Types of table setting. Classic table setting

Table setting is a sign of good manners and hospitality of the hostess, so it is very important that the set table is replete with not only tasty and steaming dishes, but also beautiful elements, correctly arranged knives and forks.

This fascinating and certainly creative activity will be discussed in this article. Here you will find recommendations for correct layout cutlery, as well as photos of table settings in different styles and colors.

Since ancient times, eating was not just an everyday activity. Gathering in company big table, a seemingly simple dinner became something of a celebration.

At the table they didn’t just eat food prepared in advance, people communicated, shared news and their thoughts. As a result, such a concept as table setting was born.

The correct and beautiful arrangement of cutlery and dishes gave the festive table a special look, and with the advent of the first rules of table etiquette, proper table setting became an integral part of any feast.

Moreover, in ordinary home conditions, it’s not even a matter of etiquette. In fact, it’s just nice when there is order and a special atmosphere on the table.

But let's get down to the basic rules that will help you decorate the holiday table.

What you need to know about table setting

First of all, make sure that all dishes and cutlery are clean. To do this, first, without exception, all devices should be wiped with a warm and damp towel, and then polished dry with a dry one. Make sure that there are no water stains on the utensils and dishes.

The tablecloth must be carefully ironed. Its edges should hang down from the table by 25-30 centimeters, so that the corners slightly hide the table legs. Many housewives, in fear for the tablecloth, cover it with oilcloth on top, however, according to the rules of table setting and etiquette, this is unacceptable if you are receiving guests.

Number of cutlery on the table for each plate in different situations may be different. It all depends on the dishes that will be served during the meal.

Well, the last “golden” rule is that the location and type of equipment for each guest should be completely the same.

Proper table setting

Take a look at the following image:

The photo shows a classic table setting according to European etiquette. The picture shows all types of cutlery as an example. Of course, you most likely won’t need the entire “set,” so looking at this picture, you can arrange the cutlery in the same way, but leaving only what is necessary on the table (depending on the dishes).

For example, for an ordinary classic Russian dinner, it is enough to leave pie plate for bread and butter, a spoon for the first course, a fork for the main course, a table knife, a decorative and soup plate, a glass for water. In each specific case, something may change, for example, if there is dessert on the dinner menu, it is worth adding the appropriate cutlery to the table.

Types of napkins and their location

Napkins are one of the most important accessories on the festive table. There are two main types of napkins - fabric and paper. Cloth napkins (large in size) are usually intended to be placed on the guest's lap (to prevent food from getting on clothes).

Paper napkins are usually used directly for eating, and they should be located in the center of the table, so that they are accessible to everyone. If the table is large, it is worth placing napkins in several places so that everyone at the table has direct access to them.

By the way, napkins can be placed on the table either in a regular napkin holder or by making original figures out of them. Below in the picture, you can see the four most regular options figurines made from napkins. As you can see in the photo, a beautiful table setting largely depends on the appearance of the napkins and their color.

By the way, if the feast does not include a first course, then a beautifully folded napkin should be placed on each guest’s plate, but remember that in this case all napkins must be the same, and in the center of the table there must be a supply of them at the rate of 2-3 napkins per guest .

Table setting - photos with examples

Above in the photo, you saw a classic version of table setting, but it is not at all necessary to strictly follow these rules if more are born in your head. interesting ideas. You can decorate the table perfectly different ways, the main thing is that the main devices are located in in the right places, and the rest is at the discretion of the hostess.

Let us separately celebrate such a holiday as New Year. Everyone's favorite feasts can be not only tasty, but also beautiful.

Let's take a look at a few more successful options in the photo:

As you can see from these photos, table setting is quite a personal and creative activity. And although the rules are the same everywhere, it’s worth trying to “play” with the colors of napkins, dishes and tablecloths. Sometimes this has an amazing effect.

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 items in the form of wedding rings or hearts are suitable for the wedding table.

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.

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

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 a strong aroma, it will mix with the smell of the 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.

Don't choose too tall decorative elements– 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.

