Table setting for one person. Table setting: correct arrangement of cutlery

Every self-respecting housewife should know the basic rules of table setting etiquette. This is the art of arranging cutlery beautifully in accordance with the rules of good manners. Table setting has a rich history: each era had its own rules for table decoration, which changed over time. Of course, there are many subtleties and nuances, but it is not at all necessary to apply them all. Enough to know basic rules table setting.

General rules for table setting

A table set according to the rules of etiquette is always pleasing to the eye and is a pleasant place to spend time having a leisurely conversation. The basic serving rules are quite simple.

All cutlery must be perfectly clean. To achieve sparkling cleanliness, you need to wipe them with a damp, warm towel. Then wipe dry thoroughly.
Make sure that there are no smudges on the cutlery or utensils.
An important component of serving is the tablecloth. It must be perfectly ironed. You need to cover the table with it so that the edges lightly cover its legs. They should hang down by about 25-30 cm. There is no need to additionally cover the tablecloth with oilcloth, because this is not accepted by the rules of good manners.
The number of cutlery depends on the number of dishes that will be served at the table.
Appliances should be arranged the same way for each guest.

By following these basic rules, your table will always be decorated in accordance with etiquette.

Tablecloth on the table

A classic and win-win option is snow-white tablecloth . She always looks elegant and solemn.
However, there is no need to be afraid to experiment. It should be selected depending on the general color palette cutlery, interior and type of feast. But one thing Golden Rule yes: the tablecloth should be combined with curtains and upholstery.
Usually preference is given to light shades. But they can also be colored, plain or with a pattern. But the pattern should be located along the edge, because excessive variegation can distract the attention of guests. If you prefer a dark-colored tablecloth, then the cutlery should be a light shade.
Now big choice tablecloth shapes and materials, but usually choose it in a rectangular or triangular shape. It is best to choose one made from fabric, especially natural materials– it will add even more comfort to the feast. The size should be such that its edges can cover the table legs, and the ends should hang 25-30 cm, but not be lower than the level of the seats.

The tablecloth for table setting is laid out as follows: opened, taken by the ends on one side. Then it is lifted, shaken and sharply lowered down. This makes it easier to level it out. But you don’t need to stretch it too much and pull the corners.

If the surface is polished, then you should put oilcloth under the tablecloth. The main thing is that it is clean and well ironed.

Cutlery - layout diagram

To location cutlery According to etiquette, you need to approach it responsibly. There is no need to put all kinds of cutlery on the table. They must correspond to the holiday list of dishes. Cutlery is divided into individual (which each guest has) and auxiliary - they are needed in order to lay out dishes.

In table etiquette, it is customary to first place dishes made of earthenware or porcelain, then place the cutlery, and only then place glass or crystal.
Glasses and wine glasses should be placed holding them by the stem.
According to the rules of etiquette, the spoon and knife should be placed to the right of the plate, and the fork to the left.
You need to use utensils starting from the outer edge, changing them towards the plate as you change dishes.
The distance between the cutlery and the plate should be 0.5-1 cm.

The figure shows the location of cutlery. Of course, the set of forks, spoons and knives depends on what dishes will be served on the table. Glasses with wine glasses are also selected depending on the drinks.

Serving plates

There is an order in which the plates are laid out.

Snack plate - it is placed in front of each chair at a distance of approximately 2 cm from the edge.
Pie plate (bread) - it is customary to place it on the left side of the snack bar at a distance of 5-15 cm.
If you serve several dishes, then place a dining room under the snack bar.

It is the responsibility of the housewife to promptly replace the plates with clean ones.

Serving with napkins

They are an integral part of serving. Folding napkins beautifully is a real art. The more solemn the holiday, the more elegantly they can be folded.

The material is chosen depending on the type of feast. You can take it for a holiday cotton or linen e. They are usually intended to be placed on guests' laps.

If you decide to use paper, then they are removed under the right edge of the plate. Or they are placed in general availability.

Napkins can be any color, the main thing is that they are folded beautifully and neatly.

Spice utensils

They are usually placed on festive table at the very end of serving. They are placed on special stands in the center of the table. So you can use small boards or saucers as stands. This must include a salt and pepper shaker, as well as additional mustard, vinegar, vegetable oil and other spices.

Drink glasses

You need to remember about the glasses when serving. They can be made from either glass or crystal. Small glasses are intended for stronger alcohol. Therefore, there should be a wine glass, a glass, a glass, and glasses on the table.

Selected depending on the color of the drink. For red wine they should be larger than for white wine. Champagne is served in special glasses. There are also special beer glasses. Vodka is usually served in glasses.

The following set of cutlery must be present on the table:

pie plate;
snack bar;
wine glass;
saucer;
coffee cup and saucer.

