Table setting: proper arrangement of cutlery. How to properly arrange cutlery and dishes on the table

The question regarding cloves may indeed arise, since in modern restaurants and cafes the table is not always set in advance in anticipation of guests. If all the cutlery is prepared, and you sit down at the table, where everything is already laid out, then the fork will definitely lie with the tines facing up.

But if you came to a cafe or just waited for your turn at a table, it often happens that the waiter cleared the place just before you took it. Of course, he didn't have time to table, perfectly arranging the forks and spoons in the right place.

The fork should be held lightly, using the index and thumb to lightly press it against the bent middle finger.

In this case, the devices are often brought wrapped in a napkin. This is a sign that the fork and fork are perfectly clean, and you can be sure that your meal is hygienic. If the fork is wrapped in a napkin, then it can be placed either upside down or down. Usually they are not visible at all, you can only guess from the outlines of the package where the teeth are. It turns out that placing a fork with the teeth down on the table is only permissible in one case: if it is served wrapped in a napkin.

Using a fork

The fork is usually used as the main utensil for most dishes, with the exception of soups, and the spoon and knife act as auxiliary ones. But sometimes the fork acts as an auxiliary device. For example, if you need to cut a piece of meat, then take a fork in left hand(to the right, if you are left-handed, and in the future, all recommendations for left-handers should be reversed), and the knife to the right. Then cut a piece without spreading your elbows out to the sides.

Next, you should also act according to the American or European styles. American way implies that you will still be the right hand. Place the knife on the edge, and then take the fork in your right hand, bringing it to your mouth with the teeth facing up. With the European method, you can either continue to grip the knife in your right hand or not, but you will have to eat with your left hand. The fork is held with the tines down.

In the simplest case, the fork is placed to the left of the plate, and the spoon and knife are placed to the right.

If you break away from your meal to have a conversation, then, according to , you cannot put your fork on the table. And here it is just important whether you hold it with your teeth up or down. There are two styles: American and Continental, or . In the American style, the fork is held with the tines up, and in the case of European standards - with the tines down.

It is not customary to place your fork on the table or plate until you have finished your dish. But if for some reason you still want to put down your fork and finish eating later, then you should not put the dirty cutlery on the tablecloth. It is placed on the edge of the plate, diagonally. The direction of the teeth is not important in this case. If you want the waiter to replace your plate and cutlery, place them parallel to the edge of the plate so that, if you imagine the plate as a dial, the handles would be in the area of the number 4.

Place glassware on the table: place a glass for soft drinks behind the plate in its center (or a little to the right, at the level of the table knife). Place glasses and glasses to the right of the wine glass and at an angle of 45 degrees to the edge table. From right to left and diagonally to the edge table Place glasses and glasses in the following order: vodka glass(for appetizers), Madeira glass (for first courses), Rhine wine glass (for fish dishes), Lafite glass (for hot dishes) meat dishes), glass (for dessert).

Use linen, beautifully folded napkins for formal meals. Fold the napkin figuratively and place it on a plate. On less solemn occasions, during mass service, arrange paper napkins in ten pieces at the rate of one napkin holder per 4-6

It is very easy to be considered a savage because of the way you wield a knife and fork. But at dinner parties, restaurants, or formal events, you'll probably prefer to use classic style. There is a European (continental) style and American style. Which one do you prefer?

Steps

Part 1

European (Continental) style

The fork should be located to the left of the plate and the knife to the right. If you have more than one fork: the outer one is used for salads, and the one closer to the plate is used for the main dish. The main dish fork is larger than the salad fork.

We will look at the issue of table setting at the end. For now, concentrate on how to hold the cutlery and learn how to use it! Use it correctly, of course.

