Table setting for various types of service. How to properly serve cutlery? How to properly set a table in a dining room

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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. On pie plate you put down the butter knife. 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

Which one festive table no 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 floral arrangements, vases of fruit, the same fabric napkins, dishes with bright vegetables, etc.

The rules for setting the table are not just about preparing it for breakfast, lunch, dinner or tea. This is a kind of art that depends more on the taste of the person setting the table, and not on his financial means.

The aesthetics of the table depends on the tablecloth, napkins, cutlery, dishes, flower arrangements present on the table, as well as on the overall harmony with the interior of the room, its color range and style.

In addition, the table setting rules have the following requirements: compliance with the type and occasion of the feast, combination with the menu and correct location serving items.

There is a certain sequence of actions that helps to quickly and correctly arrange numerous serving items.

First, cover the table with a tablecloth, which must be spotlessly clean and ironed. It is desirable that the ends of the tablecloth hang evenly from all sides of the table by about 25-30 cm, and the corners of the tablecloth should cover the legs of the table.

After this, the plates are placed. It is recommended not only to wash and wipe them well, but even to polish them until they shine with a towel or napkin. The snack plate should be placed strictly opposite each chair at a distance of about 2 cm from the edge of the table. A pie plate is placed at a distance of 5-15 cm to the left of the snack plate. In this case, the center of the plates should be on the same line. Depending on the type and occasion of the feast, there may be several plates. In such cases, small dinner plates are placed under the appetizer plates, and the pie plate (bread plate) can be placed so that the edges of the plates farthest from the edge of the table are in line with the small dinner plate.

Serving examples for a two-course menu.
A deep plate is used for the main course. The dessert plate is served later as needed. Cutlery is arranged in such a way as to avoid confusion in its use: the knife and fork lie next to the main dish and, accordingly, are intended for it. The dessert spoon lies behind the plate with the handle facing to the right. If wine is served, then on the right behind the knife there is a corresponding glass for white or red wine. If several drinks are served (beer, juices, water), the remaining glasses should be placed in the same place.

IN in this case A deep plate intended for spaghetti sits on a large stand. A bread plate is a must with Italian dishes. Spaghetti is eaten with a spoon and fork, so the knife is replaced with an appropriate utensil, the dessert spoon lies in the same way as in the previous case, and the butter knife lies on the bread plate. Water is always served with Italian dishes, so a glass of water (mineral, for example) should be in the first position, closer to the dish. The wine glass is located on the top left behind the water glass.

Cutlery is laid out immediately after arranging the plates. If present a large number of knives, forks and spoons, then start with cutlery for the main course. Knives are placed on the right side, blade towards the plate, forks - on the left side, tip up. The soup spoon is placed with its spout up, next to the knife. If the menu includes several dishes that require the use of separate appliances, proceed as follows. A table knife is placed closest to the plate, next to it to the right is a fish knife, and last is a snack knife. By the way, if you serve butter with bread, then place a small butter knife on the bread plate (or pie plate), which should be located to the left of the fork. If soup is served, the soup spoon is placed between the snack knife and the fish knife. It can be used instead of a fish knife if a fish dish is not provided. On the left side of the plates there are forks corresponding to the knives - table, fish, diner. The distance between the devices should be slightly less than 1 cm, as well as the distance between the plate and the devices. The ends of the cutlery handles, as well as the plates, should be 2 cm from the edge of the table.

Now it’s the turn of glass (crystal) dishes. Each drink has its own serving item. If it is intended to serve only water, then a wine glass or glass is placed behind each plate, in the center or slightly to the right. It should be located at the intersection of the top edge of the plate with the end of the first knife. If kvass or fruit drink is served instead of water, then instead of a wine glass a mug is placed, with the handle facing the right. Alcoholic drinks are provided with their own dishes, which are placed next to the wine glass, to the right of it. When there are several items for drinks, the wine glass is moved to the left of the center of the plate, and next to it, to the right, the rest of the items are lined up on the same line. But it is not customary to place more than three items in one row. When fully served, drink items are arranged in two rows. The distance between objects should be at least 0.5-1 cm.

