Where do wine glasses go on the table? The correct position explained

Wine glasses should be placed to the right above the knife. That is the basic rule for a set table, both at home and in the hospitality industry. However, anyone setting multiple glasses on the table, wishing to add a water glass, or combining a champagne flute with a red and white wine glass needs more information than just that one rule. The position of each glass follows a logic that is both practical and aesthetic.

For the practical order of setting the table and placing glasses without fingerprints, see how to set wine glasses on the table.

When should you place the wine glasses on the table?

Preferably place the glasses as one of the final steps, after the plates, cutlery, and napkins are already in place. This reduces the chance of bumping into the glasses while finishing the table setting. Check them for dust, fingerprints, and water spots just before setting them down.

When setting the table, hold a wine glass by the stem or base, not by the bowl. This prevents fingerprints and limits the warming of the glass.

The basic rule: to the right above the knife

The wine glass is always placed to the right of the plate, above the knife. The base of the glass should be two to three centimeters from the top of the knife. Not too far to the right so that the glass doesn't hang over the edge of the table, and not too close to the plate so that there is room to move without hitting the glass.

The reason for this position is practical: most people are right-handed and reach for the glass with their right hand. By placing the glass on the right, you do not have to reach over the plate or cutlery. In restaurants and at formal dinners, this position is the standard worldwide.

Multiple glasses: what is the order?

At a dinner with multiple wines, there will also be multiple glasses on the table. The classic arrangement works from right to left in the order of use. The glass to be used first is placed furthest to the right. The glass that comes into play later is placed to the left of it.

For a three-course dinner with champagne as an aperitif, white wine with the appetizer, and red wine with the main course, the arrangement looks like this:

Position	Glass	Moment
Right	Champagne flute	Aperitif
Middle	White wine glass	Appetizer
Left	Red wine glass	Main course

An alternative arrangement is the arc shape: the glasses are placed in a slight arc, with the largest glass in the back and the smaller glasses in front. This looks tidier if the glasses differ significantly in size and prevents a large red wine glass from blocking the view of the other glasses.

Where does the water glass go?

The water glass is placed to the left of the wine glass or slightly further back, shifted slightly to the left. Water is refilled less often than wine and is therefore placed slightly further away from the immediate reach zone. At an informal table with only water and one wine, you can also place the water glass behind the wine glass so that the setting remains compact.

At a formal table with multiple glasses, the water glass is usually placed to the left of the line of wine glasses, slightly further back. This makes the distinction between the wine and water glasses clear without making the table look cluttered.

How far from the edge of the table?

Glasses should never be on the edge of the table. A margin of five to ten centimeters from the table edge prevents glasses from being knocked over when someone sits down or stands up. At a table with children, a larger margin is wise. Also, ensure the glasses are not placed so far toward the center that guests cannot easily reach them without reaching over the plate.

Arrangement at an informal table

At an informal meal at home, the rules are less strict. One glass per person is often sufficient, placed to the right above the knife or cutlery. If there is no cutlery on the table, the area to the right above where the plate goes is the logical position. The main thing is that the glass is easy to pick up without having to reach over the food.

At an informal dinner without an elaborately set table, you can also place the glasses in the middle of the table next to a carafe so that everyone can pour for themselves. This has a cozy, relaxed character that a formal arrangement lacks. View the carafe collection by Mémoire for models that look great on a set table.

Arrangement at a formal dinner

At a formal dinner, stricter rules apply. The glasses are in a fixed order, the distances are even, and the arrangement is symmetrical for all guests. A carafe is not placed on the table at a formal dinner: the wine is poured by the host or a waiter from the bottle or carafe kept separately. The glasses are maintained and replaced as soon as a new wine is served.

At a formal table, consistency is especially important: the same distance and the same order at every place setting ensure a calm, well-groomed arrangement.

Which glasses do you use for which wine?

The position of the glass is related to the type of glass you use. Red wine glasses are larger and rounder than white wine glasses. Champagne flutes are narrow and tall. The right glass for each wine not only gives a well-groomed impression but also has a functional effect on how the wine tastes and smells. You can read more about which glass suits which wine in which wine glasses suit which wine.

What if the glasses are still damp?

Do not place wet glasses directly on the table. Dry them first completely with a clean, lint-free cloth, including the base. This prevents water rings on table linens and visible streaks on the glass. For maintenance, also read how to clean wine glasses without streaks.

Clearing wine glasses during dinner

During multi-course meals, a used wine glass can be replaced before the next wine is poured. Hold used glasses by the stem and keep the arrangement of the remaining glasses calm and organized.

Combining wine glasses with a carafe

A carafe on the table fits well with an informal or semi-formal dinner. The carafe is placed in the middle of the table or slightly to the side so everyone can reach it. At a formal dinner, the carafe is kept separately. A carafe and matching wine glasses in the same style give the table a cohesive look. View the wine glass collection and the decanter collection by Mémoire for sets that go well together.

Setting the table for a wine tasting

If you use several tasting glasses, place them in the same order for every guest and leave room for water and notes. If you use one glass per round, clean it carefully between wines. Find serving order and glass-count tips in our guide to hosting a wine tasting at home.