To cut the food on your plate, take the knife in your right hand. The index finger should lie straight and positioned at the base of the blunt side of the knife blade. The remaining four fingers wrap around the handle. While forefinger located on one side of the knife (blunt side), the thumb holds the knife on the other side (handle). The end of the knife handle should touch the base of your palm.
- The knife is used the same in both styles. The rules are designed for right-handers in both styles. If you are left-handed, follow the instructions provided, taking into account your peculiarity (thus, you will hold the knife in your left hand and the fork in your right).
Hold the fork in your left hand. The teeth should point downwards. The index finger is straight and placed on the back of the fork, at its base, but not so close as to touch the food when using the appliance. Other fingers wrap around the handle.
- This is usually called the “hidden handle” method. This is because your hand hides the entire handle.
Bend your wrists so that your index fingers point down toward the plate. This way, the ends of the cutlery will also face down. Your elbows should be relaxed, not hanging in the air or awkwardly positioned.
- While you eat, your elbows are typically positioned outside the table. But if you decide to take a break, you don’t have to stick to this rule.
Hold the food with a fork while applying pressure with your index finger. If you must use a knife, cut food at the base of the fork with a sawing motion. Dishes like pasta require a little effort, but cutting the meat may require some effort. Usually one or two incisions are made at a time.
- Hold the fork with the tines curved towards you, with the knife further away from you than from the fork. You can hold it at an angle - just make sure you can see the knife so you know where you're cutting. You should see the knife behind the fork.
Using a fork, place a small piece of food into your mouth. The teeth should face down. The rear of the fork faces up.
- Hold the fork in your left hand, even if you are right-handed. As you experiment, you will find that this method is more effective than the other.
Part 2
American style
1. When cutting food, hold the fork in your left hand. Unlike the Continental style, in the American style you hold the fork like a handle. You hold the handle with your thumb and forefinger, middle and thumb hold the base, and the index finger is located on top. And in this case, the teeth face down.
  
  When you cut, hold the knife in your right hand. Finger placement right hand the same as in the previous version - the index finger along the base, the others clasp the handle.
  
  Cut off the food. Hold the piece with a fork (teeth facing down) as you carefully cut away the food using a sawing motion. The fork should be closer to you than to the knife. Cut off one or two pieces before continuing.
2. Now switch hands. The most important difference between this style and the previous one: after you have cut a piece, place the knife on the edge of the plate (blade at 12 o'clock, handle at 3) and take the fork in your right hand. Turn the fork so that the teeth are facing up! Tadam.
  - This method was common in America when it first became America. Europe also used this method until a more effective approach was found. In the United States, such a jump has not occurred, although there are differences everywhere.
3. If you are not cutting anything, hold the fork in your right hand (teeth facing up). If you are eating a dish that does not require cutting, keep the fork in your right hand at all times. The teeth can be pointing downwards if you want to cut a piece, but generally they are always facing up. However, remember that these rules should only be followed formally. This refers to the situation when, for example, the president is sitting opposite. Otherwise, don't worry about it.
  - Your cutlery should never touch the table. If you're only using a fork, make sure the knife rests on the edge of the plate. When you place your fork, place it on the edge of the plate with the tines in the center.
Part 3
Additional cutlery
1. Understand how the table is set. 95% of the time you will only use a knife, fork and spoon. But in other unlikely cases, you will encounter other supplies and not understand what you should do with them. Here are the possible options:
  - Serving with four utensils: salad fork, main course fork, main course knife, coffee teaspoon. The salad fork is placed at the edge and the main course fork is smaller.
  - Serving with five utensils: the same goes for a soup spoon. The soup spoon should be significantly larger than a teaspoon.
  - Serving with six utensils: a fork and knife for first courses (on the edges), a fork and knife for main courses and a dessert (salad) fork and teaspoon. The last two devices are the smallest.
  - Serving with seven utensils: the same goes for a soup spoon. A soup spoon is much larger than a teaspoon, but smaller than a knife and fork.
    - If you ever see a small fork on the right (forks are usually never on the right), know that it is an oyster fork.
    - Cutlery is usually arranged in the order in which it is used. If you suddenly have doubts, start by using the devices on the outside, and then on the inside.

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 hostess’s delicate taste, but also shows her respect for guests and household members.

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

Basic rules for setting the table with cutlery at home

The first thing you need to do is choose and lay tablecloth. For rectangular table take a tablecloth 50–60 cm longer than the tabletop. If round or oval table- 100 - 110 cm wider than the diameter of the tabletop.

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

For homemade lunch you will need A plain white tablecloth, but other calm pastel colors will also work.

IMPORTANT: It’s 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 the cutlery. First of all – glass and porcelain plates and dishes. After them - knives, spoons, forks and other necessary devices.

Glass and crystal are placed last. glasses, shot glasses, goblets.

Correct sorting scheme festive table

Arrange the equipment this way:

any knives place on the right, so that the cutting part faces the plate
tablespoon also place it on the right, so that its convex part is at the bottom
forks after setting the table, they should be on the left, with their teeth pointing upward
dessert spoon should be behind the plate, its handle turned to the right

IMPORTANT: When serving with cutlery, you must take into account that they will be used from the outer edge and the items will be changed depending on the serving of new dishes. For convenience, you should place objects at a distance of about 1 cm from each other.

