How to properly set the table. Classic table setting

Today we will talk about how to set the table beautifully and correctly, giving as an example a photo of table setting for various holidays or everyday lunches. Proper table setting says a lot about the hostess, her education and taste, because one of the basic norms of ethics is the ability to set the table, know the purpose of all cutlery and use them correctly.

Choosing a tablecloth

First of all, a tablecloth is laid on the table, it would seem that this is already clear, however, this matter has its own subtleties. The tablecloth must be absolutely clean, smoothly ironed, otherwise it will only become an indicator of your untidiness. After you set the table for her, make sure she has food everywhere. equal length, and at the same time did not hang too low, since long edges can cause inconvenience for guests, and they can also be accidentally pulled, which will be an unpleasant end to the holiday. Too long ends can be secured using fabric snaps, which often have an interesting design.

Also, the tablecloth should not be too short, otherwise it will look as if the girl was wearing a dress several sizes too large. If you don’t have a tablecloth or want to set the table in an unusual way, you can use special large napkins for each person. Please note that these are not the ones that are placed on your knees or used to wipe your mouth; they are much denser in material and have big size, since plates, cutlery, and glasses should fit on them.

Serving rules

The next step is to arrange the plates; they are placed on top of each other depending on their size and purpose. Three types are most often used: soup, snack bar, and canteen. They are placed on the tabletop in the reverse order, since the guest will start with soup, then move on to appetizers, simply removing the already used plate from above.

Knives are placed to the right of the plate, followed by spoons in order of use. Today, the number of devices and their location are not determined as strictly as before. Since the design itself plays a huge role, based on which, according to the idea, the teaspoon can be placed not at all on the plate, but, for example, next to a saucer for cakes or served only with tea. The forks are placed on the left side with the teeth up, and the earlier it should be used, the closer it is to the plates. This arrangement of cutlery not only contributes to ease of use, but also helps guests avoid confusion.

Dessert cutlery is placed behind the plate, perpendicular to how all the others are laid out. There, on the right side, there are several glasses. There must be a glass for non-alcoholic drinks: juice or mineral water. Also about 2-3 glasses, each intended for certain type alcohol.

Types of glasses

Let's start with something simple, everyone knows what a flute glass is, since traditionally, especially on New Year's Day, champagne is poured into it. Although glasses of this shape are also suitable for sparkling wines. The main feature is the elongated upward shape, which allows the foam to rise and air bubbles to play inside the liquid.

Red wine glasses are also easily imaginable for most; they have a thin stem, a rounded bottom, are quite voluminous and taper towards the top. However, the type of glasses varies greatly depending on the type of wine, for example, wine glasses for “Burgundy” and “Montrachet” have a much larger volume, more reminiscent of a ball or pear, tapering less towards the top. However, it is quite rare that people at home and not even always in restaurants follow such subtleties.

A white wine glass has a more elongated shape, more like an oval. Typically, two types of wine glasses are placed side by side, a glass or glass for the chosen strong drink is added to them, and other glasses are brought as needed. Otherwise, the entire table will be filled exclusively with glasses of different types.

A glass for whiskey or cognac is low, with a thick bottom, widens towards the top, and has a simple, fairly spacious shape. The martini glass is shaped like an inverted triangle, so it's not at all difficult to recognize. For cocktails, use straight glasses, shot glasses or two-tier ones complex shape. If you are not decorating a bar separately, then it is better to place small saucers with lemon, lime, and olives next to the bottles.

Napkin placement options

When serving, three types of napkins are used:

• decorative;
• napkins spread across your lap;
• napkins designed for wiping hands or mouth.

Napkins that are placed on your lap can be placed on top of the soup plate, folded beautifully. Thus, when a person sits down at the table, he will immediately understand what it is intended for. On top of it you can put a small card with the guest's name or a sweet short wish. You can add a miniature flower or a piece of a spruce branch to the card.

Decorative napkins are usually placed under plates, sometimes additionally and between them. They can be folded into triangles, diamonds, or overlapping so that the colors intertwine with each other. In addition, you can also put small lace napkins under candles or glasses.

The most ordinary napkins are usually located under the cutlery, or behind the plates, but only one at a time. There should be a few more napkin holders in the center so guests can easily use whatever quantity they may need.

VIDEO: How to fold napkins beautifully

HOW TO Fold Napkins BEAUTIFULLY AND QUICKLY

HOW TO FOLD NAPKINS BEAUTIFULLY AND QUICKLY?? 3 WAYS TO Fold Napkins

Boho style decor

The “boho” style is distinguished by its brightness and abundance of various interior items and decor; it can combine dishes absolutely different styles, colors and shapes. The serving looks incredibly beautiful when all the glasses are made of different materials, some are blue, some are pink or green. In addition, this style is characterized by an abundance of textiles, that is, under each plate there can be several napkins also made of various materials, fringe and tassels are welcome, with which you can complement a monotonous tablecloth.

An important element is lighting; several lamps, lampshades, garlands can be placed around the table or above it, and candles of different shapes with unusual candlesticks or small lamps can be placed on the tabletop itself. Small frames and voluminous vases with flowers will fit interestingly into the decor. It is better to make bouquets from a mixture of wild and garden flowers, so that large heads of roses, lilies, and peonies can be seen among the abundance of greenery.

Easter table

Easter decor is truly one of the cutest, because decorating eggs, baking Easter cakes and creating little bunnies with your own hands is a favorite pastime for both children and adults. Easter table often looks stunning with baskets of colored eggs, candles and sprinkles on top of the cakes. However, this is not all that can be thought of to create a beautiful festive interior.

You can make a small basket from a bunch of branches, an egg carton or any other shape. Place napkins and lace inside (which goes very beautifully with canvas fabric and coarse craft thread). You can also complement the decor with grass and flowers, both natural and artificial. And eggs, or parts of their shells, are placed on top, from which toy chicks, hares, or again flowers can emerge.

The table can be decorated with candles of different diameters and colors; low, thick candles can be placed in shells or on varnished sections of wood. Napkins, tablecloth, color of plates and dishes are best matched to the overall decor. Below are photos of Easter table settings for inspiration.

