What Side Does The Wine Glass Go On

Ever been to a fancy dinner party and found yourself wondering, "What side does the wine glass go on?" Don't worry, you're not alone. Wine etiquette can be a little intimidating, especially if you're new to the world of wine. But fear not, because as your personal wine gurus at the Black Wine Club, we're here to help you navigate these sophisticated waters. In this guide, we'll simplify everything you need to know about wine glass placement at the table - whether you're a novice or a seasoned wine enthusiast. Let's get started!

The Basics of Table Setting

First, let's explore the overall table setting etiquette. Generally, table settings follow specific guidelines to maintain consistency and formality. Here are some fundamental rules to keep in mind:

• Flatware is placed in the order of use, from the outside in.
• Forks are positioned on the left of the plate, while knives and spoons are to the right.
• Place the napkin on the left side, under the forks or on the plate in a decorative style.

Wine Glass Placement

In formal table settings, the wine glass is typically placed above and to the right of the dinner plate. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Position your dinner plate in the center of your place setting.
2. Locate the top right-hand corner of the plate.
3. Place your wine glass around one to two inches above and slightly to the right of that corner.
4. Remember to align the base of the wine glass with the knife's handle for proper placement.

Why the Right Side?

Wine glasses are placed on the right side of the plate because most people are right-handed. This arrangement ensures that your dominant hand is free to pick up the glass effortlessly.

Multiple Wine Glasses

In instances of multi-course dinners paired with different wines, you may encounter multiple wine glasses in your place setting. If this is the case:

• Arrange the glasses in the order they will be used, starting from the left.
• Typically, this order follows white wine, red wine, and dessert wine glasses.
• Ensure the rim of each glass is slightly higher than the one to its right to prevent any accidental spills.

What Side Does The Wine Glass Go On Frequently Asked Questions

Why Does Glass Placement Matter in a Table Setting?

Proper glass placement isn't just about tradition; it's about enhancing the dining experience. Correct placement ensures guests have easy access to their drinks, minimizes the chance of spills, and contributes to a visually appealing table set-up.

On Which Side Should the Wine Glass Be Placed?

The wine glass should be positioned to the right of the dinner plate, above the knife and spoon. This placement follows traditional etiquette and is practical, considering most people are right-handed.

What Is the Reason Behind This Specific Placement?

Placing the wine glass to the right side of the plate is ergonomic. It allows easy reach for the majority of diners who are right-handed and prevents the glass from being knocked over by a diner's eating motions.

Does the Type of Wine Affect Glass Placement?

Yes, it does. If multiple wines are being served, glasses should be arranged in the order they are used, typically from right to left. The first wine to be tasted would be closest to the guest.

How Do I Arrange Multiple Glasses?

When multiple glasses are required, they should be positioned in a way that's both aesthetically pleasing and functional. They might form a straight line or a gentle curve, with enough space between each to prevent clinking.

Is There a Difference in Placement for Red and White Wine Glasses?

While both glasses go on the right, the type of wine being served first often dictates the specific positioning. If red wine is served first, its glass would be closest to the guest, followed by the white wine glass.

How Far Should the Wine Glass Be from the Plate?

The wine glass should be conveniently reachable, typically about an inch from the dinner knife's tip. This proximity prevents guests from having to stretch awkwardly to reach their glasses.

Does the Glass Placement Change If You're Left-Handed?

Etiquette rules are traditionally designed for right-handed diners. However, a considerate host may adjust the setting for left-handed guests for their comfort, though it's not a strict requirement.

What If I'm Serving Sparkling Wine?

Sparkling wine or champagne glasses, often flutes, are also placed to the right of the plate, slightly behind the wine glasses. They're usually set closer to the right edge of the setting.

How Does Formal Dining Affect Glass Placement?

In formal dining, the rules are more stringent, often requiring multiple glasses appropriate for different beverages. These are placed in a specific order, based on when each drink is served during the meal.

Does Casual Dining Follow the Same Rules?

While casual settings can be more relaxed, maintaining basic rules of glass placement can preserve a sense of organization and comfort, helping guests navigate their dining space easily.

How Do Restaurants Benefit from Proper Glass Placement?

Proper glass placement enhances the dining experience, showcasing a restaurant's commitment to service excellence. It aids in creating a professional visual appeal and leaves a positive impression on guests.

Can Cultural Differences Influence Wine Glass Placement?

Absolutely. While the basic placement rules are widely accepted, specific cultural nuances might influence the exact positioning of the wine glass and other tableware. It's respectful to adhere to these variations in culturally diverse settings.

Is There a Risk in Deviating from Traditional Rules?

While it's not a catastrophe, straying from traditional table setting rules can disrupt the dining experience's fluidity, potentially leading to awkward reaches or even spills.

Are These Rules Relevant at Home?

Yes! Employing these guidelines at home, especially during formal meals or dinner parties, contributes to a polished, well-hosted experience for your guests.

How Can I Remember the Correct Placement?

A helpful trick is to form a lowercase "b" with your left hand and a lowercase "d" with your right hand. This reminds you that "bread and butter" go to the left of the plate, while "drinks" are placed to the right.

Should Children Learn About Glass Placement?

Educating children about basic table setting rules, including glass placement, is a valuable life skill. It promotes discipline and will be beneficial in social dining situations in their future.

How Has Glass Placement Evolved Over Time?

While the fundamentals remain, modern dining trends and changes in tableware design have introduced some flexibility in the rules. The focus remains on practicality and enhancing the dining experience.

Can I Experiment with Glass Placement in an Artistic Dining Setup?

In settings where dining is combined with artistic expression, there may be creative liberties with placement. However, the guest's comfort and the functionality of the setting should always be a priority.

What's the Most Important Thing to Remember About Glass Placement?

The key is creating a harmonious balance between tradition, aesthetics, and practicality. While following guidelines is recommended, ensuring your guests are comfortable and can easily reach their glasses is paramount.

What Side Does The Wine Glass Go On Example

Imagine hosting a formal dinner party where you plan to serve a white wine with the appetizer, a red wine with the main course, and a dessert wine with the last course. Your table setting should include a dinner plate in the center, forks on the left with the napkin underneath, and knives and spoons on the right.

For the wine glasses, begin by placing the white wine glass one to two inches above and slightly right of the dinner plate's top right corner. Next, place the red wine glass to the right of the white wine glass, ensuring its rim is slightly higher. Finally, position the dessert wine glass to the right of the red wine glass, again keeping its rim higher. This arrangement will create a diagonal line slanting upward from the dinner plate to the dessert wine glass.

And there you have it! Now you know exactly where your wine glass should be placed at any formal dinner party. No more awkward table setting moments or that subtle feeling of uncertainty. Pat yourself on the back and raise a toast to your newfound knowledge! We hope this guide has been helpful, and we encourage you to share it with fellow wine enthusiasts or anyone needing guidance in the realm of wine etiquette.

Don't stop here – continue to explore our website for more information, insights, and wine-related content. At Black Wine Club, we strive to satisfy everyone's inner sommelier, from the curious beginner to the experienced oenophile. Cheers!