Bread can be served in a wicker basket, and butter can be served in a butter dish made of ceramic or porcelain - this way it retains its taste. Sausage and cold cuts are served in an elongated plate. Cheese is served in one piece on a porcelain board, with a knife for cutting cheese placed next to it.

The snack plate is placed opposite the center of the chair, and the pie plate is placed to the left of it. The knife is placed to the right of the snack plate, with the blade facing it. Fork - on the left side, tines up. The teaspoon is placed with the handle to the right, parallel to the table. Vases with flowers, napkins and utensils with spices are placed in the center.

How to serve lunch and dinner correctly

The dinner table is set in such a way that guests can be served conveniently and quickly. To do this, place the snack plate on a stand, with the pie plate on the left side. Cutlery is placed between them - a knife and a spoon on the right, and a table fork on the left. And in front of the cutlery is a wine glass.

Also, when setting the table for dinner, you should place a ladle with which to pour the soup. This must be done carefully so as not to stain the tablecloth. If you drip a little, you need to blot the stain with a napkin. The main thing is not to attract the attention of guests, so as not to disturb the calm flow of the conversation.

Dessert table setting

For serving dessert table It is permissible to choose a brighter tablecloth. Ideal option will use special tea set. It is customary to place beautiful lace napkins in the center of the table and under tea cups. Serving the sweet table holiday etiquette consists of the following cutlery:

cups and saucers (the cup must be turned with the handle to the right);
teaspoons (placed on a saucer, it is also permissible to place spoons behind the cup parallel to the table, with the handle on the right side);
small teapot;
a large kettle for boiling water;
Setting the table for dessert involves using a sugar bowl in which lump sugar is served along with tongs, or a special bowl;
a bowl for jam or preserves is placed on the left side;
lemon for tea is served on a special tray with a two-pronged fork for spreading;
The milk jug is placed on the pie plate on the guest's right side.
A plate for bread and sweets should be placed in front of each guest. Diagonally on the right side of it is a cup and saucer, and a teaspoon is placed next to it. A special spatula for serving the cake should be placed on the right side of the main plate.
The saucers are placed on the table, tea or coffee is poured into cups only when all the guests have taken their seats. Sweets are served on an elegant table: buns, pies with sweet filling, cakes, muffins, sweets and fruits. From alcoholic drinks Wine and liqueurs are acceptable.

For a youth group you can make a buffet table. It is served with a stack of plates (8-10 pieces in one stack). Cloth napkins are placed behind it. Glasses and wine glasses are placed next to the drinks. If the company has smoking people– Ashtrays are placed at the ends of the table.

Festive table setting

Serving banquet table helps create a festive mood. The main thing is not only to serve the dishes correctly, but also to decorate the table beautifully. Table setting for a banquet depends on what dishes are served at the holiday. But there are principles of classic holiday table design.

Chairs must be placed at a distance of 50 to 80 cm from each other so as not to violate the personal space of guests.
The tablecloth should be light shades, bright and dark colors are best left for tea tables. Its edges should hang no more than 20-30 cm. To prevent the knocking of dishes from distracting guests from the conversation, oilcloth or oilcloth is laid under the tablecloth. soft cloth. But the main thing is that it is perfectly ironed and clean.

A napkin is placed on a serving plate and a plate intended for hot food is placed on it. A pie plate is placed on the left side of the snack plate so that they are on the same line. The serving plate should always remain in its place, and others can be replaced while dishes are being served.

There should be no more than 3 pairs of forks and spoons. To the right of the serving plate, place a soup spoon, a snack knife and a table knife, with the blade facing the plate, and the forks are placed on the left side. Only an oyster fork can be placed on the right. Place the forks with their tines up, and the spoons with their convex side on the table.
The principle of arrangement: the dish that is served first is the distant device.

Decor

Setting a festive table is also an opportunity to show your creative possibilities. You need to pay attention to decorative items - using flowers is a win-win option. Usually they are placed in the middle of the table - it can be a bouquet or composition.
It is important to consider the following nuances:

so that none of the guests are allergic to them;
the bouquet should not contain flowers with a strong aroma;
The vase with the bouquet must be placed at a distance from the cutlery.

On New Year or a romantic date, you can choose more original decoration table. On New Year's feast you can put a composition made from pine needle branches, Christmas decorations, tinsel. Candles are perfect for a romantic evening. On the table, the holiday atmosphere will be conveyed by objects in the form wedding rings, figurines of the bride and groom, doves.

You should be especially imaginative when decorating a table for a child’s birthday. Can be attached to the back of chairs Balloons, and a bright detail will be pictures from your favorite cartoons. It is important that everything decorative elements were designed in the same style. They should not be too high so that guests can see each other. The main thing is not to overdo it with decoration, so that the table setting at the holiday and the decoration complement each other.