Today we will talk about how to set a table beautifully and correctly, giving examples of photos of table settings for various holidays or everyday dinners. 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 lie on your knees or are used to wipe your mouth, they are much denser in material, they are large in 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 a specific type of 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, straight glasses, shot glasses, or two-tiered glasses with complex shapes are used. 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

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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 have Blue colour, some 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 different 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 chosen to match general 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 stunning 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

Proper serving of cutlery and appropriate decoration can create a special atmosphere, in which even the simplest homemade dish will be perceived as a culinary masterpiece.

For a real housewife the ability to set a table is no less important than the presence of culinary talents. Proper serving is a sign of attention and respect for those sitting at the table, as well as an indicator of the taste of the hostess herself.

Where to begin?

Before you start serving, you need to carefully plan and think through everything. You should definitely take into account the number of guests and the menu - the type and number of dishes determines what cutlery will be used.

First of all, a carefully ironed tablecloth is laid on the table. They cover it in such a way that the corners cover the legs of the table, and the edges hang down from the table by 25-30 cm. The edge of the tablecloth should not fall below the seat of the chair, so as not to cause inconvenience to those sitting.

To prevent dishes from knocking on the table, you can place them under the tablecloth. soft cloth(for example, fleece).

Even the most expensive and beautiful tablecloth should not be covered with oilcloth on top as a precaution - etiquette does not allow this. But purchasing and laying a Teflon tablecloth on the table is not forbidden.

The Teflon coating of this tablecloth does not allow spilled drinks and grease to be absorbed into the material, so they can be easily removed with a sponge. After removing the liquid, there will be no unsightly marks or wet spots left on it.

In some cases, plates or runners may be used instead of a tablecloth. The first are stands of various configurations placed under plates and cutlery. Dish plates can be plastic, bamboo, rattan, or simply paper. The second are narrow strips of fabric, spread only in the center of the table.

As for cutlery and utensils, Before installation, you need to check them for integrity(there should be no chips, cracks, rust, bent parts) and cleanliness.

To remove dust and water marks, wipe all dishes with a damp, warm towel and polish with a dry cloth.

Important! Proper table setting requires that all sets of cutlery be placed in the same order. In an informal setting, it is allowed to use different utensils for different guests. But at the same time, each individual participant in the meal must have all the cutlery from the same set.

What is it for?

There is a wide variety of serving items. Most of them are not used at home every day, but they may well be needed for organizing a banquet or festive dinner.

Dishes

About 35 of their species are known. However, the most commonly used are:

• Soup. A deep plate in which not only soups are served, but also muesli, milk with cereal or oatmeal. But broths, according to the rules, are not served in such dishes - special bowls are provided for them.
• Table plates. They are shallow and deep. The shallow ones are used for serving main courses, and the deep ones are used to put pasta and other pasta dishes.

• Pirozhkovaya. Bread, croutons or butter are served on it. Place it on top and slightly to the left of the main set. Place a small butter knife on top of it.
• Chill. Externally it resembles a mollusk shell. Designed for salad appetizers or oysters.
• Fish. Slightly extended for easier handling of fish dishes.

In addition, there are caviar plates, egg plates, dessert plates, salad bowls and many others. In addition, there is also such a type of plate as a serving plate. It is placed under a plate for appetizers, soups or main courses.

According to the rules of etiquette, it may differ from the rest of the dishes (be from a different set or a different color).

Glasses

The most commonly used glassware for drinks is glasses and wine glasses. They can be different in shape, volume and have various purposes, which should also be taken into account when preparing to welcome guests:

• Classic elongated glasses with a volume of 120-200 ml are intended for champagne sparkling wines. served for refined champagnes. It must be cooled before filling.
• The glass, slightly different from the classic one with an increased volume and a slightly narrowed neck, is served for sophisticated champagne wines. It must be cooled before filling. And fill it no more than 2/3.
• For white wine, use glasses with an elongated bowl on a narrow stem, with a volume of 180-260 ml.
• Red wine is poured into wider and more open glasses.
• Cognac glasses can have a classic shape (snifters) or a tulip shape.

Cutlery

Over the years of evolution of the art of cooking and serving, no less than plates, cutlery has also appeared. All of them are usually divided into main and auxiliary (they are also called serving utensils).

