How to set the table. Festive table setting

A nice addition to preparing for the meeting of guests will be the correct table setting.

Of course, one can simplify a little the strict rules that are followed when setting tables at official receptions or in fashionable restaurants, but certain generally accepted canons still need to be observed at home.

1. Start serving the table from the tablecloth. A linen tablecloth in pastel colors is best suited. The length of the tablecloth should not be short, but not too long. Optimal size so that the height of the hanging of the tablecloth is 25 cm on all sides of the table.

2. A set for table setting must be selected according to the menu of the festive feast. All items in the serving set must be the same. They need to be washed again. warm water even if they were clean, and wipe dry with a towel.

3. decorative serving plate will serve as a serving center for one guest's place.

4. Devices should be placed so that they are in no case did not fall under the rim of a large plate. This will create inconvenience for guests.

5. According to the rule: each drink has its own glass, you need to serve such vessels for drinking, drinks for which are provided in the menu. Glasses are placed on top to the right of the serving plate.

The correct arrangement of objects when setting the table

6. Each guest must have on a plate should have a napkin. The napkin must be folded beautifully, but at the same time it cannot be wrinkled.

7. highlight holiday table should become decor. It can be fresh flowers, original compositions, chosen in style for the occasion of the celebration. The main rule for decorating a table is that there should not be too much of it, and it should not interfere, but rather complement the festive table.

8. All dishes on the table must be placed so that it was convenient for each guest to get every treat. Salt, pepper, bread are placed in several places at once. Snacks alternate: vegetable, meat, fish. All salads should have spoons. The most important dish takes pride of place in the middle of the table. It is desirable that all dishes have already been cut into portions, even before serving.

These rules will be enough to give the festive table a sophisticated and attractive look, at the same time delighting your guests with subtle aesthetics.

Every woman wants surprise your friends culinary delights at a festive dinner. However, in order to produce a stunning effect, it is necessary to understand how set the right table at home. Most correct location cutlery and dishes able to create a cozy atmosphere. This article will describe what you need to know about proper serving, how to to prepare qualitatively dinner table for a meal or holiday.

Table setting rules for etiquette

Table setting is usually called the correct arrangement of all cutlery and its colorful design. Optimal choice details for decoration and utensils depends on the purpose of the meal.

However, they always remain the same. following rules serving etiquette:

The banquet room must be bright, well ventilated and large enough to accommodate all the invited people.
Cutlery and crockery must be polished and washed well. It is worth making sure that there are no stains from water on them.
The festive table is chosen in any shape, but its dimensions are selected based on the total number of people. Experts advise that one guest should be about 80 centimeters long.
Festive tablecloth must be perfectly clean, high-quality ironed and match the dimensions of the table. It is necessary that the edges of the tablecloth hang no more than 35 centimeters, and the corners hide the legs a little.
Forks, knives, spoons and glasses should be placed near the plates in the correct order.
In addition to cutlery for personal use, additional cutlery should be laid out on the table, which are designed to lay food from large dishes.
All cutlery for the table and their location must be exactly the same. Do not use different sets, unsharpened knives, devices with flaws or chipped corners.

In order to cover the surface with a tablecloth with your own hands, first of all, you need to put the folded product on the table, and then, lifting it by the edges, lower your hands quite sharply. After these steps, the tablecloth will fit perfectly.

How to properly set the table

It does not matter whether it is a holiday or a regular meal, according to all the rules of etiquette, it is necessary to set the table in the following order:

a large table is covered with a clean tablecloth;
plates are placed opposite the chairs;
the necessary cutlery is located;
put glasses, glasses and glasses;
then you should arrange all the dishes;
have napkin holders;
there are containers with salt and sets of seasonings;
the table is decorated with various flowers, unique compositions or candles.

At first it seems to many that following all the rules for arranging appliances on a festive table is quite difficult. However, these rules are quite simple and were invented only for the convenience of a person. Cutlery should be arranged in order of their use. The most extreme are needed for hot dishes. Plates must be placed in the center of each seat 3 centimeters from the edge of the table surface. When many dishes are supposed to be served on any holiday, it is customary to put large dishes on smaller ones. Plates for bread or pies are placed at a distance of about 10 centimeters to the left.