Depending on the interior and imagination, festive or dinner table can amaze guests with its sophistication. A additional elements table settings will give it brightness and originality. The listed design principles are not complicated and are an indicator of good taste.

Video: how to properly set the table

Since ancient times, celebrations have been accompanied by feasts, and it was then that customs and rules for table setting began to take shape. Over the years, they have been honed, turning into unique rituals. Some of them smoothly flowed into everyday life.

Introduction to Dining Etiquette

Many table settings, shown in films and TV series or described in books, are frightening because of their complexity. There are many devices, the purpose of which is not always clear. A variety of dishes that are scary to approach, and wine glasses of all sorts of shapes and sizes for who knows what drink. But everything is not as scary as it seems at first glance.

The basic rule of table etiquette is “from the edges to the center.” As dishes change, utensils are used that are located further and further from the plate. The same applies to glasses and shot glasses, changing from left to right.

Table etiquette includes rules for serving dishes, the order in which cutlery is used, as well as table manners and basic politeness. The basic rules of etiquette include:

the location of the napkin is strictly on the knees;
“Thank you” and “Please” must be said both when making requests and when fulfilling them;
It is not customary to slouch while sitting at a table;
men sit at the table after women, having first pulled out a chair for them;
being late for a festive event is regarded as disrespect:
elbows on the table are a sign of bad manners;
you should not start eating if your dinner companions have not yet received their plates;
The knife should only be held in right hand;
fork and spoon - perfect combination for long pasta;

cut or bite bakery products it is indecent, you should eat them in small pieces, broken off from the whole;
a device dropped on the floor must be replaced;
well-mannered people chew with their mouths closed;
slurping in society is indecent;
bad form - eating with a knife;
Before pouring a drink, offer it to your neighbors;
no need to be greedy when serving from a common plate;
you need to close your eyes to violations of table etiquette by your interlocutor;
A little half-eaten soup is better than a tilted plate;
When using a knife and fork, use your strength to chew immediately without biting;
cutlery laid crosswise means that you are waiting for the next dish, folded in parallel - a sign of the finished meal;
In any awkward situation, you should apologize.

Purpose of the dishes

As mentioned above, there can be a lot of cutlery on a set table, but not all of them are there at once. Today, there are a lot of different cutlery designed strictly for a specific type of dish.

It is unacceptable to use them for eating other types of dishes, and so that those unfamiliar with complex serving guests are not confused by the variety of cutlery; they are advised to arrange them in the order in which the dishes are planned to be served.

The general rule applies "from the central plate to the sides."

Types and purpose of spoons:

dining room, oblong - for soup;
broth - round shape, otherwise indistinguishable from soup;
dessert room, smaller than the dining room;
tea room;
coffee - less than tea;
for ice cream - has the same dimensions as a coffee bar, but longer;
salad - served in a plate along with salad;
for caviar - another small spoon, resembling a shell;
pate – general cutlery for all guests;
sugar scoop;
sauce ladle - served with a gravy boat.

Forks:

dining room - for main courses;
dessert;
for spaghetti – has five teeth, makes it easier to wrap pasta;
for sprat - a common device;
for seafood - a two-pronged fork;
for shellfish - with three teeth, the largest of which separates the meat from the shell;
herring - a two-pronged fork for transferring herring from a common dish;
salad - served in a plate with salad;
cocotte - an elegant tridental fork used for applying julienne;
lemon - used for arranging pieces;
for olives;
for fruits – used for cut or small fruits.

Knives:

the dining room, its prerogative is main courses;
snack bar;
meat - served along with the dish;
fish;
cheese - used only for cutting;
oil - general device;
fruity – served for unpeeled fruits.

All tongs (except the last ones) are used by all diners together:

for ice;
confectionery;
asparagus;
for spaghetti;
salad;
for lobsters.

The very name of such tableware will tell the owners which tongs to put next to the salad bowl or in a bucket of ice.

Dishes:

soup - better wide and shallow;
bowl - narrow, small in diameter, very suitable for cream soups and broths;
snack bar - usually flat;
dessert, served only for confectionery products;
fish - a common dish for all guests;
chill mold - a small ladle for julienne;
Menazhnitsa is a sign that a buffet is organized at the celebration;
herring bowl - an oblong shaped dish;
egg;
saucer - used as a stand for cups;
socket;
creamer - used for jellies, mousses and ice cream.

Wine glasses and glasses:

high for champagne;
wine (separately for white and red varieties);
liqueur;
cognac;
for martini.

Glasses:

for whiskey;
for cocktails;
punch;
for juice and water.

As well as glasses for vodka and other drinks of comparable strength.

Cups:

tea - on a saucer with a corresponding spoon;
small cylindrical - for espresso;
with cappuccino;
for the look.

