How to properly set the table. Proper table setting: instructions for use

2016-07-22 301

Content

How to set the table? There are no hard and fast rules in this regard. Of course, there are basic table setting recommendations, but the personal taste of the one who sets the table plays a big role in the placement of accents and especially in the choice of decor.

A beautifully set table creates a pleasant atmosphere of comfort, care, celebration. There are so many nuances and possibilities in this matter that the correct table setting is considered a real art.

Table setting rules

There are a few basic rules, following which, you can set the table beautifully. The price of cutlery and accessories does not matter much. The main thing is that the dishes, cutlery and everything around them harmoniously combine with each other and create a complete composition. Including - the interior of the room where the table is to be served. Without napkins, tablecloths, colors or other items for decoration, it will not work. So, we paint the algorithm in steps.

The table is covered with a tablecloth - clean and ironed. Its edges should fall from the edge by twenty-five to thirty centimeters.

Corners - located opposite the legs.

We arrange the plates, previously washed and wiped dry, even better - polished so that they shine.

A plate for snacks is placed exactly opposite the chairs, and about two centimeters separate it from the edge of the countertop.

A pie plate is placed 5-15 centimeters to the left (bread is placed in it).

If you need more than two plates, then a small dining room is located under the diner.

When a two-course dinner is supposed, you can first put one deep plate, and then bring a dessert one.

The knife and fork are located at the main plate: the knife is on the right, next to it is a spoon, the fork is on the left.

There can be several knives: they follow in descending order of magnitude - from left to right.

When served butter, for him you need to put a small knife on a bread (patty) plate.

If you need to use several forks, they are placed on the left side of the plate - as they decrease: dining room, for fish and for snacks.

Dessert spoon - behind the main plate (which is opposite the chair) parallel to the edge of the table, its handle is turned to the right.

For wine, the glass is placed on the right side, immediately behind the knife.

Other glasses or glasses are placed next to it.

When only water is on the menu of drinks, then glasses or glasses for it are located directly behind the main plate.

For kvass or fruit drink, you need a glass or crystal mug that has a handle.

If the table is served completely, then the dishes where drinks are poured stand in two rows.

All items on the table should be at least half to one centimeter apart.

There are subtleties of table setting for different dishes. So, it is customary to eat spaghetti with a spoon and fork, because there is no knife in the composition. In Italian cuisine, there is always water on the table - a glass with it is closer than others to the main plate.

Mandatory accessories

Napkins- it is necessary. As soon as the glassware is arranged, cloth napkins are placed on the snack plates, which are best folded beautifully. Sometimes you can use paper napkins.

And the final chord - utensils for spices, flowers in vases, other table decorations. Salt, so that it does not quickly moisten, is better to be used in a mixture - ordinary table salt with dry salt. And only half of the pepper is put in the pepper box.

Flowers they are very in harmony with the festive serving, however, the everyday table will only benefit from them. It is important that the vases for them are low. It is worth considering that pollen does not fall from the flowers and the petals do not fall off.

Serving a table for a celebration

A festive feast requires special preparation. This will help create an atmosphere of celebration, lunch or dinner will be great, guests will be satisfied.

In addition to dishes, you will need tablecloth: ideal - flawless white. You can choose a tablecloth with patterns, but soft. Let the tablecloth be elegant, and napkins - the same style. If you fold them in an intricate way, it will be even more interesting.

There is one pattern here. Table setting experts believe that crystal tableware requires only a white tablecloth, but porcelain can be combined with colors.

It is worth setting the table and decorating it in one style. This means that all utensils, cutlery, utensils for spices and decor - all this must be combined with each other. At the same time, it is important to take into account that the room where the table is laid is also in harmony with what is on it. If all these rules are observed, the effect is amazing!

For example, if the table is being prepared for, New Year-themed accessories are appropriate. wedding celebration suggests its own table design, and a birthday allows for any options. The main thing is that the table does not overshadow the birthday man himself.

