerpieces on the tables. The general rule of thumb for centerpieces is that you need one centerpiece per round or square table and multiple centerpieces evenly spaced along each rectangular table. Centerpieces should not be so tall that your guests cannot see over them.

•  Place a dinner plate or charger on the table in front of each chair. Dinner plates should be set approximately two inches from the edge of the table.

• Space the flatware about one-half inch from the plate and two inches from the edge of the table.

• On the right side of the plate, place up to three knives -- for first course, main course and salad -- with blades facing inward, followed to the right by the soup spoon. On the left side of the plate, place up to three forks -- for first course, main course and salad -- the salad fork being furthest left. At the top of the plate, place the dessert spoon with the stem end to the right and the dessert fork above it with the stem end on the left.

• Place the salad plate to the left of the dinner plate, above the forks. You may also set it on top of the dinner plate if your courses will be served separately. This will allow for more space at the table for everyone.

• Place bread plate on the right side of the dinner plate, above the knife setting, left of the glassware and higher than the salad plate. If there's no salad course, place the bread plate on the left side, above the fork setting. Place the butter knife across the bread plate.

• If there is a soup course, place the soup bowl on top of the salad and/or dinner plate.

• Place the stemware above the knives in the following order from left to right: water glass, white wine glass, red wine glass and champagne flute.

• Place a coffee cup and saucer to the right of the knives and spoon on the right side of the saucer.

Like we mentioned, there is a LOT of stuff happening here. It is up to you to choose which items to add when having a sit down dinner. Even if you are choosing to service buffet style, having a nice table setting will make all the difference.