The first ones are intended for individual use. The second is used by all participants in the meal. They are used to separate and cut dishes into portions and place them on individual plates.

The main devices, in turn, are divided into:

• Dining rooms. They are used to eat soups and main courses. The set includes a knife 20–24 cm long, a fork and a spoon, which are 5-6 cm shorter than the knife.
• Snack bars. Designed for appetizers and cold dishes. Consists of a knife and fork.
• Fish. Set of slightly modified fork and knife. The fish knife is dull, in the form of a spatula. The fish fork has shortened tines.
• Dessert. A trident fork 18-19 cm long, a small spoon and a knife with a narrow blade. Served with pies, mousses, puddings and other desserts. The dessert spoon can also be served with fried eggs and creamed berries.
• Fruit. These include a two-pronged fork and a knife. They are used for fruit salads, melons, watermelons and unpeeled fruit desserts.

In addition, special utensils designed for specific dishes can be served (for example, a fork for oysters, sprat or lobster).

What and how to use?

The greatest difficulty is most often caused by laying out and using cutlery. A rule can help here: devices are always used in the direction from edge to center and from right to left. This means that when there is an expected change of dishes, the cutlery that lies farthest from the main plate will be used first. When in doubt, first take the device located on the right.

Arrangement rules

Serving is a whole science with centuries-old history, which has its own rules and exceptions. However, if you remember the basics, then setting the table correctly will not be difficult at all:

• The dishes are placed on the table in a strictly defined sequence. First - earthenware and porcelain items, then - cutlery. Finally, they place objects made of glass and crystal.
• It is necessary to lay out everything so that the closest thing is what you need first. When planning several courses, dishes and cutlery are arranged in the order in which the food will be served. At the same time, it is not necessary to pile everything on the table at once. It is enough to put the utensils intended for serving dishes for the first and second courses. Dessert sets can be arranged later - after the main ones have been removed.
• The knife should be placed so that its blade is turned towards the dish.
• According to etiquette, the glass (glass) should be located above the knife. If several types of glasses are used, then they are all placed side by side.
• Forks must be placed on the left side of the plate.
• Spoons are always located to the right of knives.
• If you plan to serve Italian dishes, there should be a bread plate on the table.
• If there is soup on the menu, a soup spoon is placed between the knives for appetizers and fish.

In addition, there are several more generally accepted rules governing the arrangement of individual serving items.

Dishes

According to the rules, the layout of dishes should begin with the plates. In this case, they must be placed so that they are 1.5-2 cm from the edge of the table. The distance between them should be approximately the same. It is believed that dishes should be placed at intervals of 50 cm - so that those sitting at the table feel comfortable.

Plates with cutlery should be placed opposite each chair. Their number depends on the variety of the menu and the type of meal. For example, one plate will be enough for a regular snack, but two plates will be served for lunch and dinner.

Plates of smaller diameter are always placed on top of larger ones, which allows you to quickly replace them while saving space on the table.

Spoons and forks

Cutlery is laid out after the plates. They must be placed on the sides of the main plate, with the concave side facing the table.

Forks are placed on the left side, spoons and knives are on the right. A teaspoon can be placed on top.

It is important to place on the table only those devices that are really needed. Most often, for a regular meal, one knife, one fork and two spoons (for a hot dish and dessert) are enough. If necessary, this set can be supplemented with special devices.

Glasses

You can place glasses behind the plates, a little to the right. When deciding on the variety of glasses, goblets and wine glasses, it is necessary to take into account the number of guests and the options for drinks offered to guests.

According to the rules, containers for drinks should be arranged from largest to smallest. At the same time, you should not place too many glasses or stacks - this will only clutter the table and may cause inconvenience to guests.

Does color matter?

Color in serving has the same importance as when decorating the interior or choosing an outfit.

Most often, the table is covered with a white tablecloth, but any other color can be used to create an unusual atmosphere. Here everything will depend on the nature of the event and the preferences of the hosts.

White tablecloth, for example, perfect option for formal dinners. It goes well with porcelain, crystal and looks elegant in any situation. Wherein White color can be easily combined with any other. A table decorated in a black and white palette will look original.

