Table setting is a sign of good manners and hospitality of the hostess, so it is very important that the set table abounds not only with delicious and steaming dishes, but also with beautiful elements, correctly laid out knives and forks.
This fascinating, and certainly creative activity will be discussed in this article. Here you will find recommendations for the correct layout of cutlery, as well as a photo of serving in different styles and colors.
At the table, they did not just eat food prepared in advance, people talked, shared news and their thoughts. As a result, such a concept as table setting was born.
The correct and beautiful arrangement of cutlery and dishes gave the festive table a special look, and with the advent of the first rules of table etiquette, proper table setting has become an integral part of any feast.
Moreover, in normal home conditions, it's not even about etiquette. In fact, it’s just nice when order and a special atmosphere reign on the table.
But let's get down to the basic rules that will help you decorate the holiday table.
What you need to know about table setting
First of all, make sure that all utensils and cutlery are clean. To do this, first, without exception, all devices should be wiped with a warm and damp towel, and then polished dry with a dry one. Make sure there are no water stains on cutlery and crockery.
The tablecloth must be carefully ironed. Its edges should hang from the table by 25-30 centimeters, so that the corners hide the table legs a little. Many housewives, in fear for the tablecloth, cover it with oilcloth on top, however, according to the rules of table setting and etiquette, this is unacceptable if you receive guests.The number of cutlery on the table at each plate in different situations may be different. It all depends on the dishes that will be served during the meal.
Well, the last "golden" rule - the location and type of devices for each guest should be completely the same.
Proper table setting
Take a look at the following image:
The photo shows a classic table setting according to European etiquette. In the picture, as an example, all types of cutlery are laid out. Of course, you most likely won’t need the whole “set”, so looking at this picture, you can place the appliances in the same way, but leaving only the necessary on the table (depending on the dishes).
For example, for an ordinary classic Russian dinner, it is enough to leave a pie plate for bread and butter, a spoon for the first course, a fork for the main course, a table knife, a decorative and soup plate, a glass of water. In each case, something may change, for example, if there is a dessert on the dinner menu, it is worth adding the appropriate appliances to the table.Types of napkins and their location
Napkins are one of the most important accessories on the festive table. There are two main types of napkins - fabric and paper. Cloth napkins (large in size) are usually designed to be placed on the guest's lap (to prevent food from getting on clothes).
Paper napkins are usually used directly for eating, and they should be located in the center of the table, so that they are accessible to everyone. If the table is large, place the napkins in several places so that everyone at the table has direct access to them.
By the way, napkins can be placed on the table both in an ordinary napkin holder, and making original figures from them. Below in the figure, you can see the four most common options for napkin figurines. As you can see in the photo, a beautiful table setting largely depends on the appearance of the napkins and their color.
By the way, if the feast does not involve a first course, then a beautifully folded napkin should be placed on the plate of each guest, but remember that in this case all napkins should be the same, and in the center of the table there must be a supply of them at the rate of 2-3 napkins per guest .
Table setting - photo with examples
Above in the photo, you saw the classic version of the table setting, but it is absolutely not necessary to strictly follow these rules if more interesting ideas are born in your head. You can decorate the table in completely different ways, the main thing is that the main appliances are located in the right places, and the rest is at the discretion of the hostess.
Separately, we note such a holiday as the New Year. Everyone's favorite feasts can be not only tasty, but also beautiful.
Let's take a look at a few more successful options in the photo:
As you can see in these photos, table setting is quite an individual and creative activity. And although the rules are the same everywhere, it is worth trying to “play” with the colors of napkins, dishes and tablecloths. Sometimes this gives an amazing effect.
How to properly set the table
Every hostess wants to surprise her guests and household with culinary masterpieces. But do not forget, just as the theater begins with a hanger, the festive table begins with serving. And the first thing your guests will see is the decoration of the table. And, as you know, the first impression will definitely help create the right mood. And no matter what you arrange: a family dinner, a friendly dinner or just a tea party with friends - you really want to do everything right and beautiful, so that everyone is comfortable, so that the time spent is truly enjoyable for everyone.
To surprise with culinary talent or to entertain with an interesting conversation is far from everything. No matter how tasty and original the treats are, it is important to serve them correctly, to present them in accordance with the rules and etiquette. Of course, we will not be able to cover the entire scope of existing traditions and features, but it is quite possible to “slightly open the door” to this interesting World and give several answers to the question of how to set the table.