Basic rules for setting the table with dishes at home

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

Arrange the plates in this order:

Medium plate(snack bar) place it so that there is 2.5 - 3 cm left to the edge of the table.
Pie (bread) plate place on the left, leaving about 10 cm.
If a change of dishes is expected, place it under the snack bar dinner plate small size, Having previously laid a napkin under it.

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

Wine glass put it 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 a large variety of dishes and drinks.

IMPORTANT: Dishes for table setting must be prepared in advance. To do this, wash it, dry it, and wipe it thoroughly with a towel. The main thing is that the dishes look perfect before serving. Stains, drips, cloudy or opaque appearance are unacceptable.

Folding napkins for table setting

Napkins- an integral 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 shape should be easy to unfold.

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

IMPORTANT: Volumetric figures made from fabric napkins will keep their shape well, and the napkins themselves can be easily washed off 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 cloudy white solution that does not contain lumps.
Boil 1 liter of water, pour into the prepared solution and stir.
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 has drained from the napkins.

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

Rules for setting the table for breakfast according to etiquette

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

Set out the appetizer plates.
Place cups and glasses.
Place a teaspoon on a saucer.
Place an egg rack on the appetizer plate, and don’t forget about a special spoon.
Also place a deep porridge bowl on the snack plate.
Place a coffee pot or tea with a hot drink in the middle of the table.
Serve sandwiches or croissants on a large flat platter.

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

Rules for setting the table for dinner according to etiquette

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

Place a small plate on a table covered with a tablecloth.
Place a deep one on a shallow plate for the first course.
Add a snack plate if you will be serving dishes that cannot be eaten from shared dishes.
Place a fork to the left of the plates, a soup spoon and a knife to the right, the knife should be closer to the plates, and the spoon closer to the edge of the table.
Decorate your snack plate with beautifully folded napkins.
Place a salt shaker and containers with the necessary spices and seasonings in the center of the table.
Place wine glasses and water glasses on the right and left, respectively.
Place a bottle of alcoholic drink on the table previously 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.
Serve the first one hot in a tureen.

Rules for setting the table for dinner according to etiquette

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

Choose a tablecloth (suitable with a small pattern).
Place two small plates one inside the other, and to the left of them place a plate for bread.
To the left of the plates, place the forks with their tines up, and to the right, place the knives with the blades facing the plate.
Place dishes for alcoholic drinks 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 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 serve it not only for their family members, but also for invited guests.

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

Tablecloth for the festive table it should be perfectly clean and ironed. It is advisable to spread a thick cloth on the table under the tablecloth, which will prevent the dishes from clanking if they accidentally fall, and will also protect the table surface from spilled liquids. However, it is permissible not to cover the table with expensive wood at all.
Crockery and cutlery that are used for serving must be from the same set. It is unacceptable to serve the holiday table with dishes of different colors and sizes. The cleanliness and shine of dishes must be impeccable.
How plates and cutlery 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 dishes and cutlery. Items “just in case” are not needed, but will only spoil the appearance of the table.
All alcoholic drinks are served in pre-opened bottles, but champagne is opened immediately before serving.
One cloth and several paper ones should be prepared for each guest. napkins.
First course The hostess pours it into plates from the tureen for the guests. One of the guests or household members can help her serve filled plates. This must be done by approaching everyone present at the table from the right side.
Second course Guests put it on their plate from the common dish.

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

The presence of thematic decor in the center of the festive table will emphasize the efforts of the hostess and give the feast coziness and warmth.

Banquet table setting rules

Banquets arranged in honor of a major holiday, such as an anniversary or wedding. The very concept of a “banquet table” implies that the event will take place in a specially rented banquet hall, and waiters will serve the guests.

The attributes of the banquet are:

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

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

Are used folding tables , which are arranged depending on the number of guests, the features of the hall, and the type of service.
The tables are set white banquet tablecloths, leaving slopes from the edges of about 25 cm.
First of all they place small plates. They are placed 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 pie plates on the left.
On right put knives, with the blades facing the plates. All utensils located on the right: table knife, fish knife, table spoon, snack knife.
To the left of the plate: table fork, fish fork, two snack forks.
Dessert fork and knife placed behind the plate.
Also behind the plate there is wine glass, to the right of the wine glass - glasses for stronger drinks.
Cloth napkins placed on plates, after giving them a beautiful appearance.
Short flowerpots with fresh or artificial flowers placed evenly in the center of the table.
Can also serve as table decoration vases with fruits and grapes.