A combination of white and delicate pastel shades will help give a romantic mood to dinner or lunch. A green color will bring warm spring notes to the meal. A table setting made entirely in green will look original.

A combination of white and blue will also be beautiful, but red must be used with caution, since under different conditions it can have different effects on others and affect the situation at the table.

Decor

Decor will help complete the serving and give it completeness. The main decorative element is napkins, which can be placed in a glass of water, placed next to the plates or placed on top.

For the quiet family lunch You can use large napkins; for breakfast, smaller ones.

For large celebrations and holidays, napkins can be folded in the shape of flowers or tied in an original way. The color and pattern of napkins can be absolutely any, the main thing is that it is in harmony with the overall design picture.

Serving – ancient art decorating a table for a shared lunch or feast. To decorate the table in accordance with generally accepted rules and customs, you should familiarize yourself with them. It is necessary to learn the order of arranging cutlery and serving dishes, and also take into account the recommendations of specialists in choosing decorations and decorative elements to realize the ideal serving.

Peculiarities

Today, few people pay due attention to studying traditions and customs, so not every housewife can talk about table setting or explain what it is. But it is worth familiarizing yourself not only with the concept itself, but also with the history of the development of serving.

By serving we need to understand the correct arrangement of plates, cutlery, napkins and other elements for the meal. Great value The choice of decor plays a role.

​Serving can be presented in several varieties:

• Preliminary- is the simplest. With such serving, it is enough to partially arrange the dishes and cutlery that will initially be required for the dishes presented first on the menu. When a new dish is served, the dishes will be replaced at the same time.

During pre-serving, it is necessary to use a table knife, a fork, a teaspoon, a pie plate, a wine glass, a wine glass, decorations for placing in the center, a pepper shaker and salt shaker, as well as a cloth napkin without a print.

• Banquet room– consists of simultaneous arrangement of decor, plates and cutlery. To create this type of serving you will need snack utensils, namely:
  • forks and knives;
  • soup spoon;
  • fish utensils;
  • baking plate;
  • bakery plate;
  • butter knife;
  • dessert spoon;
  • pepper shaker;
  • soup plate;
  • small saucer.

Silk napkins are the ideal decoration for this type of table setting. They can be in the form of rectangles or squares.

• "Bistro"- the usual arrangement of dishes for a casual breakfast or lunch in an informal setting. It can be used in areas where self-service is used. This type of serving is used in establishments where personal staff are served. The choice of cutlery and their location depends on the menu, the cost of the dish and even the style of the establishment. The table should be decorated with a tablecloth, as well as additional napkins.

Rules

For proper decoration of a table at home, in a chic restaurant or cafe it is necessary to follow generally accepted serving rules. If you set the table correctly, then the holiday will be brighter and more spectacular. A mistake when choosing dishes can ruin the whole holiday. The type of meal affects the choice of plates, glasses, even napkins, as well as other elements.

Used frequently serving for two. This option is ideal for embodying a romantic atmosphere. To decorate the table, you can use a variety of elements (candles, alcohol in the form of champagne or wine, a fruit basket). It is worth giving preference to a tablecloth of snow-white or bright red color.

To set a table for two, you need to maintain synchronicity. The dishes should be placed opposite each other, and the distance between the interlocutors should be small so that they can touch at arm's length.

When creating a romantic atmosphere, you should not focus on proper serving; on the contrary, it is better to use a minimum of utensils and cutlery.

When planning home banquet You should take care of the comfortable location of each guest, and for this you should maintain a certain distance. If you need to accommodate 4 people at a table, then you can use both the square and oval options. But remember that for a convenient location for one person you need 76 cm, and for an overweight guest - 90 cm. Furniture with standard sizes Ideal for comfortably accommodating 4 people.

If 6 people are to be seated at a table, then more information needs to be taken into account. You can choose rectangular or round table.

To seat two people on one side of a rectangular table, its width must be 240 cm, since there must be 46 cm free on each edge.