Crockery and cutlery are arranged general rules, all as described above - point by point. Then everything will lie as it should. There are enough plates for different dishes. Guests will be comfortable, the food will be even tastier, and the overall atmosphere of the holiday will be on top.

Children's holiday

Children do not need excessive "strictness". It is important that young guests are as comfortable as possible. And so that the mood of joy and mischief is reflected in the serving.

Which one will tableware, it doesn’t matter for children: let it be comfortable and relatively inexpensive - exquisite porcelain or glass is not the most suitable option, because children can easily break it, which will spoil the mood. You can even use disposable tableware, but good quality with bright pictures.

It doesn’t matter for children whether there are delicacies on the table or ordinary, but interesting and favorite snacks. But they will appreciate if the food will be put on plates and there will be no need to impose and cut anything using a knife. Still, these are children who are not up to ceremonies.

It is good if there are as few items of dishes on the table as possible. The simpler the better. The main thing is that everything is comfortable.

But decor is almost the main condition for a successful serving of a festive feast for children. Different balloons, decorative paper decoration, bright tablecloth, caps, - all this will delight young guests. It is worth paying maximum attention to this. After all, children love to play.

The theme in which the holiday is held continues in the design of the table. When young “fairies” came to the girl, and everything around resembles a castle from a fairy tale, the table, of course, should be decorated in the same way. A holiday for boys, where there are a lot of robots and an appropriate animator and other decor, will be brighter if the table is also “robotic”.

Beautiful - every day

To enjoy a wonderful table setting, it is not necessary to wait for a holiday. It is only worth spending a little more time setting the table for a regular breakfast or dinner.

It will be easy if there are beautiful napkins and dishes in stock - albeit inexpensive, but in the same stylistic and color scheme.

The tablecloth in this case is completely optional. Against, modern trend- do without it in home serving. And replace with wicker bamboo napkins, wooden coasters or cloth napkins. You can link them yourself. Beautiful hard paper napkins are also suitable.

A beautifully folded napkin tied with a ribbon, a flower in a vase will help add sophistication. It’s not worth complicating serving: a minimum of dishes, but as much imagination as possible.

How to set the table: video

A real mistress always pays Special attention not only preparing delicious dishes for a particular celebration, but also serving holiday table. A beautifully and correctly set table stimulates appetite, promotes good mood and pleasant communication, harmonizes with the interior of the room and corresponds to this or that holiday, makes guests admire the talents of the hostess. If you want to know how to properly set the table - read about it in our article.

Tablecloth

A tablecloth is the beginning of any table setting. When choosing the color of the tablecloth, give preference to light colors and unobtrusive (preferably plain, although variations are possible depending on the interior of the room, the color of the dishes, etc.) colors.

Check the condition of the tablecloth at least a day before the celebration. It must be perfectly clean. Even the most inconspicuous spots have no right to be on it. Also, the tablecloth should be well ironed. A starched, freshly ironed tablecloth has an ideal look.

When covering the table with a tablecloth, make sure that its corners cover the legs of the table, and the ends fall from the edge of the table by about 30 cm. You can put under the tablecloth soft tissue- then the sound of the knocking of cutlery on the table will be completely inaudible. Putting a transparent oilcloth on the tablecloth (to avoid contamination of the tablecloth) is possible only if the family gathers at the table, but for guests (friends, work colleagues, etc.) this is unacceptable.

Placement of dishes

All utensils must be clean: they must first be washed and wiped dry thoroughly. It is very desirable that all the dishes on the table be from one set (if there are a lot of guests, then 2 or 3 sets for 6 people each - the main thing is that it does not turn out that all guests have different plates, glasses, forks) - otherwise, it will create impression of disharmony.

Plates are placed in front of each guest at a distance of about 2-3 cm from the edge of the table. Make sure that all the plates are on the same line. If there are several plates, they can be placed one on top of the other (snack plates are placed on small large plates). Guests' plates should be at least 60 cm apart so that those sitting at the table do not push with their elbows.