New Year decoration

When decorating New Year's table The most commonly used colors are:

• red;
• green;
• white;
• gold.

However, it is better not to mix them together; only three colors should always be the main ones. It is better to combine gold only with white, for example, white tablecloths, beige napkins, white dishes, several of which may have a gold or black border, the pattern can also be in the form of specks. Transparent wine glasses can also be complemented with gold ribbons, white candles can be placed in golden candlesticks. You can add greenery to the bouquets; branches of lingonberries or spruce will suit the atmosphere perfectly.

Decorations made from fir branches are especially popular when serving on winter days; the photo below shows an example of how best to do this. They can be placed on the table between dishes, you can use them to decorate candles, or create a wreath in which long white candles will be inserted, which can be lit closer to midnight.

New Year or Christmas, celebrated in a red and green theme, is a classic. Checkered napkins, red tablecloth, fir cones, striped candy canes, Santa socks and white candles. This design is considered one of the most stylish and is quite traditional in America, where the New Year can be called the main holiday. You can also create a more relaxed design by placing decorations bright colors on a snow-white tablecloth.

Another amazing one color combination, just more suitable for Russia: white, blue, silver. This is where you can again use glasses and napkins of different colors. You can place small Christmas decorations with silver glitter, such as deer or Christmas trees, on the table.

Holiday in nature

Perhaps one of the most beautiful views The table settings are a combination of boho, rustic and natural styles. The “rustic” style implies maximum closeness to nature, which is why it mostly uses natural materials, and dishes and decor are chosen in calm natural shades. Wedding tables are often decorated in a similar decor, on which there are always many bouquets made in delicate color variations, the main elements of which are again wildflowers.

Napkins are chosen from canvas fabric and white lace, cutlery can be tied with beige lace ribbons, and glasses can also be decorated with them. An abundance of lighting is also characteristic of all three styles, however, the color variations are no longer as bright and bold as in “boho”. Often, garlands with white or yellow light bulbs are chosen, which can be hung above the table or laid out on it; they can also be hung around trees or braided around trunks.

Candles or others lighting It is not necessary to use exclusively white, but it is better to turn to pastel colors. It can be beige, light green, lilac, or soft pink - similar colors can be used throughout the interior. But again, make sure they match.

Table setting outdoors

Table setting

Background

Table setting. This is a very difficult task. Once upon a time it served as a sign of coming from a difficult family. A symbol of a beautiful life, which gradually spread to ordinary houses. In some places it is still one of the important qualities of a hospitable and decent home. And who would refuse a beautifully decorated banquet? Thus, table setting is quite necessary thing, if you want to impress your guests.

What was it like in the Middle Ages? Especially in the early Middle Ages? In fact, they didn’t know about table setting back then. Yes, they ate in a certain order, drank wine, lit candles and fireplaces. But how far the medieval feast was from the modern holiday is impossible to describe. We ate with our hands. They drank from rough goblets. If there were dishes, as a rule? it was made of clay or wood and rather rough. And then they ate from the recesses in the table. In addition, a major feast usually ended in a major drinking session. We slept side by side. The sewage could have just been poured nearby. Although this would be too much for the Middle Ages. In short, at the beginning of the Middle Ages little was known about customary manners. It was the wrong time and the wrong morals. And life is not so simple, but much more saturated with dangers. And in drunken fights at the table, they tried to avoid killings, otherwise all the feasters could be brought to justice. But, if there were more than seven guests, then it was possible to avoid responsibility, as this would border on the loss of noble persons, who often die in battles and tournaments, in duels and in confrontation with robbers. Not out of nobility, but in the Middle Ages there were enough people who preferred illegal and very bloody fishing.

Medieval decoration was ascetic. Dresses are much simpler. Even the ladies were far from the image of Madame Pompadour, for a completely objective reason - etiquette was just being formed at that time, and old traditions were partly being revived. Charles, nicknamed the Great, turned the feast into a ritual. He decided to revive the ancient traditions of the Romans and Greeks. During meals, he preferred to either listen to music or invite readers to read aloud. At the table there were servants, a manager and a steward. The hall was decorated. Carpets, candles, animal skins, simple furniture such as tables, benches - everything was ready for the holiday on demand. Spoons were not particularly popular, so they ate meat from knives and gold utensils. We drank wine. Dancers, singers, jesters entertained the guests. The owner himself usually did not skimp on gifts.

Since the 11th century, the presence of women as guests at a feast became acceptable, which contributed to a more civilized behavior of the guests. They began to use one dish and cup for two. The rule of not rushing in eating and drinking was added to etiquette. Do not wipe oily hands and cutlery on party clothes. It was possible, however, to absolutely freely use the edge of the tablecloth as a napkin. A salt shaker was added to the festive table. However, it was more often a rather guarded object. It was believed that poison could be added to salt, so the salt shaker was rarely used. In the 16th century, Europeans began to use knives and spoons. Later a fork was added, which was borrowed from the Venetians. The Venetians used a fork for eating, since the fruits were juicy, they should not stain their clothes - so they invented the fork for this purpose. But the conversation about the fork was not over. In France it was considered a normal five-fingered fork, quite short for that time. The clergy advocated for the restoration of the feasts of the past. Tablecloths and napkins firmly entered into everyday life, becoming commonplace for large feasts of the nobility. Gradually moving to small feudal lords. Yes, and to the people. Tureens and dishes made of silver and tin appeared. Porcelain was still expensive. It was supplied from China. Noble people could afford a lot. But porcelain was very expensive even for them. Therefore, the assumption arose that it would be nice to produce porcelain directly in Europe. Duke Ehrenfried Walter succeeded in this with his assistant Joachim Friedrich in 1707. Red clay and kaolin were used. Thus, the long-awaited invention of porcelain reached Europe.
1710 A porcelain manufactory arose in Meissen. But it was not possible to maintain the monopoly for long. The method of making porcelain is no longer a secret.
In 1781, England began to mass produce porcelain products. Coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate - all this gave rise to special utensils for consumption.
In the 19th century. In Germany and Austria, a special Biedermeier style emerges. More precisely, it dates from 1818-1848. The round table is like the center of the salon. It is customary to decorate the table with a vase of flowers. Green decorations from ferns to palms take their place as part of the table setting.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the culture of feasts improved, lunch became shorter, and table speeches became fashionable. A variety of cutlery has been introduced. Table etiquette itself is becoming more diverse. Many cutlery is based on materials such as nickel, bronze, silver and gold - however, nickel silver and cupronickel remain. The napkins are folded in a certain way for greater aesthetics.
1855 Gas lighting appeared in America. Already in 1860, kerosene lamps occupied their niche. A little later they are replaced by incandescent lamps.
The current century combines the rationalization of work and time. After World War II, food and food culture are not Europeanized, but Americanized to a greater extent. Many rituals are abolished and simplified. Instead of a round table there is a buffet table. All kinds of fast foods have firmly occupied their niche. For better or worse, simplifying food has not always been a qualitative success. The quantity was increasing. However, to this day there are connoisseurs and representatives of high society who prefer the old traditions in table setting. It's your choice what to use.