Forks, spoons and knives are placed near the plate with the tip up, while the blade of the knife should look at the plate. On the left, you need to put the forks, and on the other hand, there should be knives. When dessert is served, the soup spoon should be placed above the plate, and in other versions, it is located on the right side, near the knife. Before an important holiday, such as a birthday, the list of utensils must include an additional small fork for snacks, utensils for fish or other dishes, and a knife.

There must be a distance of about one centimeter between the cutlery and the plate.. Glasses for drinks should be placed on right hand person. When it is supposed to serve water and wine at the same time, then the drink closest to the dish that is served very first is located. The nearest glass or glass must be on a certain line of intersection large plate and main knife. In the case when the dishes have handles, then it should be turned to the right. The total number of cutlery items for each person should not exceed more than three items. If people are confused about the rules for arranging appliances on the table, then you should watch special training videos.

How to arrange sets for spices and various napkins

Napkins are an indispensable detail when laying a festive table. Specialists distinguish napkins by the type of material. Linen napkins are usually placed under deep plates or used for protection. Paper napkins are placed in a napkin holder at a distance of about 40 centimeters from the edge of the table. And also napkins can be rolled into various interesting shapes, for example, envelopes, different flowers or ships.

When napkins are needed not only to give the table elegance, then they need to be very easy to unfold. When performing table setting, you should not forget about the spice set, which should contain pepper and salt. Do not fill the containers completely, it will be enough to fill them up to half. When there should be meat dishes on the menu, horseradish or mustard must be put on the table.

How to properly set the table for different events

On all weekends, the whole family is usually at home, and the woman cooks wonderful meals and all sorts of conversations are sure to take place when eating. This can be considered the most suitable time to give a special feeling to the meal with the help of high-quality table setting. home comfort. You can always create a festive atmosphere with your own hands. In cases where a family has children, this can serve as a good lesson in how it is customary to behave in a decent society. This requires different cutlery and skills on how to use them correctly.

How to set the table for breakfast

A good meal in the morning can set the mood for the whole day. In order to present dishes harmoniously, you need to remember some rules. First you should arrange plates for snacks, and then saucers with cups and small spoons. They are placed in the middle of the table so that any member of the family is able to get them. In cases where eggs are prepared for breakfast, it is customary to serve them in a specialized stand with a high leg. She must stand on a small saucer, on which an egg spoon rests. Any porridge is poured into a rather deep plate, which is located on top of the snack dishes.

It is customary to serve pies on a large dish, which should contain jam, honey or butter. To conveniently take oil, each person needs a small knife. Without fail, a beautiful napkin holder with many napkins should be on the table. It will be very beautiful when they are made in uniform style with tea heater. And also do not forget about sugar and salt.

Table setting for dinner

In the daytime, it is best to serve first, second and dessert on the table. That is why for the most high-quality table setting with your own hands, a much larger number of cutlery is needed for dinner than for a morning meal. For main dishes, additional forks, spoons and special spatulas are needed. Bouillon cups or large plates are usually placed on plates for appetizers, and desserts are served later, after the main dishes have been eaten and all the dishes have been removed. Do not forget about meat and fish knives. Only forks should be served with meat products.

How to set the table for dinner

Table setting for dinner is almost the same as the previous preparation. As a rule, pies or pancakes are colorfully served on a large dish. Dessert plates are placed immediately. On the right they put spoons or forks for dessert. When it is necessary to give the process of eating an atmosphere of romance, then it is worth putting candlesticks with candles on the table.

Proper table setting for the holiday

Before the festive meal, you need to take care of everything in advance decorative elements. Not only traditions and table setting rules are very important here, but also good combination shades of all elements. These include:

tablecloth and napkins;
crockery and cutlery;
candles;
flowers;
unique compositions.

What do you need napkins and tablecloths

The whole gamut of shades can be absolutely any, but it is quite important that the napkins harmonize well with the tablecloth. It is worth using the classic white color, bed shades of green, delicate lilac or blue. For a romantic dinner, delicate pink, burgundy or bright red colors are most suitable. These napkins should be given a unique shape or folded into the right tubes and carefully tied with a beautiful ribbon.

What cutlery and crockery do you need?

The festive table will be well decorated with dishes in the form of unusual geometric shapes, cutlery with unique handles by famous designers. And also a set of white porcelain will look unusual. However, when napkins and a tablecloth are also white color, then it is better to use a set of dishes with a beautiful border.