Cutlery is placed as follows: next to the main dish are a knife (on the right, sharpened side to the plate), a spoon (on the right, convex side down, placed if a first course is provided) and a fork (left, convex side down), a dessert spoon is placed behind the plate. If other cutlery is provided (snack knife, fish knife, oyster knife, etc.), they are placed in the order of use. A distance of no more than 1 cm should be observed between cutlery. Drinking appliances (a glass for vodka or cognac, a glass for wine or champagne, a glass for water or juice) are located to the right behind the knife.

Napkins

An important element of table setting are napkins. They can be fabric or paper. Cloth napkins (most often linen) are laid out folded on plates after the main stage of table setting is completed. If paper napkins - use a napkin holder for them. Choose napkins to match (or contrast) the tablecloth.

Dishes and drinks

The main dishes are placed around the perimeter of the table - you can try several options for arranging them so that it is as convenient and beautiful as possible. In the center, you can put the “signature” dish of the hostess or the dish that is best decorated.

Any seasonings for dishes: salt, spices, vinegar, sauce, etc. - put in the center of the table so that everyone can reach them. Bread boxes are placed on opposite sides of the table. Fruits are laid out on special wide vases (large fruits are recommended to be cut into slices). Dessert is placed behind a glass or served at the end of a meal (if the table size is small or the dessert contains quickly melting components: ice cream, jelly). All dishes should be served with cutlery (spoons, spatulas, etc.)

Drink bottles are placed in different places tables and open before the guests sit down at the table. The only exception is for champagne - it is opened immediately before pouring into glasses. Juices, compotes are best poured into decanters.

Flowers and other table decorations

Flowers are a great addition to the overall table setting. They should be placed in low but stable vases and placed on the table in such a way that they do not cover the faces of the guests, do not interfere with communication and eating. Pick flowers to match the tablecloth or dishes.

The table can be decorated with candles, small figurines in the theme of the holiday, and gel balloons. The main thing is that everything should be in moderation and complement the atmosphere of the holiday at the table, and not “irritate” the eyes.

Proper table setting, corresponding to the event, occasion and time of day of the feast, will allow guests to feel satisfaction from both the event and the meal itself.

Proper table setting not only emphasizes the delicate taste of the hostess, but also shows her respect for guests and household members.

The table is served taking into account the occasion, menu, theme and time of day. At the same time, the goal of any serving is to provide guests with a comfortable and pleasant pastime and convenient access to all the dishes presented.

Basic rules for table setting with cutlery at home

The first step is to select and lay tablecloth. For rectangular table take a tablecloth 50 - 60 cm longer than the tabletop. If table round or oval- 100 - 110 cm wider than the diameter of the countertop.

Calculate the length of the tablecloth so that its edges are 30-50 cm below the bottom surface of the table.

For a homemade dinner you will need plain white tablecloth, but other soothing pastel colors will do.

IMPORTANT: It is good if the color and texture of the tablecloth is in harmony with the color and texture of the curtains, upholstery of sofas and armchairs in the room. In any case, the tablecloth should be ironed flawlessly.

When the table is set arrange appliances. First of all - glass and porcelain plates and dishes. After them - knives, spoons, forks and other necessary devices.

The last put glass and crystal glasses, glasses, goblets.

The scheme of the correct sorting of the festive table

Lay out your appliances like this:

any knives put on the right, so that the cutting part is facing the plate
tablespoon put also on the right, so that its convex part is at the bottom
forks after serving the table should be on the left, while their teeth will be directed upwards
dessert spoon should be behind the plate, its handle is turned to the right

IMPORTANT: When serving cutlery, it is necessary to take into account that they will be used from the outer edge and change items depending on the serving of new dishes. For convenience, objects should be placed at a distance of about 1 cm from each other.

Basic rules for table setting with dishes at home

Plates are placed on the table first, and glasses, piles, glasses are the last.

Arrange the plates in this order:

medium plate(snack bar) place in such a way that 2.5 - 3 cm remain to the edge of the table.
Pirozhkovuyu (bread) plate position on the left, leaving about 10 cm.
If you plan to change dishes, put under the diner small dinner plate before laying a napkin under it.