When choosing round table for 6 people, it is worth considering that the radius of the tabletop must be at least 80 cm, then 76 cm can be used for serving for one person.

To conduct a joint family holiday you will need a large table. Standard dishes and cutlery are designed for a maximum of 12 people.

• You should decorate the table with a tablecloth.
• Arrange the plates, taking into account the number of people at the table.
• Arrange cutlery.
• The location of glasses, glasses, wine glasses largely depends on what kind of alcoholic drinks will be consumed.
• Arrange and decorate the table with original napkins.
• Decorating on a specific theme.

Subtleties of serving

To beautifully organize a meal at the table according to etiquette, you need to take into account many nuances and details. To organize a meal at home, you first need to purchase a beautiful set of dishes. All family members should be provided with the same plates and cutlery.

Before serving you need to think about the menu first, since each dish requires a certain set of serving. When arranging appliances, it is worth remembering that at least 80 centimeters of free space must be allocated for one person. This distance is enough for a comfortable position at the table.

All equipment must be clean. It is better to wipe each fork, knife and spoon with a dry towel before placing them on the table to prevent the possibility of stains from residual water.

How to arrange the devices?

At home, you can beautifully decorate the table for a shared meal if you set it up correctly. First you need to cover the table with a tablecloth and purchase a beautiful set of dishes and cutlery. You can’t use all the dishes to set the table at home. It should be selected depending on personal preferences and food needs.

The tablecloth plays a major role in table decoration, as it sets the tone for the entire event. For a holiday, you should choose an exclusively white tablecloth; for everyday use, you can use the product in yellow color or cream shade. The main thing is that the tablecloth is washed and ironed.

For informal meetings, you can use colored tablecloths in light colors; for themed meetings, models with prints; for example, for celebrating a child’s birthday, a tablecloth with a children’s theme is suitable. A table covered with two tablecloths looks original, and they are positioned in such a way that the corners of the lower tablecloth are visible from under the upper one.

Options with a minimal amount of decor look beautiful, although you can use models with perforation, lace or complemented with silk ribbons.

When choosing the size of the tablecloth, remember that you need to start from the dimensions of the table on which it will be located. According to etiquette, the edges of the product should hang over the edge by about 30 centimeters. But there are also exceptions. For example, in Italian and French restaurants it is considered normal for the edges of the tablecloth to touch the floor. When choosing a product material, it is better to give preference to cotton or silk.

There are 35 types of plates for table setting, but usually only 5 or 6 types are used. According to the rules of etiquette, all plates should ideally be from the same set or at least be made in a single style direction. The choice of plate type depends on the dishes that will be served on the table, and their quantity depends on the number of people who will be present at dinner.

The main types of plates that are very often used for serving: soup, flat plate (large and small), dessert (shallow and deep), pie plate, herring bowl, mustard plate or bowl, meat dish.

Need to choose the right cutlery and arrange them correctly. To begin with, on the right side of the dish you need to place a soup spoon, place a fork and a snack knife near it, then a coffee or tea spoon. If all this needs to be placed directly next to the main plate, then the dessert spoon is usually placed behind the plate. The butter knife is usually located on the pie plate.

Before serving, the cutlery must be thoroughly polished to a shine. Often in cafes, cutlery is placed directly on a special napkin.

A classic choice among glasses is the option for champagne and wine. There are other types of glassware for alcohol, but they should be placed on the table depending on what drink will be presented on the table. These can be glasses for liquor, whiskey, shot glasses.

When arranging glasses, you should adhere to the following sequence: for red wine, white wine, champagne and a container for stronger alcohol in the order in which they will be served on the table. Don't forget that there should be a glass for water or juice on the left side of the table.

Serving napkins are an indispensable element for decorating a formal feast. They can be either paper or fabric. Most people prefer napkins made from various types fabrics. Linen models with a square shape and large size are often used. They can be placed on the knees to protect clothes from possible stains or used as decoration.

Paper napkins are intended to be used during meals, so they should be placed in the center of the table so that everyone can easily reach the napkins. To do this, you can use a napkin holder or special figures with clips. For special occasions, you should use plain paper models, without a bright and catchy print.