A few tips on setting the table and serving dishes correctly

1. The festive table must be covered with a cloth tablecloth, but if this is an ordinary family meal, then you can use oilcloth and small napkins (including paper ones).

2. Plates should be placed at a distance of 2 cm from the edge of the table.

3. Place the cutlery on the right side of the plates in such an order that the one that will be used first is the one on the far right. For those placed on the left, the leftmost one should be first.

4. The knife should be placed with the blade towards the plate, and the fork and spoon with the concave side up.

5. Place a glass for drinks in front of the knife edge, and a salad bowl to the left of the plate.

6. Place the folded napkin to the left of the plate or on the plate.

7. Salt shakers should be located close to each appliance, so it is recommended to place them on big table several small salt shakers.

8. The table can be decorated with low bouquets in small vases (the flowers should be alive and not crumbling).

9. When food is served, the dish is brought from the left side, holding it with the left hand, and the used dishes are collected from the right side (you cannot place the plates one on top of the other directly with the cutlery placed on them - then everything on the tray can crumble).

10. Drinks are poured from the right side, holding the bottle or jug ​​with the right hand, into a glass standing on the table.

11. The soup is served in a soup bowl with a spoon, which is used to pour it, and the broth is served in special cups and eaten with a dessert spoon (average in size between a soup spoon and a tea spoon)

12. The hot appetizer is served on the dish in which it was prepared.

13. The meat is served cut into beautiful slices with a simply decorated side dish, salad or vegetables.

14. Fish, if it is not portioned, is served on a platter with a fork and spoon or spatula.

15. The butter is served on a dessert plate and a small knife to go with it, and the sliced ​​cheese is served with a knife and a spatula.

16. Bread is served on the table in slices in a basket with a napkin placed under it.
A set table should evoke appetite, not only at the beginning, but throughout the entire meal. Therefore, you need to make sure that the table is in order at all times, that empty dishes, dirty plates and cutlery are removed on time. You should also remove anything that is not needed for the next dish, such as the salt shaker before dessert.

WITH table setting for tea or coffee

When setting such a table, they use a coffee or tea set. For each guest, plates are placed under the pastry or cake a few centimeters from the edge of the table. On the right side, at a slight angle from the plate, a cup (handle on the right, parallel to the edge of the table) with a saucer is placed. The teaspoon is placed on the saucer behind the cup with the handle facing to the right. The cake fork or spoon should be to the right of the plate. If sandwiches, snack cakes, and savory pies are served during a coffee feast, then a dessert plate is placed for each guest, a fork for snacks is placed to the left of it, a fork for the cake is placed to the right, and a knife for snacks is placed behind it. Very often “evening tea” replaces light dinner. Then you can not just serve tea in cups, but place a samovar or kettle next to the hostess, and she will pour the tea herself. Vases with jam and sweets are placed in the center of the table, next to them are rusks with cookies, plates with thinly sliced ​​lemon, carafes of juice, liqueurs, cream, and milk. You can serve dessert wine, cold meat, ham, etc.

WITH
Setting for an informal dinner with friends

First, set out a dinner plate on which you can put a napkin. On the left are a dinner fork and a salad fork, on the right are a dinner knife, a teaspoon and a soup spoon, in front of them are a wine glass and a water glass.

Serving for a formal dinner, for a large number of guests

ABOUT
Focusing on the center of the table, we place the central, first plate, on the right and left sides of which we will place the remaining items. Stepping back from the edge of the table 2-3 cm, place the dinner plates, then the snack plates on them. The distance between the plates of people sitting next to them should be 70-80 cm. To the left of the plate, place 2 forks - a large dinner fork and a smaller salad fork, with the horns facing up. There is a napkin behind the forks. The napkin can be on the right side, if there is no space on the left, the napkins can be placed in a fan, cap, or triangle on the salad plate. To the right of the plates are located: a dinner knife with the tip inward, the next one is a teaspoon, and the next one is a soup spoon. Next to the right is a cup and saucer (usually they are not placed on the table until dessert is announced). Glasses are placed higher on the right - at the very top for water, then for red wine, the last one for white. We place a cake fork and a dessert spoon in front of the plate, and a plate and a bread knife to the left in front of the forks and napkin. And before the whole set there is a card with the name of the guest.

Napkins

Napkins for table setting

A napkin (French “serviette”) is a handkerchief or soft piece of paper intended for wiping lips and hands during and after meals. The ancient Romans used it at the table. Nowadays, both paper and linen napkins are widely used.

D
To set a festive table, as a rule, linen napkins of the same color as the tablecloth are used. They should be well ironed and slightly starched. In order for napkins to look beautiful on the table, you need to learn how to fold them correctly and beautifully.

The simplest ways to fold napkins: in a triangle (Fig. 1, A), envelope (Fig. 1, b), rocket (Fig. 1, V), cone (Fig. 1, d), pipe (Fig. 1, e), pocket (Fig. 1, e).