As can be seen from all of the above, there are a lot of serving items. Don't be scared, because the names of each speak for themselves. The utensils used to serve dishes from common utensils are shared.

Is color important?

Color is always important, and their harmonious combination will help in design. A white tablecloth is a tribute to tradition; it matches almost all colors of dishes. Variegated dishes look advantageous on a plain tablecloth, but for a plain set, you can equally choose both tablecloth options. Napkins should be in harmony with the tablecloth.

It may seem that a black and white table setting is something out of scope, but it is not. The harmonious combination of these two colors can add special charisma to the reception.

The combination of purple and mint (green) looks very fresh, the red color adds solemnity. Silver and gold are integral attributes of a wedding. A dinner in honor of a man should be laconic, with white dishes and contrasting napkins. Bright colors- the best solution for a bachelorette party.

Arrangement rules

You shouldn’t put too many cutlery on the table, it’s better to leave a little free space. No matter how many changes of dishes are planned, it is better to take out the required utensils and items with a new serving. In the picture below you can see an example of proper serving.

As can be seen from the image, knives and spoons are always placed to the right of the plate (except for the oyster fork). Above them are wine glasses. To the left of the plate are forks, with a pie plate above them. Dessert cutlery should be placed above the plate. As mentioned above, the location of devices depends on the order in which they are used.

The napkin should be placed on a serving plate. Before serving dishes, it must be laid out on your lap. Shared dishes must be arranged symmetrically.

Serving sequence

You need to place dishes for a new dish only after the previous shift has been cleared. It is recommended to arrange the devices at the same time.

Appetizers are served first - first cold, and then hot. They are followed by the first course (soup), followed by the second course: fish, meat. Dessert is served before fruit, which concludes the meal.

In appetizers and cold main courses, you should move from fish to meat, then to vegetables and mushrooms, and finally to dairy (cheeses).

The serving sequence is observed to avoid loss of appetite and dulling of taste. Of course, everyone has the right not to eat what they don’t like, especially if everything is on the table at once.

The main thing is to remember the serving order and do not return to the previous dish.

What to do after eating?

If you have finished your meal, roll the napkin from your lap, hiding the soiled parts. You need to place it in the place of your plate, or if it is occupied, to the left of it.

At the end of the meal, the cutlery should be placed on a plate. The knife and fork are placed parallel to each other. The instrument handles should be directed to the right and down. The blade of the knife should be directed inside the plate, as well as the convex part of the fork.

After eating liquid food, utensils should be left in the plate or bowl in which the dish was served. Scolding a cook is considered in bad taste, as well as outright lying about how much you liked everything. It's better to highlight something that you really liked.

Reminder for every day

You need to set the table not only for guests, you can do it every day for yourself.

Breakfast is the start of the day and can be enjoyed beautifully. It is better to place the plate for the main course in the center, in front of you. It is better to place the fork or spoon on the left, and the knife on the right. You can place a tea cup and saucer over the knife, and bread over the fork.

At home, it is quite possible to dine on two courses. Let's take soup and pasta as an example. Under the deep plate we will place a plate for the second one, which will serve as a serving plate. There will be bread diagonally on the left, and on the right you can put a glass of water and a cup of coffee. Traditionally, the spoon and fork will be located on the right and left, respectively.

Dinner can be the perfect ending working day. You just need to add a couple of cutlery and arrange the wine glasses according to the wine glass. Paper napkins are placed on the left.

Examples of a beautiful table

There are a lot of options for table setting.

As mentioned earlier, black and white color will add solemnity and special chic. Black stripes of fabric and candles harmonize perfectly with gilded cutlery. The white tablecloth echoes the napkins and roses, and the snow-colored glasses and plates go perfectly with all of the above.

White tablecloth on round table with soft pink napkins and flowers in a vase will be an excellent holiday decoration in women's team. Glass candlesticks in tone with the flowers and napkins, the shape echoing the glasses, fill the atmosphere with coziness.

For creating beautiful table You don’t have to invent something special. A service with unobtrusive cream painting and a bouquet of flowers standing on a white tablecloth is everything you need for a small family dinner.

Turquoise wine glasses, napkins and tiny gift boxes are perfect for a celebration, and flowers that match the tablecloth will only lift your spirits.

The arrangement of fruits is very simple - you can simply cut them into plates. However, you can create an entire installation that will become a real decoration for the holiday.

And, of course, don't forget about alcohol. Buffet tables can be located in in different order, forming various figures. The glasses are arranged on them like a snake, a glass Christmas tree or triangles. And a pyramid of wine glasses can create a real sensation.

A creative approach can be found to everything. Dining etiquette isn't that strict. You can arrange your own banquet, unforgettable and unlike any other.

You can learn about the correct layout of cutlery from the following video.