IMPORTANT: Depending on the type of first course, choose a plate for it. If cream soup or broth will be served - take a bowl, if thick soup or borscht - a large deep plate.

wine glass put on the right water glass- on the left, but they must be in one line. Two rows of drinkware are allowed if a grand event is being prepared with big amount variety of food and drinks.

IMPORTANT: Tableware must be prepared in advance. To do this, it is washed, dried, carefully wiped with a towel. The main thing is that the dishes look perfect before serving. Divorces, streaks, cloudy or opaque appearance of it is unacceptable.

Folding napkins for table setting

Napkins- an essential attribute of any feast. No matter how beautifully folded paper or linen napkins are, do not forget that they, first of all, serve for the convenience of guests.

Therefore, any napkin should be located in the most accessible place, and even the most intricate napkin figure should be easy to unfold.

The drawings and videos show how to quickly and beautifully make a flat or three-dimensional figure from a napkin.

IMPORTANT: Volumetric figures from fabric napkins will keep their shape well, and the napkins themselves can be easily washed off dirt if they are starched.

To starch a linen napkin:

In 0.5 l cold water add 1.5 tbsp. starch and stir until you get a homogeneous solution of a cloudy white color that does not contain lumps.
Boil 1 liter of water, pour into the prepared solution and mix.
Cool and strain through cheesecloth.
Dip clean, dry wipes into the solution and wring out a little.
Hang the napkins to dry without using clothespins.
Start ironing between two towels as soon as all the water drains from the napkins.

IMPORTANT: According to the rules of etiquette, beautifully folded napkins should be at solemn feasts. For other events, napkins can simply be placed neatly in a glass or coaster.

Table setting rules for breakfast according to etiquette

To properly set the table for breakfast, follow the following scheme:

Arrange your dinner plates.
Set out cups and glasses.
Place a teaspoon on a saucer.
Set an egg stand on a snack plate, do not forget about a special spoon.
On the snack plate, also put a deep plate for porridge.
Put a coffee pot or tea with a hot drink in the middle of the table.
Serve sandwiches or croissants on a large flat dish.

IMPORTANT: On a breakfast table, a saucer for jam or honey, a butter dish, a salt shaker and a sugar bowl would be appropriate.

Table setting rules for dinner according to etiquette

There are several options for setting the table for dinner, since the dinner itself can consist of a different number of dishes:

Place a small plate on a table covered with a tablecloth.
Place a deep plate on a shallow plate - for the first course.
Add an appetizer plate if you are serving dishes that cannot be eaten from shared dishes.
To the left of the plates, place a fork, to the right - a soup spoon and a knife, and the knife should be closer to the plates, and the spoon should be closer to the edge of the table.
Decorate your dinner plate with beautifully folded napkins.
In the center of the table, place a salt shaker, vessels with the necessary spices and seasonings.
Place wine glasses and water glasses on the right and left, respectively.
Put a bottle with an alcoholic drink on the table in advance uncorked.
Fresh flowers in the center of the table will decorate and complement even an imperfect table setting.
Serve the oil in a butter dish.
First, serve hot in a tureen.

Table setting rules for dinner etiquette

Dinner, whether it is a formal dinner or a quiet family dinner, is always associated with warmth and comfort. Therefore, it is important for the hostess not only to properly set the table, but also to complement the serving with the appropriate details.

Pick up a tablecloth (suitable with a small pattern).
Place two small plates one inside the other, and to the left of them put a plate for bread.
To the left of the plates, place the forks with their teeth up, to the right - the knives with the blades to the plate.
Place the dishes for alcoholic beverages to the right of the plates, for water - to the left.

IMPORTANT: Table setting for dinner is similar to lunch setting, but differs in the absence of a deep plate and a spoon for the first course. This dish has no place on the table in the evening.

Beautiful festive table setting: rules

Festive table usually they cover not only for members of their family, but also for invited guests.