Rice. 1. Methods for folding napkins

P
Let's get acquainted with a more complex method of folding napkins for the holiday table. Fold the napkin in half; the resulting half is folded again to form a square, which is then folded diagonally to form a triangle. Then fold its left and right corners and secure it as shown in Figure 2, A.

Rice. 2. Folding napkins for the holiday table

To diversify this method somewhat, bend the half obtained by folding the triangle forward, the left and right corners inward (Fig. 2, b).

A linen napkin can be shaped into a candle. First, it is folded into a square, which is then bent obliquely, then bent from the edge about 5 cm, rolled into a tube and its edges are secured (Fig. 2, c).

To liven up the table, you can put a fresh flower or a sprig of spruce or pine on each napkin.

For the everyday table, instead of fabric napkins, paper napkins are used, which are more economical. They can also be folded into a variety of fancy shapes.

Here, for example, is how to make a “peacock tail”. Two napkins of different sizes should be placed one on top of the other, folded into an “accordion” shape, bent in half and placed in a glass (Fig. 2, d).

You can make a “double candle” using two different sizes and colors of paper napkins. The napkins are placed one on top of the other, folded so that the small one is on the outside, and rolled (Fig. 2, d).

There are other more complex ways to fold napkins. Paper napkins can be given different shape and patterns. To do this, fold it 4-5 times and cut out the edges with scissors, then make punctures in the form of patterns with an awl. The napkin will look much more beautiful.

Students should also be taught how to correctly and beautifully place napkins on the table. A folded napkin is placed near the device, you can put it on a pie plate. Napkins look beautiful when inserted in a cone into tall glasses, glasses, or placed in wicker, knitted, wooden, or metal rings.

Paper napkins are also used for serving baked goods. Pans with various portioned dishes (omelet, scrambled eggs) are also placed on them.

The sight of a beautifully and neatly set table arouses appetite, promotes better secretion of gastric juice and digestibility of food.

LANGUAGE OF CUTLERY

A well-mannered lady will never pick her teeth with a fork or put food into her mouth with a knife. Because he knows: with the help of cutlery, you can either eat culturally... or communicate with the waiter in the language of cutlery that he understands.

1. If you want to take a break from eating, place the knife and fork on the plate crosswise: the tines of the fork are facing down, the knife lies under the fork. This way the waiter will understand that it is too early to clear your plate. The position when the knife and fork lie on the edges of the plate has the same meaning; fork - tines down.

2. In the orderly rows of “piece of iron” canteens, as it turned out, there are individual owners: seafood cutlery, soup spoons, tea spoons and coffee spoons are invariably salted. As you can see in the picture, there are pairs of utensils for the second main hot course, snack bars and fish forks and knives, as well as a fork and spoon for spaghetti. Snail tweezers and a snail fork can also work together, but instead of a special thin one, a regular small snack fork can be used.

H. If you don’t like the dish and you want your plate to be removed, place the device crosswise. In this case, the fork should lie with its teeth up, and the knife should be on it.

4. You really liked the dish and would like to try another portion - then place the knife and fork crosswise: the tines of the fork are facing up, and the knife lies under the fork.

5. You can signal the end of the meal to the staff by placing the fork and knife parallel to each other so that their handles, like the hands of a round clock, point to “half past six.”

Compliance with table setting etiquette primarily indicates the good attitude of the owner of the house towards guests. However, recently you can find a properly set table only at various kinds official events, banquets or buffets. You need to please your loved ones on ordinary days, creating a festive atmosphere with the help of colorful decorations. In this article we will talk about the basic rules of table setting, various directions and interesting ways decoration.

Table etiquette or how to properly set the table

If you are invited to a dinner party for the first time, the number of cutlery and their order can be confusing. A well-organized festive dinner means the correct setting of cutlery on the table, compliance with table etiquette and decoration appropriate for the event. To learn how to use cutlery correctly, you need to understand a few points.

Rule No. 1: forks, spoons, knives are placed in the order in which dishes are served (appetizers, soup, meat or fish, fruit, dessert). Each item on the table plays its role.

General rules for table setting suggest the following tableware arrangement patterns:

• a snack plate is placed in front of the guest;
• on the left is a cake plate or paper napkin with additional cutlery;
• on the right are knives and spoons, and on the left are forks;
• Wine glasses and glasses, as well as dessert cutlery, are placed in front of the main plate;
• There is a napkin on the appetizer plate.

Rule No. 2: serving items should be used for their intended purpose. The utensils located on the right side are taken and held while eating in the right hand, and those located on the left - with the left hand.

The question of how to use a knife deserves special attention. It is necessary that the end of the handle rests in the palm of the right hand, the thumb and middle fingers clasp the base of the knife from the side, and the index finger lies on the surface of the handle. This will make it more convenient for you to cut off the desired piece of meat or fish, and you won’t have to blush in front of strangers.

Rule No. 3: table decoration involves the use of all kinds of decorative elements: a white ironed tablecloth, lace napkins, colorful runners and fragrant flowers.

To better understand the principle of table etiquette, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the video material presented below. You will learn a lot of useful things and forget about the problem forever misuse cutlery.

On video: serving and serving rules.

Scheme and sequence

There is no single correct option for setting the table, because each country has different traditions regarding this issue. Much also depends on the menu, the number of dishes and their focus. Do not forget that depending on the time of day, the design of the kitchen or dining room can vary greatly.

It is customary to set the table according to the following order: tablecloth, dishes and cutlery, wine glasses, glasses, glasses, napkins, decor.

Let's start with the tablecloth - it should be perfectly ironed and match the nature of the event. So, for a dinner party, models in neutral shades are suitable, and for Sunday tomorrow with the family, there is nothing better than a bright tablecloth and napkins with unusual drawings. The average length of this product is 25 cm. This figure is far from accidental - an excessively large descent of the tablecloth will look sloppy, and a small one will look awkward.

The smoothed fabric should cover the entire surface, and the corners should fall against the table legs, covering them evenly.

