The Emily Post Institute gives some great tips. For a basic table setting, here are two great tips to help you -- or your kids -- remember the order of plates and utensils. What does etiquette mean to you? To The Emily Post Institute, it means treating people with consideration, respect, and honesty, and being aware of how our actions affect those around us. We invite you to explore our site and renew your personal investment in why etiquette matters in our modern world. We can have lots of fun due to people's lack of table manners. Sometimes, like in Mr. Bean's case or in this table slurp scene from King of Queens, we can laugh. But it's always good to know what's expected so that you can treat your host and fellow diners with the respect they all deserve. Here's a funny video of Dorthea Johnson on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. A properly set table is the canvas for a beautiful meal. When you have an upcoming holiday dinner — or just want to make an occasion feel special—formal place settings are ideal for creating an exceptional dining experience. The way a table is set contributes to the ambiance of a meal as much as the food and wine. A few simple guidelines will help you establish the desired tone.