There are several rules for serving a festive table, following which any hostess will be able to show her ability to meet guests at the highest level:

Tablecloth for the festive table should be perfectly clean and ironed. It is advisable to spread a thick cloth on the table under the tablecloth, which will avoid the ringing of dishes in the event of an accidental fall, and also protect the table surface from spilled liquids. However, it is permissible not to cover a table made of expensive wood at all.
Crockery and cutlery, which are used for serving, must be from the same set. It is unacceptable to serve a festive table with dishes different colors and sizes. The cleanliness and brilliance of dishes must be impeccable.
How plates and appliances need to be laid out only in the order in which the hostess plans to serve the dishes.
Shouldn't be on the table. excess utensils and cutlery. Items "just in case" will not be needed, but only spoil the look of the table.
Everything alcoholic drinks are served on the table in pre-opened bottles, but champagne is opened immediately before serving.
For each guest, one cloth and several paper sheets should be prepared. napkins.
First course the hostess pours the guests into plates from the tureen. Someone from the guests or household can help her serve filled plates. You need to do this by approaching everyone present at the table from the right side.
Second course guests themselves put on a plate from a common dish.

IMPORTANT: The following order of serving dishes at the festive table is generally accepted: appetizer, first course, fish dish, meat, sweet dessert and fruit, tea or coffee.

Presence in the center of the festive table themed decor emphasize the efforts of the hostess and give the feast comfort and warmth.

Rules for serving a banquet table

Banquets arranged in honor of some major holiday, such as an anniversary or wedding. The very concept of "banquet table" implies that the event will be held in a specially rented banquet hall, the guests will be served by waiters.

Banquet attributes are:

various decorations (balloons, bows, special drapery)
entertainment for guests (live music, performances, toastmaster or host of the holiday)

Banquet table should correspond to the situation, occasion and general mood. The main rules for its serving:

Are used folding tables , which are arranged depending on the number of guests, the features of the hall, the type of service.
Tables are set white banquet tablecloths, leaving descents from the edges of about 25 cm.
First of all, arrange small plates. They are arranged in such a way that the distance between adjacent plates is at least 60 cm, but not more than 80 cm, and the distance to the edge of the table does not exceed 1–2 cm. Snack plates are placed on top, and patties on the left.
On right put knives, facing the blades towards the plates. All appliances located on the right: a table knife, a fish knife, a table spoon, a snack knife.
To the left of the plate: dining fork, fish fork, two snack forks.
Dessert fork and knife placed on a plate.
Also behind the plate are glass, to the right of the wine glass - glasses for stronger drinks.
Cloth napkins put on plates, after giving them a beautiful look.
Low flowerpots with natural or artificial flowers placed evenly in the center of the table.
It can also serve as a table decoration. vases with fruit and grapes.

IMPORTANT: For a banquet table, every little thing is important, so serving takes a very long time.

Table setting rules in a restaurant

The restaurant has two serving options:

banquet
preliminary (corresponding to the order from the menu) with dosing

The name of the serving "preliminary" speaks for itself - the serving will require addition after the guests choose the dishes and place an order.

Items that must be present on the guest table according to the rules pre-serving:

table knife, plate, fork
wine glass
cloth napkin
additional accessories (spices, folding menu cards, table number in the form of a plate, ashtray, etc.)

Dessert table setting rules

Dessert time is the end of the main feast. All dessert appliances are served shortly before the dessert itself is served. A fork is placed to the left of the dessert plate, a spoon to the right.

Dessert is served on serving plates. If it is chilled, it can be served in bowls or bowls.

Sweet table setting rules

Serving a sweet table has no fundamental differences. They put a plate, put cutlery in front of it. A deep plate is placed on top of a flat plate - for liquid sweets.

To the right of the plates are wine glasses and glasses. On the shelves you can lay out fruits or various cakes.

Before inviting guests to the table, it is covered with a tablecloth, preferably in soft colors.