What candles are needed

A similar element is most suitable for a romantic date or wedding. When celebrating a birthday, you should do with candles on a birthday cake. It must be remembered that a candlestick plays a big role. They are thin and large, or candles are able to float in beautiful bowls that are filled with water and petals of various colors.

What flowers are needed

To decorate the table with flowers, you need to choose the right vases. Large ones should be used for bouquets that were presented to a person for his birthday. The most suitable when setting a table for a holiday are small vases that do not block the view of people. Additionally, it is worth considering a moderate aroma of flowers, which must not mix with the smell of food or somehow interrupt it.

What unique compositions are needed

Various fruit towers will look great on the festive table. Depending on what time of the year is in the yard, it is possible to make products from mountain ash, sand, cones or branches. Similar compositions can be combined with home furnishings. Handmade decorative products are now very popular.

For a holiday for children, you must choose plastic utensils or purchase safe appliances without pointed ends. A festive tablecloth is most suitable in different colors, with characters from fairy tales or cartoons. Near the napkins that need to be folded into a unique shape, it is worth putting small sweet gifts. When a little girl has a birthday, the table must be decorated with a variety of flowers. But do not overdo it with them, it is best to decorate the table with paper garlands or balloons. It is necessary to install special signs with the names of invited guests at each place at the table, which will help to avoid misunderstandings at the birthday party.

A beautifully and high-quality served table for a holiday is able to produce unforgettable emotions for guests at home. This is not a matter of etiquette at all. It will just always be nice if the apartment reigns full order and cozy atmosphere. That is why it is always important that the hostess knows how to set the table with high quality, knows the rules of etiquette and adheres to them.

A beautifully decorated table is the visiting card of the hostess. The first thing to consider when decorating a festive table is, of course, the theme, the purpose of the holiday. The festive table for a children's holiday will be somewhat different than for an adult holiday; decoration New Year's table will be different from decoration Easter table etc.

How to decorate and arrange a table for a holiday?

Decor and table setting

In order for your holiday to become the best and most interesting, it is not enough just to have delicious and varied dishes. You will also need to properly decorate the room, table, dishes, utensils, then dress up yourself ... And the most important thing is to convey a sense of celebration to your guests. And therefore, when they come to visit you, they should see the best, most beautiful and uniquely decorated table. Is it really possible to do without a snow-white tablecloth, without intricately folded napkins, name cards, menus, candles, etc. when decorating a table?

❧ Each hostess will decorate the festive standing, trying to make it as good as possible. The main thing is not to overdo it: a huge number of different trinkets on the table will only annoy.

Before setting the table, decide in what style you want to do it. The choice of style depends only on the availability of dishes and tablecloths of this style. And the dominant role still belongs to the dishes, since it is easier to pick up a tablecloth for dishes than vice versa. For example, if you are a happy owner of a crystal service, then you should set the table with a “ceremonial” white starched tablecloth, starched napkins and beautiful sophisticated bouquets in crystal vases. And if you have porcelain dishes, then you can fantasize endlessly with it, since you can choose tablecloths of any shape and color, as well as a variety of accessories for it.

Table setting. Rules

Festive tablecloths and napkins

Interesting napkins, colored or snow-white, folded into original figures, will give the table a special solemnity. Therefore, when choosing accessories for the festive table, you must determine what color they will be: the same color as the tablecloth, or shade and complement it. The main thing - do not forget that the tablecloth and dishes should go well with each other. If you have not yet purchased a suitable tablecloth for a table or tea set, then take your time - it can be made from an ordinary plain linen. Such a tablecloth will go well with any tableware, even plain colored ones. A bright “floral” service looks especially good on a plain tablecloth if the color of the tablecloth resonates in its design. If desired, you can decorate a plain tablecloth with a silk ribbon. This will give originality to your table, especially if the color of the ribbon matches the color scheme of the service. But for a coffee service, made with special elegance, a tablecloth and napkins decorated with simple lace are suitable. Also you can give new life old tablecloth, putting a beautiful tulle on top or transparent fabric with lurex.

Piquancy to your table can give paper napkins, designed in a special way. There are several interesting ways folding paper napkins. Now on sale there are a wide variety of napkins of various colors and with any pattern, so you can easily pick up napkins on the theme of the celebration. There are special holders for paper napkins, which are usually included in large sets. If you found only white (or colored plain) napkins, then they can be arranged as follows: for example, roll shapes from them: rolls, triangles, “fans”, etc. For napkins designed in this way, if there are no special holders , use a glass or crystal goblet.