It must be remembered that table setting is not only the correct arrangement of dishes, but also decor, which depends on the taste of the hostess and the theme of the feast.
We will focus on the basic European rules.
Tablecloth
The formation of the table begins with the tablecloth. Of course, tablecloths made of oilcloth or polyethylene are much more practical. But, despite the abundance of colors and patterns, it is better to give preference to a fabric tablecloth. In order not to hear the sound of forks or plates, a thick fabric, such as flannel or fleece, is placed under the tablecloth. It should be borne in mind that the soft fabric must be strictly around the perimeter of the table. The size of the tablecloth should be selected separately for each table. The tablecloth should hang measuredly from the table, approximately 25-40 cm, while this allowance is on all sides. The corners of the tablecloth are placed clearly down the legs. The color of the tablecloth is chosen mainly in light solid colors, but if you prefer dark colors, then give preference to light tableware. You can safely give preference to colored tablecloths to informal outdoor events.
Do not cover the tablecloth with a transparent oilcloth, so as not to stain it. Place napkins under the plates to match the tablecloth.
Dishes
Next step, arrangement plates. It will probably be superfluous, but still we recall that plates, as well as cutlery, and glasses should be spotless and clean. You can pre-wipe the dishes with a multi-layered napkin or soft cloth.
An unmistakable table setting has the following provision:
- The snack plate should be 2 cm from the line of the table and opposite the chair;
- If several dishes will be served, in this case, a plate of a larger diameter is placed under the snack plate;
- A pie plate, or as it is also called a bread plate, is placed at a distance of 5 - 15 cm from the snack plate. Since the presence of this plate is not important, then it can not be set at all;
- If the menu has a first course, then the broth or deep plate is placed on the dinner plate. Subsequently, it is changed to a snack plate.
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Today, table setting is a process that can accompany not only holidays, but also the usual meals in the family circle. It is not at all necessary to wait for the arrival of guests in order to get beautiful dishes and a crispy clean tablecloth.
Especially for you website prepared general table setting recommendations that are designed to help decorate the table beautifully, save time and money and create a delicious atmosphere.
Breakfast
Graceful breakfasts on weekends are becoming a good tradition in many families, bringing relatives and friends closer to each other. To turn an ordinary breakfast into a small holiday, a beautiful service and the correct arrangement of serving items are enough. And, of course, do not forget about the bouquet in the center of the table - a good mood is guaranteed for the whole day.
Dinner
Are you expecting guests for dinner? For a festive serving, you will need several types of plates, cutlery and wine glasses. Napkins are no longer enough here - prepare a beautiful tablecloth that will emphasize the decoration of the table. You can also decorate the table with a bouquet of flowers, placing it in the center: you will certainly cheer yourself up and your loved ones.
formal dinner
1 - butter knife;
2 - a plate for bread;
3 - guest card;
4, 5 - dessert devices;
6, 7, 8 - glasses for drinks;
10 - a plate for the main dish;
11 - salad plate;
12 - napkin;
13, 17 - devices for fish;
14, 16 - appliances for the main dish;
15 - salad fork;
18 - soup spoon;
19 - cup.
Table setting for a formal dinner is a kind of art. You can't do without a perfectly white tablecloth and napkin rings. Properly arranged dishes and cutlery, stylish decor and pleasant little things not only contribute to creating a good mood, but also help to express your attention and love for relatives or guests. And for seating a large number of guests, use special cards - guests will appreciate it.
You need to beautifully set not only the dining table on the occasion of the arrival of guests, but also for the family. Even the kitchen and coffee tables deserve special treatment. Here are a few tips to help keep your set table simple and stylish. The main secret lies in the combination of texture, color and accessories.
1. Porcelain and glass
You don't have to spend a fortune on plates or glasses to have an elegant table. If properly decorated, it will look like a million. First of all, you need to pay attention to porcelain and glass.
We start with porcelain. On the table there should be a small plate, a salad plate, a bowl.
Use a stand plate. It is large enough and perfectly frames the dishes, outlining its boundaries. You can use a special rug, which, if desired, can be made with your own hands from decorative paper. Simple wreaths and even leaves will do.