A tea cup larger than a coffee cup is placed on a saucer. The spoon is placed on the saucer. A dessert plate is placed to the left of the cup. For sugar, special tongs are used.

Tea table setting rules

The main rules for serving a tea table are the same as the basic serving rules described earlier, however, a few recommendations will help create a more comfortable environment for guests invited to a tea party:

The color and style of the tea set should match the color and texture of the tablecloth.
It is desirable that a composition of fresh flowers be present on the table.
If a classic Russian tea party is expected, it would be appropriate and at the same time original to serve tea directly from the samovar, which is placed to the left of the hostess of the house or set on a separate table.
The milkman serves milk for tea. It is advisable to put the milk jug on a plate so as not to accidentally spill its contents on the tablecloth.
Cake, roll or pie cut into portions. Fruits are placed in vases, sweets - in candy bowls. Berries are laid out on bowls or plates.
Alcoholic drinks are allowed at the tea table.

IMPORTANT: Tea drinking is a time of laid-back intimate conversations. Even if the tea table setting is not perfect, the positive attitude of the guests and kind cozy atmosphere brighten up the evening and make invisible small flaws.

Rules for serving a buffet table

buffet are held at official receptions, corporate holidays, presentations.

The peculiarity of its implementation is that many people can attend the event, but neither a large hall nor special financial costs are required for this.

IMPORTANT: They arrange a buffet in the evening, it lasts a maximum of 2 hours. The purpose of the event is to communicate, make acquaintances. It is considered bad manners to be one of the first to eat and the last to leave the buffet table.

Features of table setting for a buffet table:

Tables are covered with white tablecloths and arranged in such a way that guests move freely around the hall. A separate table is prepared for dirty dishes.
There are no chairs, as during the buffet table guests themselves come to the tables and choose food.
Buffet menu - snacks, light salads. From drinks champagne and wine are allowed.
Wine glasses and stacks of plates are placed at the ends of the table, forks are placed next to the plates in special stands. Guests will take their own dishes.
The main thing is to leave enough space around the edges of the tables.
Napkins are placed in holders and spaced evenly.
Be sure to decorate the tables and the hall with flowers, fruit baskets.
Water and juice are poured into glasses, alcohol is left in bottles, having previously uncorked them.
The menu for the buffet table consists of dishes that can be easily put on your plate: canapes, sandwiches and light snacks.

Birthday table setting

Birthday- such a holiday that can be celebrated both in a narrow circle of relatives and closest people, and in a noisy company of friends, buddies and good acquaintances.

Depending on what kind of holiday the birthday person wants to arrange, you should choose the venue, menu, type of service.

If scheduled quiet family dinner, then either a festive table or a table for dinner is served.
If the birthday passes in the cafe or a restaurant with a prearranged menu, a banquet table is served.
Those who decided on their birthday visit a restaurant, but did not pre-book a table and certain dishes, a standard restaurant preliminary serving will wait.

Table setting rules for children in pictures

From childhood, you need to teach the child the basics of etiquette. In adulthood, this knowledge will come in handy more than once. So that when studying the rules of behavior at the table and the basics of serving it, the baby does not have any difficulties, you can conduct classes in a playful way and use special pictures.

Knowing and putting into practice the rules and features of table setting, you can feel confident when inviting guests or setting the table for a family celebration.

Joint feasts for a cozy, beautiful decorated table will bring positive emotions hosts and their guests and, perhaps, such feasts will turn into a good good family tradition.

Video: How to properly set the table?

Table setting at home is a whole set of laws of etiquette. Every housewife should be able to maneuver in this creative sea and distinguish between aesthetic nuances. Not everyone can afford to have a butler in their personal staff. Therefore, you need to learn how to receive guests on your own.

Holidays differ in the level of perception by society of this event. Let's start with small domestic joys: name days, homelands, christenings, dates from family history. Serving a festive table at home depends on the number of guests.

family celebration

Such events can involve both a large number of guests and a quiet family dinner. If you plan to arrange just tea gatherings, warn guests about this in advance. An invitation "for tea" implies the absence of a strict dress code.