Options for using napkins in table setting

More complex options folding napkins ( step by step diagrams folding napkins)

Simple but no less original variants use of wipes.

In this case, napkin rings are used, as well as flowers (live, artificial), ribbons, ribbons, snowflakes and other accessories.

Candles and candlesticks in the festive table setting

Burning candles on your table will add a special, romantic note to the holiday atmosphere and decorate any event. By the way, do not replace full-fledged lighting with candles: the festive table should be well and brightly lit. At poor lighting your guests may get bored, in which case the holiday will be ruined.

The color of the candles must necessarily match the rest of the table accessories (in the same range as napkins, plates or wine glasses). White candles will add special solemnity to your holiday, and red candlesticks in decorated spruce branches, will decorate the New Year or Christmas table. At the same time, you can arrange candles in different ways: put them in a flower arrangement, or place them in candlesticks between bouquets, arrange candles in small groups, and also screw them to flower holders so that the candles rise above the bouquets.

And you can arrange candles in various candlesticks, which can be made of a wide variety of materials: metal, glass, porcelain, ceramics, wood, etc.

❧ At the same time, remember: the candlestick must be combined with the dishes: do not put a ceramic candlestick served with crystal on a standing position.

If you don't like how the candlesticks look on your table, put the candles in short glasses where you can even pour water - it will look especially impressive. If you want to enhance this effect, then “serve” to the table a deep tray filled with water, on which a whole “sea” of candles can fit.

Candlesticks come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They also come in various heights. According to etiquette, it is customary to put long candles in low candlesticks, and low candles in high ones.

And in order for the candles to stand evenly in the candlestick, they must be burned from the ends or placed in hot water, and then, when the ends of the candles become soft, put in the nest of the candlestick or prick on its metal needle.

You can also make candles beautiful composition. For example, having fixed two, three or four candles of different sizes in a clay bowl, water is poured into the container, and the space around the candles is decorated with various fresh or dried flowers - and you have an original “floating” flower arrangement, which is enlivened by the fire of candles reflected in the water.

If you want to somehow decorate the table in a special way, then place small candles in low candlesticks near each guest’s device, as well as boutonnieres and name cards that will fit well into the overall composition.

Usually candles are lit before the arrival of guests and left to burn throughout the evening. However, you should not turn off the general light at the same time (this can only be done at the end of the evening in order to pacify the guests after a fun celebration).

And finally the owl t: in order for the candles to burn longer, before the holiday they should be placed in the refrigerator for several hours.

Options for using candles in the decor of the festive table

Decorating with imagination

Create a special holiday atmosphere additional elements table decorations, they will also give a topic for conversation and make the feast original. As such elements, you can use all kinds of things and objects. For example, you can beautifully lay out large lettuce leaves on the table and sprinkle spices on them - this way of decor will refresh the table and eliminate the need to put salt and pepper shakers. The coffee table can be decorated with scattered coffee beans and chocolates laid out on carved paper saucers.

Interesting, touching and cute silk ribbons look on the table. They are selected depending on the color of the dishes or flower arrangement. Given the space on the table, the ends of the tapes can be made freely falling or fastened with wire. Ribbons can be put from bouquets to devices, creating intricate lines, rings, but they should not touch the water in vases with flowers.

At parties, the festive table can be decorated with various silver figurines: as a rule, these are figurines in the form of birds, flowers, etc. Large figurines are placed next to flower bouquets or along the edges of the table, small ones - near each device.

Napkin rings that will match in color with cutlery or table decorations can be made by hand.

For example, for each member of the family, you can come up with a separate unusual ring: for dad - a smooth metal or woven wire, for mom - knitted, etc. For each holiday, you can choose special rings: for the New Year's feast - rings made from an artificial branch spruce or silver tinsel; for a festive dinner - from massive silver; for a romantic evening - from a tulle ribbon tied with a magnificent bow or from artificial pearls.

Serving for special occasions differs from the usual serving only in the use of themed accessories, the use of more expensive dishes and a larger number of cutlery compared to the usual serving.

How to conveniently and correctly set the table

The rules of good manners suggest avoiding an excess of cutlery located next to the plate. A more precise observance of etiquette will be the use of additional serving tables and a separate supply of additional devices for dishes. Specialty fish forks, double-pronged lemon forks, cheese knives, and sherbet or crab tongs only clutter the table. Except if crabs or specialty fish are the main course.