Grouping glasses. If you put more than one glass on the table, then only this trick will already give the table a stylish and elegant look. Glasses should be grouped, there should be glasses for wine and glasses for water.
Cutlery can be connected with a ribbon or twine. In addition, they can be beautifully wrapped in a napkin.
2. Tablecloths
Tablecloths can completely change the mood, immediately creating a festive mood. Now there is a huge selection of all kinds of tablecloths, napkins, paths, which must certainly be of different colors, textures and patterns, it is desirable that they all be combined with each other. In addition, there should be themed sets that are suitable for certain holidays.
table track- a tablecloth in the form of a narrow strip passing through the entire table. This is one of the most modern ways to decorate a table, especially if you do not want to hide a beautiful wooden or glass table top completely under the fabric. These tracks are universal. They can be easily laid out on top of a regular tablecloth along the table, you can put them across and designate places for guests.
tablecloths must be on the festive table, especially if you want to emphasize the theme or color scheme of the set table.
Napkins. There is no need to abandon tissue napkins in favor of disposable ones. They are an integral part of the table design. If you really don’t feel like doing their laundry after the holiday, then you should take a closer look at paper ones in a banquet style.
Placemat for cutlery determines the place for each guest. They can be not only rectangular, but also square (give a modern look), and round (break the angularity of the table).
3. Central composition
On the festive table, there must certainly be a central composition that will decorate it. It will add volume and unite the entire table, but you need to remember that it should be low and narrow.
The main rule is that at least 35 cm should remain on each side for a person and his cutlery. Therefore, we subtract at least 70 cm from the width of the table, the rest of the space can be used for composition. For desktop composition we use flowers, candlesticks, twigs, pebbles.
There is no hostess who would not like to surprise the invited guests with her culinary dishes and feast. But in order for the guests to be completely satisfied with the event, the hostess must be able to sort and prepare the home table beautifully and correctly. Properly placed cutlery and treats produce the maximum effect on guests. What serving rules should any person know, as well as how to set the table?
Proper table setting is not only the arrangement of tableware, but also its decoration and decoration. Types of jewelry and dishes mainly depend on the upcoming holiday (birthday, wedding, family breakfast, lunch, dinner, etc.).
Basic rules of etiquette:
To quickly and easily cover the home table with a tablecloth, you need to place the folded fabric on the surface of the table, and then, lifting it by the edges, quickly lower your hands. Thanks to such actions, the fabric will lie evenly and beautifully.
Whether you are celebrating a birthday, or just going to have dinner with your family, in any case, the rules of etiquette for all situations are the same. Table setting should take place according to a certain order and rules:
Basic rules for placing cutlery
From the first minutes, it seems to any person that it is impossible to remember the placement of all cutlery and dishes. In real life, all these rules are quite simple and are designed to facilitate the serving process. Each cutlery is arranged in the order of its priority. So, the most extreme of the devices are needed for first courses.
Most often confuse the correct location of cutlery, so before using, you should carefully consider their layout.
Important elements in table decoration
Napkins are considered the most important items in table decoration. There are several types of napkins: linen and paper. The first type of napkins is used under plates with great depth, if there are no snack dishes on the table, or on legs. Paper napkins are usually placed in the center of the table at arm's length from the guest. For a special look, the napkin can be folded into some beautiful shape, such as a rose, a ship, a swan, or any geometric shape. If napkins are used not only as an additional table decor, then it is important that they easily and simply unfold into a regular shape.
Also, when serving, you need to remember about seasonings and additives in the form of spices. Salt and pepper must be on the table without fail. At the same time, you do not need to fill the entire spice dish, it is enough that you fill the spices in half of the container. If meat dishes are included in the banquet menu, then mustard and horseradish should also be present on the table.
Table setting at home
When the weekend comes, families usually gather in one common circle at home, and the hostess prepares many different dishes. During the meal, relatives communicate with each other and tell interesting news or stories. This is the best time to with table decoration and setting give the conversation a special cosiness and comfort. So, even at home, you can easily create the feeling of a small holiday. If there are children in the family, then such a dinner, lunch or breakfast will serve as a good indicator of how to behave at the table, why various appliances were created and how to use them correctly.