IN modern interior In a dining room, the main element is often the round table. Many housewives are faced with the fact that round table top provides less space than rectangular. When setting a round table, you should use only the necessary items: a flat and deep plate, a fork for the main course, a knife and a wine glass. If the guest wishes, other items of tableware can be served. Decorate the center of the table with a bouquet of flowers, a bright and unusual dessert or a bottle of wine, complemented by a red or black napkin.

If a birthday is celebrated in the home circle, then the table should become a bright accent when organizing the holiday. To achieve this goal, it is worth using unusual desserts, choosing decorations, and also using beautiful table setting dishes.

If you are deciding what to set the table with, then you should start from the personality of the birthday person. To decorate the table in honor children's party It’s worth decorating the table beautifully with soft toys or images on cardboard of famous cartoon characters. For children, you can organize a simple sweet table.

To decorate a table in honor of a young girl’s birthday, then you should pay attention to fresh flowers at the table, fashionable dishes made of multi-colored glass, vases with fruit, and attractive desserts.

For men, the table should look more concise. It should be covered with various foods: meat, tomato and cucumber salads and side dishes.

When setting a festive sweet table, it is worth considering that only desserts are presented on the table. You should not use decor, as it will look unnecessary against the backdrop of bright desserts. It is worth using plates in several tiers, stands for muffins or cake pops, and pyramids. It is worth using dishes in a single color scheme.

To decorate a table, even for one person, according to etiquette, you should use a tablecloth and place napkins made of paper or fabric on it. Kitchen utensils you will need:

• the plate is flat, deep;
• table spoon, dessert spoon, tea spoon;
• fork;
• glass for water;
• wine glass

To decorate the dinner it is worth making a certain order actions:

• Cover the table with a tablecloth.
• Place a large flat plate and place a deep one on it.
• On both sides of the plate you should place cutlery intended for the main course, and then for the appetizer.
• The teaspoon should be placed in front of the plate.
• At the top on the right side of the plate there is usually a pair of tea or a wine glass.
• Additionally, the table can be decorated not only with fabric napkins, but also with exquisite candles or fresh flowers.

Setting a table for organizing lunch is quite simple, since it has virtually no differences compared to setting a table for dinner. The only difference is that dinner table can be decorated only with napkins or flowers. And you also don’t need to use a snow-white tablecloth for the dining table.

It is worth taking a more practical approach to this issue and using silicone or plastic substrates. They are characterized by ease of cleaning.

If you are going to organize a dinner for guests, then the serving remains the same, but the number of cutlery and plates only increases. An alternative to tablecloths are special stands designed to protect from hot dishes. You should not use additional decor.

Dinner for guests requires a snow-white tablecloth. To begin with, you should serve light snacks with liqueur or wine.

It is very difficult to organize the correct arrangement of cutlery at a party when many guests will be sitting at the table on your own. Therefore, you should not pay special attention arrangement of cutlery and plates, the main thing is to lay a white tablecloth and decorate the table with napkins. The main task is to create the maximum comfortable conditions for relaxing at the festive table.

Using napkins

Napkins are an integral attribute of serving. To decorate the table for tea drinking, you can use rectangular or round napkins. Linen options are ideal for decorating a table in honor of a celebration.

It is customary to place a napkin made of paper or fabric at the bottom of the plate or to the left of it. Paper napkins can be placed in a special napkin holder.

There are many ways to fold a cloth napkin in interesting ways. It can be presented in the form of an envelope, a cone or a sail. Unusual animals or delicate flowers. Each option looks elegant and cute, so you can come up with your own version of decorating the napkin.

For a festive feast

At a holiday, the table always plays a huge role, because it acts as a stylish accent. To decorate a festive feast, you can use small vases with flowers, special rings for decorating napkins, porcelain angel figurines, as well as silk or satin ribbons. Formal tablecloths, balloons and serpentine will look beautiful.

The choice of table decorations depends on the holiday itself and its purpose. It could be a romantic dinner, an anniversary or a wedding. An important element is fabric napkins and an elegant tablecloth.