If you find yourself in the middle of a dozen spoons and forks spread out to the right and left of your plate, simply use them in pairs, starting from the edge towards the center. Too many appliances can also mean a hint of brevity of the event. Table setting rules allow this option. But usually, to be honest, an overabundance of appliances indicates a lack of waiters or a low class of service.

There are general table setting rules

Guests must have the same appliances.
Napkins are provided with each appliance, there is an additional supply of napkins and towels, linen and paper.
Plates for bread rely on each appliance.
A glass of water is required for each appliance and is located on the right in front of the plate.
An overabundance of cutlery and crampedness at the festive table is unacceptable. It is better to put additional tables.
For desserts, special dishes, hot dishes, use additional serving tables.

Guest accommodation

When organizing a celebration, the seating plan for guests, decoration and menu should be thought out in advance and recorded.

Each guest must have an invitation card with a number, according to which he will take a place at the table. You can use business cards with the names of guests, spread out on front plates or beautifully placed between the devices.

The use of numbered spaces is more practical, since finding the large number corresponding to the invitation is easier than reading the intricately and beautifully written name. The comfort of guests is the main requirement for the organization of celebrations.

Time to set the table

Many manuals say that you should not set the table in advance. This does not mean that waiters should run around with cutlery, pushing guests aside. This means that you can not start serving a few days in advance.

Tables must be fully covered half an hour before the appointed time for receiving guests. What does the concept of "laid tables" include?
Tables should be covered with tablecloths.
The decor should be put in place and fixed. Shuttlecocks, decorative garlands, themed decorations, bouquets in vases - all these elements of the celebration should be placed before the guests arrive.
Tables are visibly numbered.
Salt shakers, pepper shakers, vinegar in special stands are conveniently arranged at the rate of at least 1 salt shaker for 4 guests.
Water bottles are placed. It is possible to place water next to each device.
Stand plates should be placed opposite each seat. Thus, the personal space of the guest is formed. Arrangement of coaster plates will help to avoid possible tightness. If it turns out that there are more guests than planned, the seating plan is changed and additional tables are placed.
Cards with guest numbers or names must be placed in front of each appliance.
After placing the guest cards, cutlery is laid out.
Table knives are on the right, blade towards the guest, forks are on the left. If soup is to be served, the spoon for it is located to the right of the knives.
Arrange your glasses ahead of time. The optimal number of glasses is a glass for water, a glass for champagne or a wine glass, a glass for spirits. Glasses can be built in one line or in a semicircle.

These rules will help you avoid nervousness, fuss and enjoy the celebration to the fullest.

Plates of sliced bread can be arranged a few minutes before the reception. Bottles of wine in napkins and champagne in ice buckets can be served after guests have taken their seats.

Where did the remark that it is undesirable to set tables in advance come from? Basically, from books on etiquette of the century before last. For solemn events, especially for a wedding, they prepared in advance. Dresses and tablecloths for the wedding were sewn and embroidered several years before the event. Therefore, to start decorating the wedding table immediately after the announcement of the engagement, months before the celebration, seemed completely natural for the young bride. The front plates were covered with dust, the tablecloths were fading, the silver was tarnished and stolen.

Let's not go to extremes and prepare everything in advance.

Subtleties

Arrangement of cold appetizers.

Cold snacks can be arranged a few minutes before guests arrive. At in large numbers guests, the same dishes must be exactly repeated for each table.
It will be convenient to place a serving fork for sausages, cheese, rolls and other small snacks directly in the dish.
It is more convenient to provide canapes with caviar with pre-stuck skewers.
Stuffed eggs, baskets, it is convenient to supply with tweezers.

Proper table setting involves the use of serving tables.

Soups, desserts, specialties are conveniently served from serving tables. Also, tables are indispensable when changing dishes.

A prudent steward will take care of an additional serving table, standing aside, on which will be placed a supply of bread in baskets, towels, napkins, a number of plates and clean glasses, if an urgent replacement is required.

Have a nice holiday!

Table setting is not only a tribute to traditions, but also the creation of a certain atmosphere during the meal. On the one hand, serving is understood as preparing the table for eating, the correct arrangement of cutlery and utensils. On the other hand, table setting can refer to the items themselves:

tablecloth,
appliances,
dishes,
glasses,
napkins,
accessories.