Choose a tablecloth that is the right size

Next comes the arrangement of dishes and cutlery. In a number European countries, and in Russia too, it is customary to first exhibit porcelain and glass plates, saucers, wine glasses and glasses. When setting the table, it is important to consider that all items will change depending on how the dishes are served. That is why it is better to place dishes and cutlery at a distance of 1 cm from each other, starting from the edge of the table.

Selection and placement of tablecloths and runners

Every housewife keeps an elegant white tablecloth in her closet. However, you should not limit yourself to just one model; now in stores there is wide choose products of the most different sizes, colors and style. For rectangular tables, tablecloths 50 cm longer than the tabletop are suitable, and for round or oval tables - 100 cm wider than the diameter of the table.

Designers insist that the color of the tablecloth be combined with the shade of the curtains and the overall style of the room. The main thing is to iron the fabric well, and the choice of colors depends only on the preferences of the residents of the house. You can choose a traditional beige or white bed, or choose a more custom option.

Another new way to decorate a table is to use plain table runners and placemats. You can see examples of such decoration in the photo below.

Plates placement

First, deep, wooden or salad plates are placed on napkins or special tracks. Not far from them are tea utensils and dishes for desserts. The distance from the edge of the table to the dishes should be about 1.5-2 cm. It is also recommended to place a paper napkin under the appetizer plate so that it does not slide on the tablecloth.

Next in order is the layout of the cutlery. According to the rules of etiquette, they are laid out according to the number of courses and placed with the back side facing the table. On the right are spoons and knives, on the left are forks. In most cases, there is one set of cutlery for each person.

If you want to amaze your guests, you can additionally set the table with bright glasses, glasses, special forks, tea and dessert spoons.

Serving glasses, glasses, wine glasses

The plates are followed by glasses - they are arranged from largest to smallest. The choice of items depends on the guests' preferences regarding certain drinks. These can be glasses for water, glasses for white or red wine, glasses for juice, as well as glasses for strong drinks.

Glasses are placed on the right, glasses on the left, forming an even line. It is allowed to arrange dishes and cutlery in two rows if there are a large number of participants in the event.

Before serving glasses on the table, make sure the dishes are clean. All items must be thoroughly washed, wiped with a towel and made sure there are no chips or other defects.

Selecting and serving napkins

Classic table setting involves the use of plain napkins in neutral shades. As with the arrangement of cutlery, there are no clear rules for the placement of napkins. They can be beautifully stacked next to a snack plate (designed for bread, tarts and salads) or placed in a water glass, decorated with decorative rings and ribbons.

If you're setting the table for dinner, simply place napkins on the side of each plate, as shown below.

On video: how to properly set the table.

Table decor (finishing)

An excellent option for table decor is a tablecloth made of synthetic material. This solution is suitable for both home gatherings and a festive dinner, the main thing is to choose the right color. It is easy to care for such a tablecloth - it does not wrinkle, does not wear out and retains its original appearance for a long time. As an addition, fabric napkins, plates, and lace runners are used.

To make your living room interior elegant, cozy and unforgettable, place a bouquet of fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit, an antique sugar bowl and crystal glasses on the table.

Cutlery in modern style They are distinguished by a variety of shapes, shades and their unique functional features.

Types of serving

The table decoration may vary depending on the time of day and the nature of the festive dinner. In this case, banquet, buffet, tea and coffee serving are distinguished. However, certain differences exist. Breakfast requires a minimum number of dishes to serve the table, and during dinner there is always a large number of dishes and cutlery on the table.

For breakfast (+ Sunday breakfast)

This is the simplest type of table setting. Snack plates are placed first, then cups, glasses and small saucers. A teaspoon is placed on top of the latter. If your family uses egg cups or butter bowls, don't forget a teaspoon. A deep bowl (for porridge or cereal) is placed on a snack plate.

Sunday breakfast cannot be imagined without tea, which is why there is a coffee pot or teapot in the center.

You can decorate the table with flowers, unusual napkins and various decorative elements. Family Sunday breakfasts are becoming a good tradition in many homes; they bring loved ones closer to each other. The key to setting the breakfast table is to create good mood and convenience while eating.

Dining

There are several types of table settings for dinner. It all depends on the number of dishes and their nature. Cover the table with a white tablecloth, place one flat and one deep plate (for soup or salad). If there are dishes on the menu that cannot be eaten from shared dishes, add a snack plate. Arrange cutlery according to proper etiquette. Beautifully folded napkins are perfect for table decoration.

A distinctive feature of the table setting for dinner is the installation of a salt shaker and other items for spices and seasonings.

Full evening

You can set the table not only for family members, relatives or friends, but also for unfamiliar guests. Preliminary serving in accordance with all the canons is the key to the success of any dinner party, because everyone should be comfortable and comfortable. The table decor creates a special atmosphere that is conducive to heartfelt conversations, wonderful memories and plans for the future.

For the holiday to be a success, it is necessary to observe following rules table etiquette:

• A perfectly clean, ironed tablecloth. It is advisable that the product be made of thick fabric (this will prevent the dishes from clinking when dropped and protect the surface from spilled liquid).
• To decorate a festive table, it is not acceptable to use different color scheme dishes and cutlery. Give preference to monochromatic options from one set. All decorative elements (vases, coasters, napkin rings) should be sparkling clean, the same goes for dishes.
• It is prohibited to serve corked bottles of champagne or wine. All alcoholic drinks served in open bottles, after which they are poured into wine glasses. One cloth napkin is placed next to the glasses.

Banquet room

Banquet service is not much different from full evening service, but there are some peculiarities of this type registration So, shallow plates are placed at a distance of 1 cm from each other, starting from the center, first on one side, then on the other. They should be clearly opposite one another. Snack and pie saucers are placed on these plates. The next step is to place the cutlery at a distance of 0.5 cm from the shallow plate.

A distinctive feature of the banquet is the decoration of the table with special personalized cards, which indicate personal information event participant. They are located to the left of the wine glasses.

