When it comes to entertaining, few things impress quite like a formal dinner table—especially when it's been properly set.

C hances are, you've set a table or two in your life. So the whole thing might seem pretty straightforward: knife, fork, ...

Between 1750 and 1900 there was a shift that led to even more elaborate table settings and serving etiquette. Service à la française gave way to service à la russe, or service in the Russian style.