Today the art of tablescaping is so big it even has its own reality TV show. Formal table settings can help tie together a theme for the celebration or holiday or just make a meal feel more like a special event. One of the first big fans of intricate table settings were people of the medieval times. Large candelabras were a typical sighting at medieval tables mostly because there was no other light source. Flowers and the positing of the salt were also important on tables. Depending on where you were sitting in relation to the location of the salt said a lot about your place in society. When forks were introduced by the 17th century, table settings started to take shape and napkins became an art form, folded into elaborate designs. The standard settings for a table have stayed the same for hundreds of years and more elaborate meals with various courses have more elaborate table settings. This chart shows the proper table setting guide for every occasion. A great thing to have posted in any kitchen.