The word "serving" comes from the French servir, which means to serve and has two meanings:

Preparing the table for breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea (arranging dishes in a certain order),
A set of items intended for this purpose (dishes, table linen, etc.).

Table setting is one of the main elements of the interior of the hall and has great importance for creating Have a good mood at the guests' place.

The main requirements for table setting at present are the following: simplicity, practicality, coordination with the interior of the room, and compliance with the food served. Along with this, much attention is paid to the aesthetic orientation of table setting: shape, color, design of dishes; the color of the tablecloth and napkins; compliance with its service topic, use national characteristics and etc.

Table setting, as well as the whole process of serving guests, is ceremonial in nature and is distinguished by its many options, but it is based on general rules, which are determined by the national labor organization of service personnel, as well as the need to provide maximum convenience to consumers.

Basic rules for table setting

Table setting is carried out in a certain sequence: the table is covered with a tablecloth, then plates are placed, cutlery is laid out, glasses, napkins, and spice utensils (menage) are placed. Each serving element should have a specific place on the table.

Covering the table with a tablecloth. This operation is performed so that the ironed central seam of the tablecloth is located on the axis of the table and both sides of it are at the same level from the floor.

The edges of the tablecloth should fall equally on all sides by at least 25 cm, but not lower than the seat of the chair. A smaller descent gives the table an unaesthetic appearance, a larger one is inconvenient for those sitting. The corners of the tablecloth should go down along the table legs, covering them, and be at a distance of 35–40 cm from the floor.

When covering a table with two tablecloths, the first is laid on the far side of the table (in relation to the main entrance to the hall), the second is placed on top of the first with the side on which the edge was previously turned inward so that a straight line is formed.

Table setting with plates

Depending on the type of service, a small dining room, snack or dessert plate is placed opposite the guest’s chair. The distance from the plate to the edge of the table top should be approximately 2 cm. The emblem or design, if any, on the plate should be facing the guest.

When serving a banquet, the appetizer plate is placed on top of the shallow dining table. In this case, it is advisable to place a napkin between them, but so as not to cover the emblem.

The pie plate is placed on the left side of the main one (small dining room or snack bar) at a distance of 10–15 cm from it, depending on the number of cutlery (forks) to be placed later.

There are various options for placing a pie plate in relation to a small dining room or snack bar.

When placing the plate on the table, take it large and index fingers, which pull in one direction along the side, the remaining fingers only support it.

Table setting with cutlery. Cutlery is placed to the right and left of the central (small dining room, snack or dessert) plate: knives are placed on the right, blade to the plate, forks on the left, tines up.

Table setting begins with knives

They must be placed on the right side of the plate, placed in the direction from left to right: tablevyy, fish, snack bar. It is customary to place forks on the left side of the plate, placing them in the direction from right to left: dining room, fish table, snack bar. The guest uses the cutlery in the reverse order while eating.

The butter knife is placed on the right side of the pie plate. The tablespoon is always placed on the right side, with the indentation facing up.

Dessert cutlery is placed behind the plate (small table or snack bar) in the following order (from the plate to the center of the table): knife, fork, spoon. When setting the table with a dessert plate, dessert utensils are placed to the left (fork) and to the right (knife) of it. Often, when serving, only one of the dessert utensils is placed or in pairs - a spoon and fork, a knife and a fork. The cutlery is placed at a short distance from the plate, and next to each other, but so that they do not touch.

The following guest places are served at a distance of 70–80 cm (from the center of the main plate).

Table setting with glasses

The glasses are placed in last resort, holding them by the leg or bottom edge. The glass that is placed first is called the main one. This is usually a water glass and can be placed centrally behind the plate or moved to the right until the top edge of the plate intersects the end of the first knife.

Then the remaining glasses are installed. In this case, there are three ways to arrange them: in length, in a semicircle and in a block, but with any of them you must adhere to next rule: lower glasses are placed in front of higher ones (the “organ pipes” principle). This makes pouring drinks easier.

Today there is a tendency to reduce the number of glasses. Even at the most formal dinners, one glass (universal) or two are placed - a glass for water and a glass for wine (universal). All subsequent glasses are served additionally, if necessary, with the corresponding dishes. Beer glasses are usually placed next to the appliances in homes, but in restaurants they are served only upon order.

Setting the table with napkins

Linen napkins are placed on a snack or dessert plate, paper napkins are placed in special stands and vases. It is possible to place the napkin on the pie plate or directly on the tablecloth between the cutlery (knife and fork). Various options folding napkins are shown in Figure 1.

1 – envelope, 2 – book, 3 – “into space”, 4 – cap, 5 – crown, 6 – umbrella, 7 – double crown, 8 – cap
Figure 1 - Options for folding napkins

Menage

Finally, salt, spices and seasonings are placed on the table. At mass service During the daytime, salt and pepper can be placed on the table. In other cases, it is recommended to add only salt when serving; other spices and seasonings are served with the appropriate dishes or at the request of consumers.

