"Presentation is Everything"

     

                                

Apparently, it doesn't apply to setting the table however.  Despite the  fact that I learned from both sides of my family how to correctly set a table (and some of my grandparents came over from Europe), he is an expert because "that's not how we do it".  

Well, just so you know, here's a European guide. There's even an Informal option - which is still far more than you do. (Also, you might want to read "Napkin Etiquette" since you regularly criticized me for how I placed mine in my lap when seated.)

The Ultimate Table Setting Guide

So yes, you put salad bowls or plates on top of dinner plates. And yes, you put forks on the left and knives on the right (not however you feel like putting them at the time). And yes, you set out all the silverware (even though you don't want to have to wash anything that wasn't used).

Since my attempts to set correctly were often (not always) belittled and disputed by him, I figured he might like this guide for future attempts at throwing a dinner party with correct presentation.

Maybe he will even learn how not to slurp at the end of every bite, too.