The food will taste the same either way!"

Here’s why: It signals to guests whodoappreciate proper table prefs that their feelings are important to you.

You’ll be setting an overall tonethat it’s your pleasure to dine with them.

table-setting-GettyImages-1054102340

Solaris Images/Getty Images

Also, a properly set table can make the food itself look better.

Now that you know the basic table setting rules, brush up on your table etiquette.

If you’re only serving white wine, a red wine glass is not needed.

Basic Table Setting

RealSimple.com

And if there’s no soup course, skip the soup bowl and spoon.

Here,six tips on how to throw excellent parties.

Then include a cereal bowl on top of the plate.

How to Set a Casual Table

Add a tumbler and/or a wine glass on the right side above the knife.

And if you are serving soup, place the soup bowl on top of the plate.

Candles or a flower vase are among many excellent options for an elegantcenterpiece.

How to Set a Formal Table

Just confirm they are short enough to not block your guests' view of one another.

The best and easiest thing to do is to leave your napkin to the left of your plate.