The hostess is the heroine of the festive table, regardless of who is the hero of the occasion. On the table you can lay a bright colored tablecloth. From personal appliances, you can only arrange plates for pies and dessert accessories.

The hostess, sitting at the head of the table, pours tea and passes it to the guests. In the center you can serve various desserts: berries and fruits, cakes, pastries, cookies or sweets. In the middle there are also pots with jam and honey.

The decoration of the table are fresh flowers. You can put in the middle a small low vase with a bouquet or flower arrangement on a wide platter. The original decoration of the tea table is a traditional samovar. Don't forget brightly painted paper napkins. From alcohol, you can offer guests dessert wine or liquor.

Children holidays

Children have a lot of events that can be celebrated: a birthday, the first time in first grade, sports achievements - you can’t list everything. How to please the youngest household members?

Serving children's table at home implies maximum comfort and a minimum of restrictive traditions. Children must laugh! Offer them lots of colors and sweets.

Everyone loves sweets. Therefore, it is better to make a children's table dessert. Everything is very similar to "tea gatherings". Just don't offer hot drinks. It is better to serve the table with juices or compotes.

For a children's table, you can prepare bright colored jellies. It is undesirable to lay out fruits in large crystal vases. You can make individual chocolate baskets and put berry-fruit platter there: strawberries, apricots, grapes, raspberries, plums. Don't forget the cakes and sweets!

daily beauty

If you want your household to be charged with cheerfulness and good mood every day, delight them with gastronomic delights. Everyday table setting for dinner, lunch and breakfast is not much different from a democratic tea party. Only individual devices will be more. For breakfast, it is quite acceptable to serve the table “in tea”. But a family lunch or dinner is already a small event.

The tablecloth should be changed from multi-colored to plain. Ideally - a snow-white starch cloth. A tablecloth for dinner can be decorated with an ornament in the form of a wide strip around the edge.

The dining tablecloth should not hang more than 50-60 centimeters from the edge of the table. For lunch and dinner, linen napkins can be served with each appliance. If you are practicing traditional family meals, you can use table accessories such as napkin rings, silver and gold-plated cutlery.

The main dishes are placed in the middle of the table. You can immediately put cold snacks and hot. If the dinner is solemn, then an aperitif and appetizers are served first, then the hostess's signature dish.

The hostess is the queen of dinner. She must know with all the nuances how to properly set the table for dinner or for a birthday. Soup tureens and deep plates are placed on an additional table. Only small wide plates, cutlery, glasses and glasses are personally placed on the table. The hostess pours a hot dish and passes it to the household.

This traditional option can be replaced by a more democratic one: put the tureen in the middle of the table, and deep plates - personally. Everyone serves himself.

Don't forget to decorate dinner table fresh flowers. From alcoholic drinks, you can offer table wine, sherry, vodka. Cognac is not drunk at dinner. Port wine and beer are also excluded. Such drinks can be served with afternoon coffee or pleasant conversation at fireplace .

Dinner is served in the same strict manner as lunch. Only real flowers can be replaced candles in high candlesticks. Instead of crystal, you can put silver dishes on the table: common dishes, gravy boats, salad bowls. Evening is the time of soft shadows. Table setting must match.

Be sure to place paper napkins on the table. But do not forget about linen! The guests unfold the napkin and place it on their laps.

If the wedding table setting at home is very dense, you should not put fresh flowers. Better decorate garlands room. At the wedding, it is advisable to invite attendants who will change dishes. It is difficult for the hostess to keep track of all the guests alone.

Whatever celebration would be celebrated in your home, remember: the main thing is a good mood and a smile!

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

General table setting rules

A table laid according to the rules of etiquette always pleases the eye and it is pleasant to spend time behind it with a leisurely conversation. The basic rules for serving are quite simple.

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

By following these basic rules, your table will always be decorated according to etiquette.