For a regular dinner or lunch, napkins decorated with rings and fresh flowers are used. This decor is suitable for a regular tea party. It is worth understanding that dishes, cutlery, tablecloths and napkins must be very clean. To set the table beautifully, you can use bright napkins. They will help give the feast originality and effectiveness.

A lot of effort must be put into decorating a banquet. To decorate the table in honor of Christmas Eve or Easter, you should use appropriate decorative elements. To organize a large banquet, it is worth using decorative elements made in the same color and style. Wipes can be bright colors, but must be sterile. Flowers can be used both fresh and artificial. The choice is completely individual.

When organizing a wedding feast, the emphasis should be on the places for the newlyweds. They should be decorated with symbols on the theme of love. These can be figurines of swans, roses, hearts or posters with wishes. For the newlyweds, separate glasses, originally decorated, should be presented. Snow-white dishes with a silver or gold border and, of course, a white tablecloth look beautiful on the wedding table.

Remember that the festive table setting consists of large quantity nuances. In order not to forget anything, you first need to make a preliminary serving - arrange the important elements. Just before the feast, it will be enough to add additional cutlery and plates to create a complete table setting.

To serve a Russian holiday table, it is worth understanding that traditionally a lot of different foods should be presented on such a table. To decorate a table in a traditional style, just select several dishes from the national cuisine.

When serving a traditional Russian feast, you should adhere to the following scheme:

• Snacks - there should be a lot of them, because the traditional drink is vodka, and it requires a good snack. Pickled cucumbers and pickled tomatoes must be present on the table. Many people really like mushrooms with onions or sauerkraut with beets. Among cold appetizers, meat options and sliced ​​salted lard are in demand. Among the salads, you should give preference to “herring under a fur coat” or “Olivier”.

• Main courses are served hot. Often a pig or poultry is prepared for the table in the oven. They are usually filled with porridge and decorated with apples. Often, cabbage rolls and home-style roast or fish dishes are served on the festive table.
• Dessert - traditional are cheesecakes, pies, gingerbreads, as well as filled pies, baked apples with sugar syrup and aromatic cinnamon.
• Drinks - traditionally, strong vodka is placed on the table, which is often infused with tangerine peels, pine nuts or various herbs. Among non-alcoholic drinks, kvass and fruit drinks made from berry jam are in demand.

Delicious food should have a beautiful, attractive appearance so that you immediately want to eat it. When choosing dishes from a certain world cuisine, you should understand that table decorations are different countries produced in different ways, using a variety of decorative elements.

Table setting in France is a unique art. It differs in many ways from traditional serving in Russia. The French are famous gourmets who have an excellent understanding of delicious food and also pay a lot of attention to table decoration. They highly value high-quality and stylish dishes, tablecloths, and decor.

The peculiarity of serving in France is that they always use stand plates, which not only add elegance and beauty to the serving, but also stand out. reliable protection tablecloths from various stains.

Serving in Japan is very different from the European presentation, so for us it is quite complex and multi-component. To perfectly master the peculiarities of Japanese serving, you need to have a good understanding of plates, cups, trays, bowls and chopsticks. The Japanese value convenience and comfort. When serving, they tend to be asymmetrical, creating free compositions and taking into account the available space. All decorative elements on the table should be positioned freely.

An interesting fact is that the arrangement of cutlery varies from country to country. For example, when positioning the fork in England it should lie with the cloves up, and in France - with the cloves down.

Beautiful examples and options

• Spring. It is worth focusing on natural colors and textures. The tablecloth on the table is not mandatory element. The table can be decorated with a wicker stand. A branch of a living tree will allow you to decorate the table setting. Place a white napkin on a green plate, a cream plate and a transparent dish on top. There should be a fork and a teaspoon on the right side of the plates, and a wine glass at the top right.

• For a romantic dinner Fresh flowers and candles are often used as decoration. A red tablecloth will set you up for a romantic wave. Snow-white dishes are suitable for table setting. To begin with, you can place a square plate, and on top - a round-shaped plate. An ideal addition would be a soft pink fabric napkin folded into an envelope. On the left side there is a knife, on the right there is a knife and a soup spoon. Above the plates there is a glass for water and champagne.

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