How do you set a fondue table?

Setting a fondue table requires some special considerations to create an enjoyable dining experience. Fondue is a fun, interactive meal where food is cooked at the table in a communal pot of simmering oil, broth, or cheese. With guests actively cooking their own food, the fondue table setup needs to enable easy access to the pot and provide the necessary accessories within arm’s reach. Following fondue table etiquette also contributes to a smooth dining experience. Taking the time to properly set a fondue table helps create a memorable meal for all.

Table of Contents

What is fondue?

Fondue refers to a method of communal dining where food items are dipped into a central pot of hot liquid. While Switzerland is credited with inventing fondue in the 17th century, variations have evolved across cultures. The three main types of fondue are:

Cheese fondue – Cheeses like Emmenthaler or Gruyère are melted together with wine and seasoning.
Meat fondue – Cubes of meat are cooked in a hot broth.
Chocolate fondue – Melted chocolate is served with fruit and pastries for dipping.

Part of fondues appeal is the interactive, social experience of cooking and dining together. Guests skewer food with long fondue forks and dip into the central pot. Fondue etiquette encourages leisurely cooking and eating and enjoying each others company.

Choosing a fondue pot

The centerpiece of the fondue table is the fondue pot used for cooking the ingredients. Fondue pots come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. Consider these factors when selecting a fondue pot for your table:

Material – Enameled cast iron, ceramic and electric pots work well. Avoid uncoated cast iron or aluminum.

Size – Allow for at least 4 fl. oz. capacity per person. Larger pots (3+ quarts) are best for parties.
Shape – Round and oval pots allow easiest access from all sides.
Features – Look for thick, sturdy construction with handles and a working burner.

Your fondue pot should sit securely near the center of the table so all guests can comfortably reach it.

Heating elements

Fondue pots use various heating elements to keep the oil, broth or cheese at the ideal temperature for cooking. The common options are:

Gel fuel – Self contained canisters of flammable jelly-like alcohol. Long-lasting and adjustable heat.

Sterno – Canned heat fuel like sterno provides consistent low heat under fondue pots.
Electric – Plug-in electric pots provide adjustable, even heat distribution.
Burners – Tabletop butane or propane burners can heat some cast iron fondue pots.

Make sure you have enough fuel to last through your fondue meal. Have backup fuel on hand just in case.

Fondue forks

Long fondue forks are used to skewer food and dip into the communal pot. Allow at least one fork per person. Essentials for fondue forks include:

Length – 10 to 12 inches keeps hands safely away from hot oil or cheese.

Stems – Sturdy stainless steel or wood stems prevent buckling or burning.
Prongs – Two wide, flat prongs securely hold food for dipping.
Design – Colorful handles allow guests to identify their forks.

Lay forks on plates or in a basket within easy reach of each guest.

Table layout

Arrange your fondue table so all elements are conveniently located without feeling crowded. Follow these table setup tips:

Seat 4-8 people comfortably around the table.

Cover table with a cloth to absorb splatters.
Place fondue pot safely in the center within reach of all guests.
Situate plates in front of each diner with forks readily available.

Put fondue dipping ingredients in small bowls around the pot.
Include menu cards to identify each food.
Provide empty plates for cooked food.

Set out a basket with extra forks and skewers.
Stagger items diagonally so guests aren’t constantly reaching across each other.

Table decor

Decorating your fondue table helps set the mood for a fun, interactive dining experience. Ideas for fondue table decorations include:

Floral centerpiece like tulips or carnations
Candles like votives or tea lights
Colored napkins or tablecloth

Charcuterie boards with cured meats and cheeses
Basket with breadsticks or bread cubes
Non-alcoholic drink options like flavored waters

Serving trays and wood boards for appetizers
Fondue pot trivets and hot pads

The decor doesn’t need to be elaborate. Simple touches that tie the table together work well.

Fondue etiquette

Observing fondue etiquette helps ensure all guests enjoy the communal dining experience. Rules to follow include:

Wait for the host’s signal before spearing food to dip.
Do not cross fondue forks with another guest.

Only dip once before returning the fork to your plate.
Never re-dip food that has already been in the pot.
Use a different plate for cooked food.

Do not drop food into the pot.
Keep fondue forks out of bowls of accompaniments.
Eat slowly and pause between bites to chat.

Offer to assist the host with replenishing food or checking fondue temperature.

Cheese fondue setup

For a classic Swiss cheese fondue, your table should include:

A cheese fondue pot filled with simmering Emmenthaler, Gruyère and wine.

Long fondue forks and plates at each place setting.
Dipping food like cubes of crusty bread, apple slices, blanched vegetables.
Small empty plates for cooking food.

Extra forks, skewers, napkins and picks.
Cheese accompaniments like pickles, nuts, dried fruit.
White wine, kirsch, cider or other beverages.

Keep the fondue at a gentle simmer, around 175°F. Provide long handled fondue pot utensils for stirring and scooping cheese.

Cheese Fondue Table Setup

Item	Placement
Fondue pot with cheese	Center of table
Plates and forks	In front of each diner
Dipping foods	Around pot, within reach
Empty plates	Above or below dinner plate
Fondue tools	Next to host
Accompaniments	Between dipping items
Beverages	Above dinner plate

Broth fondue setup

For meat and seafood broth fondues, key table elements are:

A broth fondue pot filled with simmering broth like chicken, beef or seafood.

Plates, forks, empty plates and extra tools.
Thinly sliced or bite-sized meats, seafood and vegetables.
Dipping sauces like soy sauce, ponzu, duck sauce.

Extra broth and seasoning to adjust flavor.
Chopsticks or Asian soup spoons for Asian broth fondues.

Keep the fondue broth at a gentle simmer around 180°F. Use fondue pot utensils to stir and maintain even temperature.

Broth Fondue Table Setup

Item	Placement
Fondue pot with broth	Center of table
Plates and tools	In front of each diner
Meats and vegetables	Arranged around pot
Dipping sauces	Between food items
Extra broth and seasoning	Near host
Beverages	Above dinner plates

Chocolate fondue setup

The ideal setup for chocolate fondue includes:

Fondue pot filled with melted chocolate like dark, milk or white.
Plates, forks, skewers and fondue tools.

Dipping items like fruit, cake, marshmallows, pretzels.
Additional melted chocolate for replenishing.
Sweet sauces like caramel, raspberry, and whipped cream.

Sparkling wine, coffee or milk beverages.

Keep the chocolate just warm enough to stay fluid, around 90°F. Arrange tables in levels so dipping food can drain over plates.

Chocolate Fondue Table Setup

Item	Placement
Fondue pot with chocolate	Center of table
Plates and tools	In front of each diner
Fruit, cake and sweets	Arranged around pot
Dipping sauces	Between food items
Extra chocolate	Near host
Beverages	Above dinner plate

Conclusion

With some advance planning, you can create a fondue dining experience that allows guests to cook, eat and socialize in a relaxed, fun environment. Choose an appropriate fondue pot and heating element that will keep your oil, broth or cheese at the ideal temperature for dipping. Arrange the table so food, plates and tools are within easy reach of diners. Follow fondue etiquette to keep the meal smooth. Add simple decorations and drinks to bring the fondue table together. Taking the time to properly set up a fondue table helps guarantee a memorable, interactive dining event.