The glasses are placed top right above the plate, just above the tip of the knife. The water glass sits closest to the plate, and the wine glasses are arranged diagonally out to the right in the order they're used – white wine before red wine, with champagne on the outside. That way, you drink your way “from the outside in” through the meal.
A beautifully laid table is all about the small details – and where the glasses go is one that many people are unsure about. Luckily, it follows a simple, classic logic that's easy to remember. Here's the correct place setting, so your table looks inviting and well thought out.
The classic arrangement
The glasses belong top right of the plate, above the knives. This is where your hand naturally reaches when picking up a glass. The water glass sits closest to the plate (above the tip of the knife), and the wine glasses follow diagonally out to the right in a gentle line.
The order: outside in
Arrange the glasses in the order they'll be used, so your guests can work “from the outside in” – just like with the cutlery:
- Water glass (closest to the plate)
- White wine glass
- Red wine glass
- Champagne glass (furthest to the right)
The water glass first
The water glass is the largest and is placed closest to the plate, as it's used throughout the whole meal. If only one wine glass is needed, it simply goes next to the water glass – you don't need more glasses than will actually be used.
Tip: Only use the glasses that will actually be used. A table with three glasses per place setting only looks right if water, white wine and red wine are actually being served.
Overview of the place setting
| Glass | Placement | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Water glass | Closest to the plate, above the knife | The whole meal |
| White wine glass | Diagonally out to the right | Starter / white wine |
| Red wine glass | Further out to the right | Main course / red wine |
| Champagne glass | Furthest to the right | Welcome / toast |
Make the table festive
Coloured or ribbed glasses catch the light and lift an otherwise simple table. They're an easy way to give your table setting personality – without having to swap out your whole dinner service. Feel free to mix colours for a playful, inviting look.
Frequently asked questions
How should glasses be arranged on the table?
Top right above the plate, above the tip of the knife. The water glass closest, and the wine glasses diagonally out to the right.
In what order do the glasses go?
Outside in: water closest to the plate, then white wine, red wine, and champagne on the outside.
Where does the water glass go?
The water glass sits closest to the plate, as it's used throughout the whole meal.
Do you always need to use several glasses?
Nope. Only use the glasses you're actually going to use – otherwise the setting looks over the top.
Where does the champagne glass go?
Furthest to the right, as it's typically used first for a welcome drink or toast.
Summary
The glasses sit at the top right above the plate: the water glass closest, then white wine, red wine and champagne furthest out – so you drink from the outside in. Only use the glasses you're going to need, and let colourful or ribbed glasses add a festive touch to the table.
Read also
- How many glasses are there in a bottle of wine?
- How do you fold napkins?
- Table setting: how to set a beautiful table
Elevate your table with our wine glasses and champagne glasses.