Tablecloth on the table

The classic and win-win option is white tablecloth . She always looks elegant and solemn.
However, don't be afraid to experiment. It should be selected depending on the overall color palette cutlery, interior and type of feast. But one Golden Rule yes: the tablecloth should be combined with curtains and furniture upholstery.
Usually light shades are preferred. But they can be colored, plain and with a pattern. But the pattern should be located along the edge, because excessive variegation can distract the attention of guests. If you chose a dark-colored tablecloth, then the cutlery should be a light shade.
Now a large selection of shapes and materials of tablecloths, but usually choose its rectangular or triangular shape. It is best to choose one made from fabric, especially natural materials- it will give even more comfort to the feast. The size should be such that its edges can cover the legs of the table, and the ends should hang down by 25-30 cm, but not be lower than the level of the seats.

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

If the surface is polished, then it is worth laying an oilcloth under the tablecloth. The main thing is that it is clean and well ironed.

Cutlery - layout

To location cutlery etiquette must be approached responsibly. No need to put all kinds of devices on the table. They must match the festive list of dishes. Cutlery is divided into individual (which each guest has) and auxiliary - they are needed in order to lay out dishes.

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

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

Serving plates

There is a plate order.

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

The duties of the hostess include timely replacement with clean plates.

Serving with napkins

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

The material is chosen depending on the type of feast. You can take it to the holiday cotton or linen e. They are usually meant for guests to place on their laps.

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

Napkins can be of any color, as long as they are beautifully and neatly folded.

Spice utensils

It is customary to put them on the festive table at the very end of serving. They are placed on special stands in the center of the table. So you can use small boards or saucers as coasters. It must be a salt and pepper shaker, as well as additional mustard, vinegar, vegetable oil and other spices.

Glasses for drinks

It is necessary to remember in serving and about glasses. They can be made from both glass and crystal. For stronger alcohol, small glasses are intended. Therefore, a wine glass, a glass, a glass, glasses should be on the table.

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

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

pie plate;
diner;
wine glass;
saucer;
coffee cup and saucer.

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

A snack plate is placed opposite the center of the chair, a pie plate is placed to the left of it. The knife is placed to the right of the snack plate, with the blade towards it. Fork - on the left side, teeth up. A teaspoon is placed with the handle to the right, parallel to the table. In the center are placed vases with flowers, napkins and devices with spices.

How to serve lunch and dinner

The dining table setting is carried out taking into account that it is possible to serve guests conveniently and quickly. To do this, put a snack plate on a stand, on the left side - a pie. Cutlery is placed between them - on the right is a knife and a spoon, and on the left is a table fork. And in front of the cutlery is a wine glass.

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

Dessert table setting

To serve the dessert table, it is permissible to choose a brighter tablecloth. The ideal option will use a special tea service. It is customary to place beautiful lace napkins in the center of the table and under the tea cups. Serving a sweet table according to festive etiquette consists of the following cutlery:

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

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

Festive table setting

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

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

A napkin is placed on a serving plate and a plate intended for hot dishes is placed on it. On the left side of the snack plate, a patty plate is placed so that they are on the same line. The serving plate should always remain in its place, and others can change during the serving of dishes.

Forks and spoons should be no more than 3 pairs. To the right of the serving plate, put a soup spoon, snack and table knives, blade to the plate, and put the forks on the left side. On the right, you can put only a fork for oysters. Forks are placed with the prongs up, and the spoons are with the convex side on the table.
Location principle: the dish that is served first is the distant device.

Decor

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

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

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

With a special imagination, it is worth approaching the design of the table for a children's birthday. Can be attached to the back of chairs Balloons, and pictures from your favorite cartoons will be a bright detail. It is important that everyone decorative elements were kept in the same style. They should not be too high so that guests can see each other. The main thing is not to overdo it with decoration, so that serving at the holiday and decoration complement each other.

Depending on the interior and imagination, a festive or dining table can amaze guests with its sophistication. BUT additional elements serving will give it brightness and originality. The listed design principles are not complicated and are an indicator of good tone.