Characteristics of different types of table settings

Preliminary table setting. This is done before guests arrive. Daytime service (breakfast, lunch) includes snack bar and pie plates, cutlery (knife and fork; knife, fork, spoon), cutlery, wine glass, linen napkin, a device with spices.

In the evening (dinner), it is necessary to supplement the serving with snack utensils and remove the tablespoon. You can put dessert cutlery.

When setting the table for serving tea or coffee, the tea (coffee) saucer is placed to the right of the main plate at the level of its upper edge. The cup is placed on the saucer with the handle to the right. The tea (coffee) spoon is placed on the saucer to the right of the cup parallel to its handle.

Additional table setting. It is carried out at the time of serving guests after receiving an order for a particular dish. May include all utensils, utensils and drink glasses needed to serve custom-made meals.

Service methods

Depending on the number of serving guests, the class and equipment of catering establishments (restaurants, bars), various methods service. The most common are the French, English, American and Russian service methods. All methods of service use the labor of waiters.

French service.This type of service is common in haute cuisine restaurants, where it emphasizes the elegance of the service. French service is considered the most impressive and expensive in the world. A large dish with food laid out on it is shown to the guests. This takes into account visual perception a person of beautifully served food, which undoubtedly stimulates the appetite.

Approaching from the left side, the waiter places food from the dish onto the guests' plates. French view The service can be used both when serving individual guests and a large company.

English service(service from side table). In this method, the waiter places food on the guest's plate on a side table, then serves it from the right side. This type of service is labor intensive and is therefore only recommended for serving a limited number of guests (4-6).

American service.Food is prepared and plated directly in the kitchen. The waiters serve and place plates to the guests. This type is popular due to its simplicity and efficiency.

German service.The food is laid out on a large dish and placed on the table at an accessible distance from the guest so that he can serve himself.

Russian service. Food is served on a service platter. The waiter divides it into portions in front of the guests, then the guests themselves put these portions on plates.

Table setting for everyone existing rules- this is always a sign of attention from the owner of the house to his guests. Unfortunately, you don’t see a properly set table very often today, especially at home. However, table setting is a real art, mastering which, you bring beauty into your life. That is why it is so important to know the rules of table setting - in order to be able to create a festive atmosphere in your home every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and in holidays surprise your guests with fancy decor, intricately folded napkins and luxurious tableware.

Sequence of table setting

The table should be set according to next plan: tablecloth; dishes; cutlery; glasses, wine glasses, glasses; napkins; table decoration. To begin with, table setting may seem like a really complicated science to some, but after some time, when setting the table according to the rules becomes a habit, it will seem to you that this task is easier than ever!

Table setting begins with laying out a tablecloth on the table. It would seem, what could be simpler? Throw the tablecloth over the table - and it's done. Actually exist certain rules on this score.

Firstly, the tablecloth must be perfectly ironed and have a presentable appearance. There is nothing good about setting the table with a crumpled tablecloth or oilcloth. The smoothed tablecloth, or rather its corners, should fall opposite the table legs, covering them evenly. There are also requirements for the descent of the tablecloth on all sides - at least 25 cm and, in no case, lower than the seat of the chair.

Such requirements were not introduced by chance, since a tablecloth on the table that is too small looks unsightly, and if it is too large, it causes inconvenience to guests. Once you've covered the table with a tablecloth, it's time to start arranging the plates.

Types of plates

The purpose of most of the plates from the table above can be easily guessed by their name; however, there are also dishes that are not entirely obvious. A pie plate is used to serve croutons, pies or bread. The chill plate is used to serve various snack dishes, such as oysters, salads or stews. The menu plate, as you can easily guess from its shape, is used to serve several types of salads or side dishes at once. It is also used for serving fondue. Scrambled eggs are served in an egg plate, jam, preserves or honey are placed in a rosette, and a bowl is intended for serving fresh berries, jellies and fruit salads.

What kind of plates you place on the table on a holiday or weekday evening depends on the number of dishes served. Serving a two-course dinner requires one plate, and a four-course dinner requires different plates.

Naturally, the plates on your table should be perfectly clean and dry. It is advisable to polish them to a shine before serving.

According to the rules, a snack plate (see table above) is located opposite each chair. You shouldn’t put it on the very edge of the table, it doesn’t look very presentable! The pie plate is placed to the left of the diner, as you can see in the photo above.

If you are setting a table with several dishes, in this case you place small dinner plates, etc., under the appetizer plates.