Despite the list of rules for table setting, it may differ and is selected individually for the event and the level of the event being organized. Such a variety of design options will allow you to move away from the strict rules for arranging objects on the table and will not violate the norms of classical serving. Depending on the time of day and the menu of the meal, serving can be full, selective and minimal. The main thing is that the following requirements are met:

compliance with the level of service and menu,
maintaining the overall composition of serving and maintaining the interior of the room,
do not go beyond the theme of the evening or national cuisine features.

Correct table setting

choice of tablecloth
plate arrangement,
serving utensils,
selection of appropriate glasses, glasses and glasses,
design and decoration with napkins (fabric, paper),
putting spices on the table
selection of flowers and vases.

Table setting can be made for:

breakfast
lunch,
lunch,
a full dinner
banquet,
buffet,
tea drinking.

Stages of table setting

The correct selection of all serving elements will allow you to demonstrate not only your culture, but also hospitality. Proper serving can show guests that the whole evening will be on highest level and how important this event is for the organizers of the holiday. To properly arrange the table at home, you need to take turns dealing with all the components of the table setting.

The right choice of tablecloth

Any serving begins with this, so it is important to decide on the design of the tablecloth from the very beginning. Make sure that it does not go out of the general theme of the event and sets the right atmosphere for the table and interiors. For big and meaningful holidays, you should choose shiny fabrics. On an ordinary weekday, linen and thick tablecloths, not overloaded with a pattern or ornament, are suitable. When gathering a table in a narrow circle of close people, it is better to focus on pastel shades that do not distract the attention of guests.

Any tablecloth needs to be washed and ironed, otherwise it will be unpleasant for people to sit at a sloppy table, even if all the cutlery and beautiful dishes are rubbed to a shine. Refuse to use oilcloth. The tablecloth should not be too long or short, so the optimal value for it is 25 cm from the base of the table and not lower than the seats.

Serving set

Depending on the chosen menu for the evening, you need to look for possible options table setting. It is worth remembering that any guest should have at least 80 cm of table length at their disposal. Therefore, it is necessary to alternate dishes, spices and napkins in the future based on this parameter. All devices in the set must be the same. Design, shape, sizes and colors are matched to the interior and complement each other.

Selection of plates for serving

A decorative serving plate is placed first on the table. It should move at least 2 cm from the edge of the table. Later, a soup plate and a plate for snacks are placed on it. If the menu provides for clear soups and broths, then a cup is placed. Stepping back 8 cm from the serving room, a pie plate (17 cm) is placed at the top left for butter, toast, bread and cakes. Saucers are suitable for replacing this plate. A snack plate is selected from the set (20 cm), which is also used for desserts.

The largest is considered to be a dinner plate (24–27 cm) for second courses. A snack plate is placed on it. Between them, it is customary to put one simple paper napkin so that the plates do not slip. This serving is convenient when you do not need to replace plates. When the diner is removed, the dinner plate is placed. You can simplify this serving by abandoning the dinner plate. It is necessary to prepare a side table with a clean set of plates of all kinds in case there are more guests or someone drops the dishes. It should be covered with a napkin or towel in serving style.

Dishes can be made of any materials (glass, porcelain, ceramics) and have different shapes. All this is allowed in the table setting. The main thing is to follow the sequence of plates and remember the distance of 50 cm between each individual plate. The host will demonstrate his exquisite taste and create a more solemn atmosphere thanks to the competent arrangement of plates and other utensils. A set of glassware will be universal among most interiors and styles.

Appliances for proper table setting

All cutlery will be laid out around the serving plate (right, left and top). The forks from the set are laid out with the teeth up, and the knife with the blade to the plate should be placed on the right. The farther from the plate the device is placed, the sooner the guest will need it. Along the edge is a snack fork, then a fish utensil, if the corresponding dishes are on the menu, and cutlery is closest to the plate. They should be at some distance from the serving plate and not go under it.

When the evening is supposed to be without dessert and with first courses, a tablespoon from the set is put up. If the dessert is on the menu, then the device is placed to the right of the last knife. The rest of the dessert and fruit cutlery are placed on top. The size and types of cutlery should correspond to the dishes from the menu.

The length of the snack knife and fork should be equal to the diameter of the corresponding plate. The largest utensils are table forks, knives and spoons. They eat the first and second courses, if they do not include fish in the composition. Fish tools differ in shape. The knife has a pointed base resembling a spatula. The fork has shorter tines and a thicker bottom. Often such sets are engraved with the image of a fish.