- Breakfast. Correct and cozy breakfast able to give a good mood to the whole family for the whole day. In order for all dishes to look beautiful and aesthetically pleasing, you need to follow some rules and instructions. To begin with, you should put plates with snacks and sandwiches on the table, and then cups with saucers and teaspoons. In this case, the cups are located in the middle of the table, at the optimal level from the person. If breakfast will include boiled eggs, then they should be served in a special stand with a high leg. Porridge is placed in a bowl with a deep bottom and placed on a plate for snacks. It is customary to put dough products on a wide dish, while honey, butter, jam or jam should be on the table. To use oil each family member should have a small knife nearby. Also, the table must be decorated with napkins. It will be better if the napkins are made in the same style as the heater for the kettle. Remember about salt and sugar on the home table.
- Dinner. For lunch, first and second courses are usually prepared, sometimes dessert. So, to decorate the table for lunch, you will need use a lot more parting than for breakfast. For general dishes, you will need additional spoons, forks, as well as shoulder blades. Deep-bottomed plates and broth cups are placed on top of diners, and dessert plates are usually served towards the end of the meal, when the main courses have already been eaten and the dirty dishes have been removed. It is important to remember about the knives that you will need for fish or meat. For dishes such as zrazy, meatballs and cutlets, it will be enough to put one fork.
- Dinner. Serving and decorating the table for dinner is similar to the morning. Pancakes, pancakes or a pie are usually prepared for a common dish. Plates for dessert are taken out immediately, and next to them, on the right side, are forks and knives. If the dinner has a romantic focus, then candles in special candlesticks are placed on or near the table.
For a festive meal, the hostess should prepare with special effort and take care of all the details that decorate the table. Here the main thing is not only the classic rules of table setting, but also the combination of colors, and the sense of style of the owners of the holiday.
What rules should be followed when setting a festive table?
- Napkins and tablecloth. The color and color of things can be chosen at your choice, but it is important that both the napkins and the tablecloth are combined with each other. In this case, you can use the common white color or light shades of blue, cyan or green. For a romantic dinner, red, burgundy or pink tablecloths and napkins are the most suitable. It is better to construct unusual geometric shapes from napkins or simply roll them up in the form of a tube and decorate with a satin ribbon.
- Cutlery and crockery sets. A banquet table will go well with dishes of an unusual shape: geometric shapes, beautiful curved handles. A set of snow-white porcelain dishes will look best on the table. If the tablecloth and napkins on the table are also white, then you should choose dishes decorated with a kind of border.
- Candles. This table decor is well suited for wedding or romantic feasts; for a birthday, it is better to use candles only on the cake itself. It is also important to remember that candles must be placed in a special candlestick. It can have a narrow shape and a large height, or candles can be in bowls filled with special water and flower petals.
- Bouquets of flowers. To harmoniously decorate the table with flowers, you need to choose vases of the correct shape and type. Tall types of vases are best used for birthday bouquets. For table setting, low vases will be more appropriate, which will not prevent guests from looking around. You also need to take into account the smell coming from the flowers, it should not be too harsh and should not interrupt the smell of the dishes.
- Unusual compositions. Various fruit compositions will look beautiful and unusual on the festive table. Depending on the season, you can decorate the table with fir branches, mountain ash, cones, sea stones and sand on the street. Such unusual compositions can later be used to decorate the house.
- Table setting for a birthday. For a birthday for children, you should pick up plastic dishes and choose only those cutlery that do not have very pointed ends. The tablecloth for the table should be fun and colorful, you can choose the one that will show your favorite cartoon characters. Near unusual napkins, you can put a small gift next to it. If a girl celebrates her birthday, then various bouquets of flowers can be placed on the table. However, you should not overdo it with flowers, it is better to add more balloons or garlands. Also, near each chair there should be a sign with the name of each little guest, this will help to avoid various problems in the process of seating at the table.
Wedding table setting
Table setting for a wedding takes place in a special way. The color of the tablecloth and napkins that will decorate the table can be of any color. The main thing is to keep the entire wedding table setting in the same style and color. You should also take care of the plates with the names of the guests so that there are no difficulties with landing. Such things should be prepared in advance: it can be a cover with the name of the guest, an embroidered napkin, a piece of paper, or even a cookie decorated with an elegant inscription.
It is also a good way to decorate the interior of the table and complement the bouquets of flowers and the usual balls. t use beautiful ribbons. To do this, place the ribbons above the table or decorate the guests' seats with them.