Types of cutlery

1,2,3,4,6,31 - spoons: coffee, tea, dessert, table, for making coffee, for ice cream;
5, 7, 8, 9 — tongs: large pastry tongs, for asparagus, for ice, small pastry tongs;
10 - device for trimming cigars;
11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 26 - forks: lemon, lemon, cocotte, fish, dessert, dessert, snack, snack, table fork for main courses;
14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 25 - knives: for second fish courses, dessert, dessert, snack, snack, table knife for main courses;
24 - ladle;
27, 28, 29, 30 — blades: pastry, for pate, for fish, caviar;

After arranging the plates, you should immediately lay out all the necessary cutlery. Knives are placed to the right of the plates, forks to the left. A tablespoon is placed near the knife. For a multi-course holiday dinner, the utensils should be laid out as follows, starting to the right of the plate: table knife, fish knife and appetizer knife. You place a butter knife on the pie plate. If first courses are intended to be served, a soup spoon is placed between the diner and the fish knives. If fish is not included on the holiday table, a tablespoon is placed instead of a fish spoon. To the left of the plates are forks corresponding to knives in the same order in which the knives are laid out: table, fish, diner.

Also, cutlery should not be piled on top of each other; the distance between forks and spoons should be about 1 cm.

Table setting: glasses, wine glasses, glasses

To the right, behind the plates, we place the glasses from largest to smallest. Depending on what drinks will be served on the table, glasses for water, white/red wine, champagne, a glass for juice, a glass for spirits and glasses are sequentially displayed. When displaying glasses, you should hold them by the stem to avoid leaving fingerprints on the glasses themselves.

Table setting: napkins

What's a holiday table without napkins? Napkins are not only a wonderful table decoration, but also a very practical thing. Napkins come in linen and paper. Cloth napkins are not intended for wiping your hands or face; there are disposable paper napkins for this purpose. Fabric napkins good housewives usually beautifully decorated for guests to place on their laps.

Table decor

Regardless of whether you are having a holiday dinner or a daily breakfast, a properly set table involves decorating it with flower arrangements, vases with fruit, the same fabric napkins, dishes with bright vegetables, etc.

Serving (from French. servir - serve) has the following meanings: preparing the table for breakfast, lunch, dinner; proper placement of dishes, cutlery, and table linen intended for these purposes on the table.

Basic requirements for table setting:

compliance with the type of service: breakfast, business lunch, lunch or dinner according to the custom-made menu;

aesthetic orientation (correspondence of the shape and size of the plates to the shape and size of the table, combining them with the color of the tablecloth and napkins, the forms of folding the latter);

coordination of serving items with the decorative design of the interior of the hall;

compliance of tableware with the range of dishes, snacks and drinks served;

reflection of national characteristics and thematic focus of the hall or table.

There are two types of table setting: preliminary and additional. Preliminary is called serving, which is carried out when preparing the restaurant hall for service before the arrival of consumers, which significantly speeds up the service process and gives the hall solemnity and elegance.

Additional serving carried out in accordance with the accepted order and taking into account the range of dishes and drinks served.

Preliminary sorting of the table is carried out in the following sequence:

covering the table with a tablecloth;

serving with plates;

serving with cutlery,

serving with glassware;

laying out napkins;

arrangement of cutlery with spices, vases with flowers and other table accessories.

The specified sequence ensures quick serving and safety of the dishes Covering the table with a tablecloth is carried out as follows. First, the tablecloths, ironed and folded in four along the length, are laid out on the tables, then each one is unfolded and placed along the length of the table (Fig. 5, a). Take the edges of one of the sides with both hands (Fig. 5, b); the tablecloth is raised and lowered onto the tabletop with a sharp movement, as if shaking (Fig. 5, c). The air cushion formed between the unfolded tabletop and the tablecloth makes it possible to lay it in the desired position (Fig. 5, d). In this case, the central fold of the tablecloth should coincide with the center of the table (Fig. 5, d), the perpendicular fold should also run through the middle of the table.

When covering round and square tables, the edges of the tablecloth should fall equally on all sides of the table at least 25-30 cm from the edge of the tabletop, but not lower than the seat of the chair. The corners of the tablecloth should go down strictly along the table legs, covering them. When covering rectangular tables, the descent of the tablecloth from the ends increases to 35-40 cm.

It is not allowed to level the tablecloth by pulling the corners or stroking its surface with your hands. After covering the table with a tablecloth, the chairs (armchairs) are arranged, which is a guideline for the correct placement of plates on the table.

In Fig. Figure 6 shows a diagram of covering the tabletop with moulton, a tablecloth, a naperon, and arranging chairs. When setting a table with two small tablecloths, first cover the table with the tablecloth on the side opposite the entrance to the hall, then with the second tablecloth.