Buffet room

Buffet table setting is becoming increasingly popular; it is used at private parties, official events and during informal communication between business partners. There are two options: one-sided and two-sided serving. Each has its own distinctive features. In the first case, the table is decorated only on one side and is placed near the wall. The second one is usually used at corporate events, weddings and anniversaries.

Serving is done on both sides in accordance with a special scheme. The main thing is that you can take the dish without special effort(therefore the table occupies the entire central part of the room).

When serving a buffet, it is especially important to maintain equal intervals between cutlery and other items. They begin to set the table by arranging glass and crystal glassware, after which vases with flowers and bottles of alcoholic beverages are placed in the center of the table.

The labels on the bottles should be facing the same direction. IN certain situations(when there are many guests) a separate table is allocated for drinks and snacks.

Coffee shop

The nature and basic provisions of coffee etiquette directly depend on the drinks chosen. It can be Turkish coffee, classic coffee, Italian expresso. Stronger drinks prepared on the stove are served in porcelain cups from one set. A geyser coffee maker can help you create the perfect coffee drink - this is an ancient secret of the peoples of the East.

When pouring coffee, make sure that the cups are only two-thirds full (this allows guests to add a little milk or cream).

Coffee table setting includes three elements - a saucer, a cup and a teaspoon. Additional items include a dessert plate that can hold cakes, and cutlery for fruit or sweets. The arrangement of dishes should begin with desserts. When all the guests have arrived, you can start preparing drinks.

Teahouse

If each guest is assigned a certain place at the table, then the basis for serving is the principle that a cup and saucer with the necessary list of cutlery and a small plate for desserts are placed in front of each participant in the tea party. The main dish is located in the center of the table. This could be a bowl of pastries, a cake, an apple pie, a bowl of fruit.

Particular attention is paid to the decor; all elements must be evenly spaced around the perimeter of the table. It is customary to leave the teapot and the kettle with boiling water on the edge. In the case of a samovar, it is placed clearly in the center.

When inviting friends for tea, make sure that you have enough tea sets (it is better if there are 1-2 more than the expected guests).

In conclusion, it is worth adding that table setting is, first of all, an individual design of the surrounding space. Don't limit yourself to just one arrangement of objects; show your imagination and decorate the table with incredible decor and fresh flowers. Informal creativity and adherence to the classic rules of dining etiquette are the key to a successful festive dinner, Sunday morning and friendly gatherings with friends over a cup of aromatic coffee.

10 etiquette secrets from aristocrats (1 video)

Takes ~3 minutes to read

Have you ever wondered what is the main sign of the housewife’s attention to her guests? Of course, this is proper table setting. Unfortunately, not all housewives know how to do this. Many people think that it takes a lot of time to set a beautiful table. However, this opinion is wrong. Knowing and following certain rules, you can create a festive mood not only on holidays, but also on weekdays.
To create an unusual table decoration, you can involve members of your household. Most likely, they will enjoy this activity, and you will save time and effort.

Save

It is incorrect to assume that in ordinary life You don’t have to bother, and all the difficulties of decoration are used exclusively for holidays. Psychologists say that from appearance dishes and the table as a whole depend on the mood and taste perception of food.
Table setting at home differs from a formal one in the smaller number of cutlery and decorative details.

1. Keep in mind that stand plates are a must. Using them, you will avoid soiling the tablecloth. Agree that sometimes it is very difficult to remove borscht stains from it.
2. It is not recommended to replace the tablecloth with oilcloth. To make the table look “elegant”, sometimes it is enough to lay a checkered cloth on it. Of course, everything should look harmonious and the tablecloth should match common interior kitchens.
3. If your menu includes a first course, then deep plates are a must. It’s much easier to walk around with a saucepan and pour broth for everyone than to rush around with plates.
4. There should be a container for side dishes under the deep plate.
5. To avoid constantly running for forks and spoons, provide them in the right amount in advance.

Save

Why is table setting necessary?

Everyone will agree that it is much more pleasant to eat at a chicly set table. If everything is organized correctly, then the daily meal turns into a holiday.
It is not necessary to prepare gourmet dishes; you can use ordinary inexpensive products. The very idea of ​​decorating a dining table is important.
Planning table settings for specific meals
Introduce new traditions into your family. Due to lack of time in modern world not every family can afford to have meals together. In this case, you can limit yourself to one common meal, which will take place in the evening.
Not only for a festive meal, but also for a simple dinner, you can arrange the table setting in an original way. Children will be happy to help you with this; as a rule, they really love arranging plates and laying out napkins.
At this table you can chat with all family members. The cozy atmosphere is conducive to confidential conversations, everyone can talk about their problems or achievements. This tradition will bring a piece of joy into everyday life. Once everyone gets used to getting together at home for dinner, you can begin to introduce weekend gatherings into family traditions.

Save

Table setting rules

1. You need to use the same devices.
2. Each dish should have its own serving.
3. When arranging items, it is necessary to take into account that for each person you need to allocate about 80 cm of space. This condition will allow guests to feel comfortable.
4. The plates are placed in the middle of the allocated space, at a distance of two cm from the edge.
5. When planning to serve several dishes, place deep dishes on flat ones.
6. Plates for sweets or bread are placed at a distance of 10 cm to the left of the person.
7. Spoons, forks and knives are placed with the tip up, knives on the right, forks on the left. If dessert is to be served, the soup spoon is placed above the plate.
8. Glasses and glasses should be placed on the right. If alcohol and water are served at the same time, then the container that should be combined with the first course is placed closer.
9. All utensils must have clean look without stains or streaks. Before serving, it must be wiped with a dry towel.

How to choose the right tablecloth

A mandatory attribute is a tablecloth. It can be used both for everyday use and for formal occasions. What recommendations do experts give when choosing tablecloths?

• for a banquet, a tablecloth made of natural fabrics, preferably white, is used;
• for everyday dinner or lunch, you can use an acrylic attribute; it should match the shape of the table;
• It is important that the tablecloth is of a suitable length, it should cover the entire surface, and the edges should hang down by 20-25 cm.