Dessert utensils are smaller than eateries and are laid out in order starting with a knife, then a fork and then a spoon on top. Such forks have 3-4 prongs, while the knife has a narrower base and a sharp end. Dessert spoons are sometimes used for serving broths and in salad bowls. A more complete table setting may include devices for lemon, sprat, fruit and other dishes.

Selection of glasses

To begin with, the hosts of the table are determined by what drinks will be offered to the guests. For red wine, brandy and cognac, large glasses are taken. Smaller glasses are used for white wine. Champagne is bottled in tall and narrow glasses. Cocktail glasses are used for juice and water. All glasses from the set are placed diagonally to the right (45°). The first 1.5 cm from the knife is a glass of water. Then a glass of wine and a glass of vodka. Rub all glasses to a shine. Wine glasses are for juices, and glasses are for champagne and beer, and they can vary in shape. During serving coffee table additionally there are tulip-shaped glasses for cognac from the general set.

Serving with napkins

For each guest, an individual napkin should be selected, which is usually beautifully folded onto a snack plate using one of the origami techniques. Napkins are included in the mandatory list of table setting items. However, do not put napkins on the table under the plates. Their purpose is to protect clothing from accidental contact with pieces of food. Linen plain napkins look spectacular. Standard sizes napkins are 35x35 and 45x45 cm. Paper napkins are laid out in napkin holders, which should be available to everyone sitting at the table.

Additional accessories

Candlesticks, vases, ribbons, twigs, figurines can be an excellent decoration for a festive or romantic table. However, convenience should be above beauty and you should not force the table with decorative details. They can interfere with serving and receiving meals. Flowers are able to enliven any table, but their length should not exceed the height of the glasses. The most optimal solution would be a neat vase of flowers in the center of the table. When using flowers in a table setting, it is worth remembering:

the bouquet should not have a sharp and strong smell,
do not use fast-fading flowers,
there can be no more than 5 flowers in a vase,
flowers should not cover snacks from guests or interfere with their eye contact,
bouquets can include branches, field plants, fruits, coniferous branches, cereals and other ornamental grasses.

Additional appliances and dishes

Mustard, sauces, salt and pepper are placed in the center. Breadbaskets stand on different ends table. Common snacks are arranged according to the principle of alternation with separate spoons and forks. Bottled drinks are opened before dinner. Strong alcohol is poured into decanters, and soft drinks into jugs.

Serving Order

First, appetizers and cold dishes are taken out, then comes the first, second and dessert.

Festive table setting

For serving, it is better to choose simple and concise porcelain in the set and shade it with bright napkins, cutlery or a tablecloth. Devices can be distorted with curved handles. It is better to use glasses in one style from the set and give preference to a high stem. If it is supposed to serve wine, then you should forget about spicy and spicy snacks. The more complex the taste and aroma of the wine, the simpler the snack table should be.

For a romantic evening there should not be an abundance of dishes and appliances. It is enough to limit yourself to a fruit plate, light snacks and one main course. The color scheme should match the situation, so you can take red shades for cutlery, napkins, a set of dishes, using a basic white tablecloth with lace trim. The main thing is that the lovers should not be distracted by the decor and table setting and be passionate about each other. For children's holidays, the table setting remains the same as for adults. The only thing that can be replaced with an expensive set is a beautiful set of disposable tableware.

Quick breakfast service

The color scheme should be calm. You can use floral ornaments and patterns on dishes and napkins. In the middle of the table is placed a flat plate for scrambled eggs, sandwiches with common cutlery. Around are plates from the set for bacon, cheese, vegetables and bowls of jam and preserves. Napkins are placed on the left side of individual plates. Nearby are pie plates with bread or fruit. Further, cups for hot drinks and glasses for water, juice or milk are placed. The cold drinks themselves are placed in decanters, and saucers are placed under the drinks devices. It is customary for the cutlery and handles of the cups to be on the right.

If there is a boiled egg on the breakfast menu, then it is served on a special stand and placed on a snack plate along with a plastic spoon (metal utensils change the taste of protein). Porridge is served in a deep bowl, which is also placed on a snack plate. The teapot and coffee pot is placed in the center of the table or on the side. Do not forget about the butter dish, salt shaker, sugar bowl and napkin holder. Sometimes paper napkins are wrapped in the cup handle. Such nuances will give the table sophistication.