Serving examples for a four-course menu.
There is a deep plate and a soup cup on a stand. The soup spoon lies on the right along the outer edge, then the knife and fork for appetizers. The knife and fork for the main course lie next to the plate. Remember, guests always start eating with cutlery that lies on the outer edge, and then take cutlery towards the plates as they change dishes. Next: the dessert spoon is placed behind the plate. A glass of white wine, which is supposed to be used for appetizers, is located on the top right behind the soup spoon. If water is served, the glass for it is placed on the left behind the glass for wine. And finally, the red wine glass for the main course is placed in a straight line above the other glasses.

A soup plate and a deep plate stand on a stand. Next to the left, just above the forks, is a plate for bread. The cutlery is located as follows: the soup spoon is on the right next to the fish knife, the fish fork is on the outer left edge, and for the main dish, the corresponding fork and knife are located near the plate. Small knife for butter and a snack lies on a pie plate. Dessert utensils lie above the plates: the fork is with the handle to the left, the spoon is with the handle to the right. Glasses are placed in the following sequence from the soup spoon to the right and up: for white wine for appetizers, a glass for water and a glass for red wine for the main course.

A napkin is an indispensable attribute of table setting, which is laid out immediately after placing glassware (crystal) on the table. There are many ways to roll napkins, both simple and requiring some skill. Folded napkins are placed on each guest's appetizer plate. In some cases linen napkins can be replaced with paper ones.

The final touch to the table setting is the arrangement of cutlery with spices, vases with flowers and other decorative elements. Utensils with salt and pepper are placed in the middle part of the table on special stands. If there is a need for it, the device with mustard is placed nearby. You can also place bottles of vinegar, vegetable oil or hot sauces next to the spices.

And, of course, only flowers will add a festive touch to the table. Plants must be spotlessly clean; petals, leaves and pollen must not be allowed to fall onto the table. Flowers can be placed on the table in any flat dish or low vases so that the bouquets do not obscure the people sitting at the table or the dishes for which the setting was carefully selected.

Compliance with table setting etiquette primarily indicates good attitude the owner of the house to the guests. However, in Lately 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 on the palm right hand, the thumb and middle fingers clasped the base of the knife from the side, and the index finger lay 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. 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 ones - 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, placed reverse side to 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 located on the right, glasses on the left, forming straight 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 table decor option is a tablecloth made from 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. appearance. 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 point In setting the table for breakfast, the goal is to create a good mood and comfort during the meal.

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. Table decor creates special atmosphere, which 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 dishes and cutlery of different colors. 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. Next stage– placement of cutlery at a distance of 0.5 cm from a 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 start setting the table by arranging glass and crystal dishes, after which vases with flowers and bottles of alcoholic drinks 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 compliance classical rules table etiquette is the key to a successful holiday dinner, Sunday morning and friendly gatherings with friends over a cup of aromatic coffee.

10 etiquette secrets from aristocrats (1 video)

And the art of table setting has a thousand-year history. Each era had its own feast culture. In addition, at different nations there were their own ways of decorating the table and serving dishes, corresponding to national culture and traditions. And today there are quite a lot of types of table settings, so let’s try to understand only the basic rules of table setting according to etiquette and its design.

The main elements of table setting are: tablecloth, dishes, cutlery, napkins and various decor. In order for all these items to be placed correctly on the table, you need to adhere to some rules, as well as a certain sequence of actions.

On the eve of the feast, decide on the number and type of dishes, napkins, cutlery, etc. - this will depend on the number and type of dishes, the number of guests, and the reason for the feast.

We set the table according to etiquette

Tablecloth

It is chosen depending on the type of feast, the color scheme of the dishes, the interior of the room - it should be in harmony with the curtains and upholstery. Usually give preference light shades. A snow-white tablecloth looks especially elegant.

However, tablecloths can also be colored - plain or with a pattern around the edge. But keep in mind that tablecloths that are too colorful and bright will tire the eye and distract from the dishes on the table. If you are using a dark tablecloth, match it with light-colored dishes.

According to the rules of etiquette, the tablecloth should be of such a size as to cover the legs of the table (rectangular or square), and its ends should hang evenly by 25–30 cm on all sides, but not fall below the level of the seats.

Spread the tablecloth on the table as follows: open it, then take it from one side by the ends, lift it, shake it and sharply lower it down. At the same time, a layer of air is formed between the table and the canvas - it facilitates further leveling of the tablecloth. Never stretch the canvas or pull it at the corners!

  • If the table is polished, place an oilcloth under the tablecloth.
  • Give preference to fabric tablecloths, especially from natural materials– they will create a truly homely or festive atmosphere.
  • Whatever tablecloth you choose, remember the main rule - it must be perfectly clean and ironed.