IMPORTANT: Every little detail is important for a banquet table, so setting it takes a lot of time.

Rules for table setting in a restaurant

There are two serving options in the restaurant:

banquet
preliminary (corresponding to the order from the menu) with additional serving

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

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

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

Rules for serving the dessert table

Dessert time is the end of the main feast. All dessert utensils are served shortly before the dessert itself is served. Place a fork to the left of the dessert plate and a spoon to the right.

The dessert is served on plates-stands. If it is chilled, it can be served in bowls or bowls.

Rules for serving a sweet table

Serving a sweet table has no fundamental differences. They put a plate and cutlery in front of it. Place a deep plate on top of a flat plate for liquid sweets.

On the right side of the plates there are wine glasses and glasses. You can display fruits or various cakes on the shelves.

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, use special tongs.

Rules for serving the tea table

The main rules for serving a tea table coincide with the basic rules for serving described earlier, however, several recommendations will help create a more comfortable environment for guests invited to tea:

The color and style of the tea set should match the color and texture of the tablecloth.
It is advisable to have a composition of fresh flowers on the table.
If classic Russian tea drinking 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 placed on a separate table.
Milk is served in a milk jug for tea. It is advisable to place the milk jug on a plate so as not to accidentally spill its contents on the tablecloth.
The cake, roll or pie is cut into portions. Fruits are placed in vases, sweets in candy bowls. The berries are laid out in bowls or plates.
Alcoholic drinks are allowed at the tea table.

IMPORTANT: Tea drinking is a time for relaxed intimate conversations. Even if the tea table setting is not ideal, the positive attitude of the guests and a kind, cozy atmosphere will brighten up the evening and make small shortcomings invisible.

Rules for serving a buffet table

Buffet carried out at official receptions, corporate events, presentations.

Features of its implementation is that many people may be present at the event, but none large hall, no special financial costs are required for this.

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

Features of table setting for a buffet table:

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

Rules for setting the table for a birthday

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

Depending on what kind of celebration the birthday person wants to have, you should choose the venue, menu, and type of service.

If planned quiet family dinner, then they serve either a festive table or a table for dinner.
If the birthday takes place in the cafe or a restaurant with a pre-agreed menu, a banquet table is served.
Those who decided on their birthday visit a restaurant, but have not pre-booked a table or certain dishes, standard restaurant pre-service will be expected.

Table setting rules for children in pictures

From childhood, you need to teach your child the basics of etiquette. In adult life, this knowledge will come in handy more than once. To ensure that your child doesn’t have any difficulties when learning table manners and the basics of table setting, 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 at a cozy, beautifully decorated table will bring positive emotions to the owners and their guests and, perhaps, such feasts will turn into a good family tradition.

Video: How to set the table correctly?

How to properly arrange cutlery and dishes on the table.

So, you have met everyone that should be on the table. But how to connect them all together?

The table is set strictly in accordance with the menu - this is the very first rule.

The utensils with spices are installed in pairs, one utensil for two guests, the utensils are placed at the level of the crystal or glassware, between the serving items of two guests sitting next to each other. Spices should be dry and easily pour out of salt shakers. The holes through which spices are poured must be securely closed with stoppers.

Salt and pepper can also be served in open salt and pepper shakers, with a spice spoon placed on each device with the bulge upward. When setting banquet tables, salt and pepper shakers are placed on the tablecloth without stands. Often salt and pepper utensils are supplemented with bottles of vinegar, hot sauces and vegetable oil. Mustard is usually not placed on the table - it is served at the request of the guest immediately before serving the corresponding dish, always along with a mustard spoon. Bowls for rinsing hands are placed on the table if a dish is served that is eaten with the fingers, for example, oysters, artichokes, mussels, shellfish, etc. Bowls are half filled warm water, a slice of lemon is dipped into the water, next to it is a napkin that you use to wipe your hands.

Compliance with table setting etiquette primarily indicates good attitude the owner of the house to the guests. However, in Lately you can find a properly set table only at various kinds official events, banquets or buffets. You need to please your loved ones on ordinary days, creating a festive atmosphere with the help of colorful decorations. In this article we will talk about the basic rules of table setting, various directions and interesting ways decoration.

Table etiquette or how to properly set the table

If you are invited to a dinner party for the first time, the number of cutlery and their order can be confusing. A well-organized festive dinner is proper serving cutlery on the table, observance table etiquette and decoration appropriate for the event. To learn how to use cutlery correctly, you need to understand a few points.

