A comfortable table setting, especially a formal one with a variety of glassware and flatware, should allow about 2 feet of space between the center of one plate and the center of the next.

The formal table: If you own crystal and china, good silver, and a linen tablecloth and napkins, Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to use them.

At a formal table, guests always have plates in front of them. A charger, or large plate, is set at each place, and the first course is served on a small plate set atop the charger. The charger is replaced with a dinner plate when the main course is served.

To the left of the plate, place the napkin, its fold facing inward, with room for silverware to its right. You also can put the napkin on the plate, especially if it is attractively folded. Silverware is seldom placed directly on the napkin, as it inhibits the guest’s ability to pick it up easily.

To the right of the napkin, place the forks in the order in which they will be used, from left to right. Put the knife on the right side of the plate with its blade facing inward, and set the soup spoon to the right of the knife. Put the dessert fork, above the plate, parallel to the edge of the table and with its handle pointing to the left; above it, put the dessert spoon with its handle pointing to the right. If space is tight, you can bring the dessert implements out when the course is served.

Put a bread plate above the forks and lay a butter knife across it. Arrange glassware in a triangle above the knife. The water glass is on the left; wine glasses are angled to the right. Set out a wine glass for each type of wine. Stemware also can be placed in diamond or diagonal arrangements.

"Thanksgiving Entertaining," Williams-Sonoma. (Handout/MCT)

The buffet: Choose a table or sideboard to use for the buffet, and arrange your serving platters on it ahead of time to make sure everything fits. You might choose a smaller buffet table, which gives a look of abundance, over a large one, which might appear sparse. If space allows, move the table away from the wall so guests have access to both sides. Set the dinner plates at the end where the guests will start, and the napkins and silverware, if they are not set on the dining table, at the other end, so guests won’t have to juggle too many items while serving themselves.

Source: “Thanksgiving Entertaining,” Williams-Sonoma

Tips for a casual Thanksgiving

Visit a local farmers market and gather a selection of the season’s most attractive fruits, such as persimmons, pears and quinces. Arrange the fruits in low wooden or ceramic bowls or place them on the table.

Use walnut shells as salt and pepper cellars, setting out a pair for every three or four guests.

Line the bread basket with a patterned napkin or cloth that complements the color scheme of the table.

For an intimate gathering, move the feast to the kitchen table.

For a change of setting, serve dessert and coffee in the living room.

Tips for a formal Thanksgiving

Use high-quality white or off-white linens. The tablecloth and napkins do not have to be a perfect color match, but the napkins should be identical.

Make an attractive place marker or card for each place setting.

Use silver trays for passing drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

To add height and sparkle to the buffet, arrange biscuits on a tiered tea tray, and use a footed cake pedestals to display desserts.

Source: “Thanksgiving Entertaining,” Williams-Sonoma

Tabletop tips

At a formal dinner, the tablecloth overhang is about 10 to 15 inches, a drop that rests in the diner’s lap and is tucked under the table before the napkin is lifted. For an informal dinner, the overhang is about 10 inches.

At a formal affair, the napkin is centered on the service plate. For an informal dinner, the napkin is placed wherever and however the host chooses: to the left of the forks, above the plate or under the plate.

Source: “The Art of the Table”The look

Dinnerware: Don’t be concerned about all the pieces matching. Just see that everything has a harmonious style and palette. Even a formal table does not require fine china. Large, plain white dinner plates are a good choice for elegant and casual settings alike. Family heirloom serving dishes are particularly appropriate for Thanksgiving. If you don’t have a complete set, unmatched serving pieces that complement your dishes and tableware can add charm.

Glassware: Simple, classic stemware is always an appropriate choice and works well for a formal or a casual Thanksgiving meal. Setting the table with matching water glasses and wine glasses (the water goes in the larger glass) is an easy way to create a sense of elegance. Even an inexpensive set of glasses can bring a table setting together because its matching shapes and sizes create a sense of uniformity.

Flatware: Mixing and matching is a nice way to add a touch of homey charm, especially if you have an eclectic collection of vintage flatware. Good-quality stainless-steel flatware goes with virtually any setting.

Linens: For most Thanksgiving settings, understated linens of high-quality cotton or linen are an excellent choice.

Source: “Thanksgiving Entertaining,” Williams-Sonoma