Required condition!!! Any tablecloth must be clean. Therefore, you need to have several options available.

Plates placement

So, the tablecloth is laid. Now you need to arrange the plates. The scheme is very simple. There should be a decorative plate in the very center; it should not be too close to the edge. A plate for snacks is placed on it. If there are liquid dishes on the menu, then a deep container is also placed on a decorative plate. It is important to note that when serving puree soup, you need to serve a soup bowl, and when serving broth, you need to serve a cup. The bread plate is placed to the left of the decorative one.

Instrument location

Serving provides for a specific arrangement of all appliances. Everything must comply with etiquette standards:

• cutlery should be placed on the sides of the plates, in some cases they are placed on top;
• there should be forks to the left of the main plate;
• knives are placed on the right, their blades should be directed towards the plate;
• There should be a soup spoon on top of the plate;
• The dessert spoon is placed on the right side, it should enclose a row of knives.

Important!!! The utensils that will be used first should be closest to the plate. The utensils for first courses should be the furthest away. Please note that all devices must be freely accessible for use.

How to choose glasses

When setting a festive table, it is very important to choose the right glasses. For each drink there is a certain type of wine glasses or glasses.
For red wines, cognac and brandy, “pot-bellied” glasses are used. And for white wines, small glasses are used. The tallest or narrowest glasses are for champagne. Juices and water are served in glasses designed for cocktails.

Using napkins

How to set a table beautifully? One of essential elements Decorations when decorating any holiday or banquet are napkins. A lot of techniques have been invented, following which you can create an exquisite and unusual composition from them. When choosing napkins, you need to pay attention to the color. You can buy napkins in the same color as the holiday candles.
Napkins should be folded so that when unrolled they do not look too wrinkled. This decoration is placed on a plate for an appetizer. Using napkin figures, you can make your table very stylish.

Save

Setting the table for dinner

1. Festive dinner with family. Arranged on the table beautiful candles and plates, wine and light snacks are provided. Later you can serve a hot dish, dessert and fruit. Remove the glasses and replace them with cups and saucers.
2. How to beautifully set the table for a romantic dinner? Covered small table, behind which two people sit opposite each other. The presence of candles and flowers is mandatory. A dark-colored tablecloth will add a special flair to the romantic mood.
3. For a themed dinner. You can serve dishes prepared from products grown in your dacha. The table is decorated with compositions of vegetables. All dishes are simple, prepared from natural products.
4. For dinner with a friend. None unnecessary details. Delicate tablecloth, minimal cutlery, light dishes. Perhaps cold cuts or seafood.
5. Dinner for friends. Friends come to visit for simple informal communication. Therefore, forget about solemnity, everything should be simple. But of course, cook some delicious dishes

Save

Table setting for a children's event

Organization children's event- This is always a special concern for parents. We need to take care not only about the deliciousness of the food and the beauty of the presentation, but also about the safety of the children.
How to properly set the table for a children's party?

1. To make children feel like adults, set a separate table for them.
2. It is necessary to maintain the design in the same range. It would be better if you choose some cartoon theme. It must be present in everything.
3. Disposable tableware is a real godsend for parents who need to organize a children's party. Just don’t think that we are talking about simple disposable plates. In stores you can buy very beautiful dishes made of durable plastic or special cardboard. Such dishes are very practical, because they do not break. She is very beautiful, so kids will be delighted with her.
4. Do not prepare a variety of salads and meat dishes. This is a children's holiday, and children don't like to eat this when visiting. Surprise them with beautiful buffet appetizers that are exactly what they will love.

Save

The benefits of proper table setting

If your family gets used to eating in a cozy and beautiful environment, then food will be a real pleasure. Children will grow up cultured, knowing the place of each item on the table. Evening gatherings around a beautifully set table will bring your family together. And this family tradition will be passed on from generation to generation.

What housewife doesn't dream of surprising her guests with her culinary skills at the festive table? But to produce maximum effect, you need to know how to properly set the table at home. The correct arrangement of dishes and cutlery creates a special atmosphere. What do you need to know about serving? How to properly decorate a table for a birthday, New Year, for family breakfast, lunch, dinner?

Important etiquette rules

Table setting is not only the correct arrangement of cutlery, but also its design. The choice of decoration elements and set of dishes primarily depends on the format of the meal (birthday, family dinner, business lunch, wedding, etc.).

But some rules remain unchanged.

• The banquet room should be bright, well ventilated and, of course, large enough to accommodate all invited guests.
• Dishes and cutlery must be cleanly washed and polished. Be sure to check that there are no water stains left on them.
• The table can be of any shape, but its size should be selected taking into account the number of guests. It is optimal if there is 80 cm of table length per person.
• The tablecloth should be well ironed, clean and match the size of the table. It is correct if its edges hang down by 30 cm, and the corners cover the legs.
• Near each plate in in the right order knives, spoons, forks, and glasses should be placed.
• In addition to devices for individual use, auxiliary ones should be present on the table. They are necessary for serving food from common dishes.
• The type of devices and location must be the same.
• Mismatched sets, chipped corners, bent utensils, and dull knives are not acceptable.

To properly cover a table with a tablecloth at home, first place the folded item on the surface, and then, lifting it by the edges, sharply lower your hands down. Then she will lie perfectly.

Serving order

Whether it's a birthday party or a meal at home with family, according to the rules of etiquette, you need to set the table in a certain order.

• The table is covered with a tablecloth.
• Plates are placed opposite the chairs.
• Then the cutlery is laid out.
• Now it’s time for glasses, glasses, glasses.
• On next stage Dishes are placed on the table.
• Napkin holders are brought out.
• Sets of spices and salt are laid out.
• The table is beautifully decorated with flowers, candles or original compositions.

Placement of cutlery

At first glance, it seems that remembering the rules for placing cutlery on the table is very difficult. But in reality they are quite simple and designed for convenience. All cutlery is arranged in order of use, the outer ones are intended for first courses.

So, the basic rules.