Rule No. 1: forks, spoons, knives are placed in the order in which dishes are served (appetizers, soup, meat or fish, fruit, dessert). Each item on the table plays its role.

General rules for table setting suggest the following tableware arrangement patterns:

a snack plate is placed in front of the guest;
on the left is a cake plate or paper napkin with additional cutlery;
on the right are knives and spoons, and on the left are forks;
Wine glasses and glasses, as well as dessert cutlery, are placed in front of the main plate;
There is a napkin on the appetizer plate.

Rule No. 2: serving items should be used for their intended purpose. The utensils located on the right side are taken and held while eating in the right hand, and those located on the left - with the left hand.

The question of how to use a knife deserves special attention. It is necessary that the end of the handle rests in the palm of the right hand, the thumb and middle fingers clasp the base of the knife from the side, and the index finger lies on the surface of the handle. This will make it more convenient for you to cut off the desired piece of meat or fish, and you won’t have to blush in front of strangers.

Rule No. 3: table decoration involves the use of all kinds of decorative elements: a white ironed tablecloth, lace napkins, colorful runners and fragrant flowers.

To better understand the principle of table etiquette, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the video material presented below. You will learn a lot of useful things and will forever forget about the problem of improper use of cutlery.

On video: serving and serving rules.

Scheme and sequence

There is no single correct option for setting the table, because each country has different traditions regarding this issue. Much also depends on the menu, the number of dishes and their focus. Do not forget that depending on the time of day, the design of the kitchen or dining room can vary greatly.

It is customary to set the table according to the following order: tablecloth, dishes and cutlery, wine glasses, glasses, glasses, napkins, decor.

Let's start with the tablecloth - it should be perfectly ironed and match the nature of the event. So, for a dinner party, models in neutral shades are suitable, and for a Sunday tomorrow with the family, there is nothing better than a bright tablecloth and napkins with unusual designs. The average length of this product is 25 cm. This figure is far from accidental - an excessively large descent of the tablecloth will look sloppy, and a small one will look awkward.

The smoothed fabric should cover the entire surface, and the corners should fall against the table legs, covering them evenly.

Choose a tablecloth that is the right size

Next comes the arrangement of dishes and cutlery. In a number of European countries, and in Russia too, it is customary to first display porcelain and glass plates, saucers, wine glasses and glasses. When setting the table, it is important to consider that all items will change depending on how the dishes are served. That is why it is better to place dishes and cutlery at a distance of 1 cm from each other, starting from the edge of the table.

Selection and placement of tablecloths and runners

Every housewife keeps an elegant white tablecloth in her closet. However, you should not limit yourself to just one model; now in stores there is wide choose products of the most different sizes, colors and style. For rectangular tables tablecloths 50 cm longer than the tabletop are suitable, and for round or oval ones - 100 cm wider than the diameter of the table.

Designers insist that the color of the tablecloth be combined with the shade of the curtains and the overall style of the room. The main thing is to iron the fabric well, and the choice of colors depends only on the preferences of the residents of the house. You can choose a traditional beige or white bed, or choose a more custom option.

Another new way to decorate a table is to use plain table runners and placemats. You can see examples of such decoration in the photo below.

Plates placement

First, deep, wooden or salad plates are placed on napkins or special tracks. Not far from them are tea utensils and dishes for desserts. The distance from the edge of the table to the dishes should be about 1.5-2 cm. It is also recommended to place a paper napkin under the appetizer plate so that it does not slide on the tablecloth.

Next in order is the layout of the cutlery. According to the rules of etiquette, they are laid out according to the number of courses, placed reverse side to the table. On the right are spoons and knives, on the left are forks. In most cases, there is one set of cutlery for each person.

If you want to amaze your guests, you can additionally set the table with bright glasses, glasses, special forks, tea and dessert spoons.

Serving glasses, glasses, wine glasses

The plates are followed by glasses - they are arranged from largest to smallest. The choice of items depends on the guests' preferences regarding certain drinks. These can be glasses for water, glasses for white or red wine, glasses for juice, as well as glasses for strong drinks.

Glasses are placed on the right, glasses on the left, forming an even line. It is allowed to arrange dishes and cutlery in two rows if there are a large number of participants in the event.

Before serving glasses on the table, make sure the dishes are clean. All items must be thoroughly washed, wiped with a towel and made sure there are no chips or other defects.