Cutlery and crockery

After the tablecloth is covered, begin laying out the plates and cutlery.

Dishes

Consider the etiquette of arranging plates:

  • Snack plate - should be located opposite each chair and at a distance of approximately 2 cm from the edge of the table.
  • A bread or pie plate is placed to the left of the snack plate at a distance of 5–15 cm.
  • If several dishes are provided, a dining plate should be placed under the appetizer plate.

During the feast, when changing dishes, plates are replaced in a timely manner.

Cutlery

Place the tablespoon and knife on the right, and the fork on the left. The dessert spoon is located behind the plate - with the handle facing to the right.

According to the rules of etiquette, they first begin to use cutlery from the outer edge, replacing them with cutlery towards the plate as the dishes change.

Try to maintain the distance between the cutlery and the plate, as well as between neighboring devices– it should be 0.5–1.0 cm.

Drinkware

Glasses, glasses, wine glasses are designed for only one type of drink. The wine glass is located on the right, and the water glass on the left. Usually they are displayed along one line, but always no more than three items. When full serving Drinkware is placed in two rows.

Adviсe:

Before serving, be sure to thoroughly wash and wipe all cutlery - there should be no smudges or stains on them. Buff them to a shine using stiff cotton towels or multiple layers of paper towels.

Napkins

They play an important role in table setting. There are a lot of options for folding napkins - this is a real art that you can talk about a lot. Let's focus only on the basic rules.

  • The material of the napkins is chosen depending on the type of feast.
  • For a festive table, fabric napkins (cotton or linen) are more suitable; sometimes they can be replaced with paper ones - in this case they are placed under the right edge of the plate.
  • The color of the napkins can be any - to match the tablecloth, candles or flower arrangements on the table, although contrasting colors are also allowed.

Cutlery with spices

They are placed at the final stage of serving. Typically, these devices are installed on special stands in the central part of the table. There must be salt and pepper on the table, and also, in accordance with the menu, mustard, vinegar, vegetable oil and other seasonings.

Decor elements

Choice decorative ornaments depends, first of all, on the occasion of the feast: a business meeting, wedding, anniversary or birthday, new year holidays and so on. And also from the style in which the apartment is made. For example, red napkins with turquoise color(you can read about this beautiful shade.)

For a dinner party, it is better to stick to a neutral decorating style, but if close people or friends come to visit you, the decorating style can be more free.

Figurines of the bride and groom, doves, as well as objects in the form of wedding rings or hearts.

For a birthday, create bright accents with the help of decor, and if it’s a children’s name day, use images of your favorite cartoon characters.

On New Year's table Compositions made from pine branches, Christmas tree decorations, tinsel, candles, etc., as well as New Year-themed figurines and souvenirs, will look beautiful.

The decoration of any table, regardless of the type of feast, will be flowers - bouquets or compositions of fresh flowers, as well as floral arrangements of dried flowers. However, when using them as decoration, pay attention to some points:

  • make sure that none of the guests are allergic to flowers;
  • do not choose plants with strong aroma, it will mix with the smell of dishes or interrupt it;
  • Place a vase of flowers at some distance from cutlery and dishes so that pollen or petals do not accidentally fall onto the guests’ plate.

Adviсe:

All decorative elements should be combined not only with each other, but also with the overall interior.

Do not choose decorative elements that are too tall - they should not interfere with guests seeing each other and communicating freely.

Don't use too much decor - remember that everything needs moderation.

The festive table should not only be abundant delicious dishes and delicacies. Try to decorate it in an original and correct way, because a beautifully set table is an indicator of your hospitality and good taste.

Holiday is good mood, meeting with friends and family, having fun and, of course, a festive table with mouth-watering and delicious dishes. Housewives try to prepare delicious and varied delicacies to please their households and guests. For the festive table, along with the taste of the prepared dishes, great importance has the correct and beautiful table setting, and table decoration. Beautifully decorated dishes and the use of various decorative attributes can make even an ordinary dinner unforgettable. And for a celebration, table setting is of great importance and can turn a feast into an aesthetic pleasure and create a special feeling of celebration.

Table setting is the correct arrangement of cutlery and dishes and decorative design, thanks to which you can create a cozy homely atmosphere or a pompous and elegant atmosphere corresponding to the celebration. The overall decoration of the table should be designed in general uniform style, not overloaded with extra canteens and decorative elements and correspond to the theme of the holiday.