• The plates are located in the center seat 2 cm from the edge of the table. If several dishes will be served for a birthday or other holiday, then deep dishes can be placed on shallow ones. Bread (pie) plates are placed on left hand, at a distance of approximately 10 cm.
• As for spoons, knives and forks, they are laid out around the plate with the tip up (the blade of the knife faces the plate). There are forks on the left side and knives on the right. If dessert is expected, then the soup spoon is placed above the plate, otherwise - on right hand, to the knife. For a major holiday, such as a birthday, the set of cutlery should include a small appetizer fork, knife, utensils for fish or other specific dishes (depending on the menu). There should be a distance of 1 cm between the plate and the cutlery.
• Drinkware should be on the right hand. If you plan to serve wine and water at the same time, then the drink that is more in harmony with the dish served first is placed closer. The nearest glass, wine glass or glass should be on the line of intersection of the first knife and plate. If there is a handle on the dish, it turns to the right. More than three items per guest is considered unacceptable.

Many people are confused about the rules for placing cutlery on the table, so we suggest you study them visually.

Important details: napkins and sets for spices and seasonings

Napkins are an indispensable part of table setting. There are linen and paper products. The first ones are placed under deep dishes (if there is no snack plate) or on the feet. Paper napkins are placed in a napkin holder at arm's length from guests. Additionally, you can roll them into fancy shapes, such as roses, envelopes, various geometric shapes or boats, animals (for a children's birthday). If the napkins are intended not only for table decoration, then it is important that they unfold easily.

When setting the table, it is important not to forget about the set of spices and seasonings. There must be salt and pepper on it. There is no need to fill the containers to the very brim; it will be enough to pour the seasonings halfway. If there are meat dishes on the menu, then it is advisable to put mustard and horseradish on the table.

Setting the table at home

On weekends, the family usually gathers at home in full, and the housewife prepares her favorite delicious dishes, and during the meal there are intimate conversations. This is the best time to add special charm and comfort to breakfast, lunch and dinner with the right table setting. Even at home you can create a festive atmosphere. And if there are children in the family, then this will serve great lesson, how to behave in society, what different cutlery is needed for and how to use it.

• Breakfast.

An aesthetic meal in the morning sets the mood for the rest of the day. To serve dishes beautifully, you need to take into account some nuances. The first step is to arrange the snack plates, and then the cups, saucers and spoon. The latter are placed in the middle of the table so that everyone can easily reach them. If eggs are planned for breakfast, they are served in a special stand on a high leg. It should stand on a small saucer, and an egg spoon should be placed on it. The porridge is poured into a deep bowl, which is placed on top of a snack plate. The baked goods are served on a wide platter; butter, honey, jam or jam should also be present. For butter, each participant in the meal is given a small knife. A napkin holder with napkins must be present on the table. It will be beautiful if they are made in the same style as the insulation for the kettle. Don't forget about salt and sugar.

• Dinner.

During the day, it is usually customary to serve first and second courses, as well as dessert. Therefore, to properly set the table at home, you will need several more utensils for lunch than for breakfast. For shared dishes you will need auxiliary spoons, spatulas and forks. Broth cups or deep plates are placed at snack bars, and dessert cups are brought at the end, when the first and second courses have already been eaten and the used dishes have been tidied up. Don't forget about knives for meat and fish. But for omelettes, meatballs, zrazas and cutlets, it will be enough to serve forks.

• Dinner.

Evening serving for dinner is practically no different from morning. Usually pancakes, pancakes or pie are beautifully served on a common platter. Dessert plates are placed immediately, and dessert forks or spoons are placed on them on the right side. If you want to give dinner a romantic atmosphere, then place candles in candlesticks on the table and next to it.

Festive table setting

For a festive lunch or dinner, you need to take care of decorative elements. It is not only important here traditional rules table setting, but also the combination of colors and the sense of style of the housewife.

So, what should you consider when preparing for the holiday?

• Tablecloth and napkins. The color scheme can be any, but it is important that the tablecloth is in harmony with the napkins. You can use universal white, delicate shades of lilac, blue, green. Rich pink, red and burgundy colors will come in handy for a romantic dinner. It is advisable to give the napkins an unusual shape or simply roll them into tubes and tie them beautifully with a contrasting satin ribbon.
• Crockery, cutlery. Banquet table decorate dishes in the form of non-standard geometric shapes, devices with curved, designer handles. A snow-white porcelain set will look most advantageous. However, if the tablecloth and napkins are also white, you can choose a dinnerware set with a border.
• Candles. This decorative element is more appropriate for a wedding or a romantic dinner, but for a birthday it is better to limit yourself to candles on the cake. It should be remembered that the main role is played by the candlestick. It can be tall and thin, or the candles can float in flat bowls filled with water and flower petals.
• Flowers. When decorating a table with flowers, it is important to choose the right vases. It is better to leave the tall ones for bouquets given to the birthday person. For serving, low vases that will not block the view for guests are more suitable. You should also take care of the moderate aroma of flowers; it should not mix with the smell of dishes or interrupt it.
• Original compositions. Various fruit towers will look beautiful on the holiday table. Depending on the time of year, you can create decorations from spruce branches, cones, rowan berries, sea stones, sand, etc. Such compositions can then be placed at home. Handmade decorative items are at the peak of fashion.
• Setting the children's table. For a birthday party for young guests, it is better to choose plastic dishes and limit yourself to safe utensils without sharp ends. A multi-colored tablecloth with cartoon and fairy tale characters is more suitable. You can add small gifts to the napkins folded into a fancy shape. If it’s a little princess’s birthday, then the table can be decorated with flowers. However, there should not be too many of them; it is better to limit them altogether balloons and paper garlands. Don’t forget to prepare signs with the names of little guests at each seating area; this will help avoid confusion at the party.

Properly and beautifully served festive table will make an unforgettable impression on your guests. And it’s not even a matter of etiquette at all - it’s always nice when order reigns at home and there’s a feeling in the air special atmosphere comfort. Therefore, it is very important that a woman knows how to set the table correctly, knows all the rules of decoration and strictly follows them.

Return