The tablecloth is replaced if a large stain has formed on it (Fig. 18). The waiter stands at the end of the table and pulls the tablecloth towards himself so that the opposite side is located along the edge of the table (a), then the tablecloth prepared for replacement is placed on the table, folded in four so that its middle is located at the bottom (b), the bottom the side of the clean tablecloth is lowered over the opposite edge of the table (c); Hold the middle edge of a clean tablecloth with your index and thumb, and with your middle finger

And ring fingers- the edges are stained. Gradually remove the dirty tablecloth and at the same time cover it with a clean one, moving towards you. The table top should not be exposed when replacing the tablecloth (d). Before changing the tablecloth, dishes and drinks are moved to the utility table. If the stain on the tablecloth is small, it should be squeezed out with a towel and covered with a napkin.

Utility tables, which are placed next to dining tables during service, are also covered with specially sewn tablecloths or large napkins.

Table setting with plates Depending on the type of service, table setting can begin with arranging serving, snack or pie plates. Plates (serving, snack plates) are placed on the tables strictly in the center of each chair (armchair) at a distance of 2 cm from the edge of the table, pie plates - 5-10 cm from the edge of the table and 5-10 cm to the left of the snack plates. The company logo on the plate should be located on the side opposite the edge of the table.

When setting a table with serving plates, the waiter takes a stack of each type of plate in his left hand and arranges them with his right hand. You can place a handbrake or a napkin folded in four on your left hand under a stack of plates. Each plate is pushed forward slightly with the thumb of the left hand, then with the right hand they are removed one by one and placed on the table. The table is set in the same way with snack plates, which are placed on serving racks. In both cases, the waiter moves clockwise (from right to left). Then the table is set with pie plates, holding the stack in the palm of the right hand, placing them on the table to the left with the left hand. At the same time, the waiter moves along the table from left to right.

Table setting with cutlery. After the preparatory work (wiping, polishing with a handbrake), the waiter lays out the cutlery on a medium tray covered with a napkin, or on a small dinner plate with a napkin folded in an envelope. The cutlery is placed on the tray in the order in which the table is served (Fig. 19). If the cutlery is placed on a plate, then table knives, snack knives, table and tea spoons are placed inside the envelope; Table and snack forks are placed under the folded corner of the napkin.

The table can be set with cutlery by holding it in a handle folded into an envelope, so that the cutlery is directed deep into it.

First, the table is set with knives and spoons, holding the handbrake in the left hand, then the table is set with forks, placing the handbrake with cutlery in the right hand. To the right of the plates (serving and snack bars), knives are laid out with the blade facing the plate at a distance of 2 cm from the edge of the table to the handle of the utensil in the following sequence: table knife, table spoon (for dinner), snack knife. To the left of the plate, lay out the forks, tines up, in the following order (from right to left): table forks, snack forks. The distance between the plate and the device, as well as between devices, should be no more than 0.5 cm. All devices should be located on the table parallel to each other.

Table setting with glassware(Fig. 20). On a tray covered with a linen napkin, place wine glasses in the amount of 4 or more units (a). The waiter approaches the table and places a wine glass with his right hand along the axis of the serving or appetizer plate. This arrangement of glass or crystal is called centric. You can place the wine glass to the right of the plate at the line where its top edge intersects with the end of the first knife. This arrangement of glass or crystal is called right-handed. The distance between the plate and the wine glass should be 0.5 cm.

Table setting with glass can be done by hand, holding four wine glasses between the fingers of your left hand. by the legs with the containers down (the hand is turned palm up)(b). When setting a table with glass, the waiter moves clockwise with the tray, stops on the right side of the chair, takes the wine glass with his right hand by the stem, without touching the container, and places it on the table to the right.

Laying out napkins. A napkin is a mandatory table setting item. It should be well ironed and beautifully folded. The linen napkin should not be heavily starched. The most convenient to use is a semi-soft napkin. When folding napkins, take into account the possibility of folding them comfortably and simply so that when unfolded they do not look wrinkled.

When setting the table, the waiter places napkins on appetizer plates, and in the absence of the latter, on the table between the cutlery.

When serving consumers on a daily basis, paper napkins are sometimes included in table settings for breakfast or business lunch. Each napkin is beautifully folded and placed in vases, stands and directly on the table. Do not cut paper napkins into pieces and place them in vases and stands.

Arrangement of cutlery with spices. The waiter places a salt and pepper shaker on a small dinner plate covered with a linen napkin folded in an envelope, and an ashtray under the folded edge of the napkin and places the spice utensil closer to the center small table or along the axis, and the ashtray is closer to the edge of the table on the opposite side. In this case, the salt and pepper shaker should be placed in the right hand between the thumb, middle and index fingers, without touching their upper part. For a table for six or more people, two or more spice utensils are recommended. They are placed on the table asymmetrically on both sides behind pie plates in line with the wine glasses. Often, devices with spices are placed on special stands. You can place bottles of vinegar next to them, vegetable oil and hot sauce.