For various celebrations, special decorative elements are used that indicate compliance with a specific holiday. All these elements refer to additional decoration that decorates the table and creates the overall mood. But there are basic components without which setting a festive table is impossible: cutlery, porcelain and glassware, textiles and paper products. These components should be correctly and conveniently placed on the table, creating a single harmonious style.


The basic rules for serving a festive table have been formed over many years and are now the art of decorating a celebration. The selection of all components must be approached comprehensively and carefully, without being afraid to experiment and innovate. The owners themselves decide how to set the table so that it not only has an aesthetically attractive appearance, but is comfortable for all the guests seated at it.

Selection and placement of serving elements

Proper setting of the festive table requires the presence of all the necessary cutlery, individually for each guest, so that he can sit and eat comfortably, having enough space for personal space. The main elements of serving are a tablecloth, napkins, plates, glasses and glasses, cutlery: forks, spoons and knives for various purposes.

Choosing a tablecloth

The color, size and shape of the tablecloth are of great importance. Since it takes up as much space as possible on the table and is the background of the overall decoration. The dimensions and shape must correspond to the parameters of the table, the optimal length of freely hanging edges is no more than 30 cm. The color of the tablecloth should be harmoniously combined with the dishes and correspond to the solemnity of the event. A white, light or pastel tablecloth will make the festive table especially solemn and elegant. This tablecloth will go well with any colored utensils. White plates will highlight the elegant setting, and any bright colors will stand out in contrast against a light background.


Intense colors of the tablecloth are more suitable for cozy feasts, creating a warm family atmosphere. A holiday for children should be bright and fabulous, which is why a tablecloth is chosen with a colorful, rich pattern. To decorate and create an unusual color effect, you can use a table runner or tablecloth; the appearance of a two-layer tablecloth makes the table decoration elegant and solemn. The photo shows a table setting using a naperon:

Plates and cutlery

The number of plates and utensils used depends on the intended course changes. Proper serving involves arranging dishes in a sequence that is convenient for use when serving dishes in stages. On the lower serving plate place a plate for the main course, the next appetizer and, if necessary, the topmost one for soup. A small pie plate for bread is placed to the left, slightly higher from the main plates.
Cutlery is laid out on different sides of the plate. On the right is space for spoons and knives, on the left for forks. The sequence of cutlery corresponds to the serving of dishes; the later the cutlery is used, the closer it is to the plates. A spoon for soup and a fork for appetizers are placed along the edges; a teaspoon and fork for the main course are placed closer to the plates. If necessary, utensils for fish or seafood are placed between them. On the right, with the blade facing the plates, knives are placed in the sequence of their use. Dessert cutlery is placed on top of the plates, parallel to the edge of the table; they will be needed last and will not interfere with the feast.
On the right, above the plates, all the necessary glassware for drinks is placed. The water glass is placed first, followed by the remaining glass or crystal wine glasses and glasses.


All unnecessary or used utensils are removed from the table during the meal so as not to clutter up the free space.
The sequence of correct arrangement of cutlery is presented in the table setting presentation:

Napkins - practical and beautiful

A special art is the use of napkins for table setting. In addition to their practical use, napkins are an aesthetic decoration for holiday table settings.


Typically, paper and fabric napkins are used; they are selected to harmoniously match the color of the tablecloth or dishes. The paper ones are used for the hands and mouth during the meal, and the fabric ones are laid out on the knees to protect clothes from getting food on them.
Napkins are placed in special holders, on a plate or in a glass. To make napkins a holiday decoration, a large number of ways to fold and decorate them have been invented. You can make various figures from them: flowers, candles, peacocks, Christmas trees and many others, amazingly transforming the festive table and corresponding to the theme of the celebration.
A few simple ways to fold napkins step by step:


All table setting rules are based on the convenience and practicality of using cutlery. By adhering to the basic criteria, you can create a cozy environment for guests. In the video, the master of setting the festive table talks in detail about the basic rules:

Decor for various holidays

Decorative elements for various holidays, which serve primarily to decorate and create an atmosphere of celebration, are very diverse. The use of candles and flowers is appropriate for any holiday table. Candles create a cozy, enchanting atmosphere. The use of flowers makes the holiday table elegant and delicate.

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