Selecting and serving napkins

Classic table setting involves the use of plain napkins in neutral shades. As with the arrangement of cutlery, there are no clear rules for the placement of napkins. They can be beautifully stacked next to a snack plate (designed for bread, tarts and salads) or placed in a water glass, decorated with decorative rings and ribbons.

If you're setting the table for dinner, simply place napkins on the side of each plate, as shown below.

On video: how to properly set the table.

Table decor (finishing)

An excellent option for table decor is a tablecloth made of synthetic material. This solution is suitable for both home gatherings and a festive dinner, the main thing is to choose the right color. It is easy to care for such a tablecloth - it does not wrinkle, does not wear out and retains its original appearance for a long time. appearance. As an addition, fabric napkins, plates, and lace runners are used.

To make your living room interior elegant, cozy and unforgettable, place a bouquet of fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit, an antique sugar bowl and crystal glasses on the table.

Cutlery in modern style They are distinguished by a variety of shapes, shades and their unique functional features.

Types of serving

The table decoration may vary depending on the time of day and the nature of the festive dinner. In this case, banquet, buffet, tea and coffee serving are distinguished. However, certain differences exist. Breakfast includes minimal amount dishes for serving the table, and during dinner there is always a place on the table a large number of dishes and cutlery.

For breakfast (+ Sunday breakfast)

This is the simplest type of table setting. Snack plates are placed first, then cups, glasses and small saucers. A teaspoon is placed on top of the latter. If your family uses egg cups or butter bowls, don't forget a teaspoon. A deep bowl (for porridge or cereal) is placed on a snack plate.

Sunday breakfast cannot be imagined without tea, which is why there is a coffee pot or teapot in the center.

You can decorate the table with flowers, unusual napkins and various decorative elements. Family Sunday breakfasts are becoming a good tradition in many homes; they bring loved ones closer to each other. The key point In setting the table for breakfast, the goal is to create a good mood and comfort during the meal.

Dining

There are several types of table settings for dinner. It all depends on the number of dishes and their nature. Cover the table with a white tablecloth, place one flat and one deep plate (for soup or salad). If there are dishes on the menu that cannot be eaten from shared dishes, add a snack plate. Arrange cutlery according to proper etiquette. Beautifully folded napkins are perfect for table decoration.

A distinctive feature of the table setting for dinner is the installation of a salt shaker and other items for spices and seasonings.

Full evening

You can set the table not only for family members, relatives or friends, but also for unfamiliar guests. Preliminary serving in accordance with all the canons is the key to the success of any dinner party, because everyone should be comfortable and comfortable. The decor of the table creates a special atmosphere that is conducive to intimate conversations, wonderful memories and plans for the future.

For the holiday to be a success, it is necessary to observe following rules table etiquette:

A perfectly clean, ironed tablecloth. It is advisable that the product be made from thick fabric(this will prevent the dishes from clinking when dropped and will protect the surface from spilled liquid).
To decorate a festive table, it is not acceptable to use different color scheme dishes and cutlery. Give preference to monochromatic options from one set. All decorative elements (vases, coasters, napkin rings) should be sparkling clean, the same goes for dishes.
It is prohibited to serve corked bottles of champagne or wine. All alcoholic drinks are served in open bottles and then poured into wine glasses. One cloth napkin is placed next to the glasses.

Banquet room

Banquet table setting is not much different from a full evening table setting, but there are some features of this type of decoration. So, shallow plates are placed at a distance of 1 cm from each other, starting from the center, first on one side, then on the other. They should be clearly opposite one another. Snack and pie saucers are placed on these plates. The next step is to place the cutlery at a distance of 0.5 cm from the shallow plate.

A distinctive feature of the banquet is the decoration of the table with special personalized cards, which indicate the personal information of the event participant. They are located to the left of the wine glasses.

Buffet room

Buffet table setting is becoming increasingly popular; it is used at private parties, official events and during informal communication between business partners. There are two options: one-sided and two-sided serving. Each has its own distinctive features. In the first case, the table is decorated only on one side and is placed near the wall. The second one is usually used at corporate events, weddings and anniversaries.

Serving is done on both sides in accordance with a special scheme. The main thing is that you can take the dish without making much effort (that’s why the table occupies the entire central part of the room).

When serving a buffet, it is especially important to maintain equal intervals between cutlery and other items. They begin to set the table by arranging glass and crystal dishes, after which vases with flowers and bottles of alcoholic beverages are placed in the center of the table.

The labels on the bottles should be facing the same direction. In certain situations (when there are many guests), a separate table is allocated for drinks and snacks.

Coffee shop

The nature and basic provisions of coffee etiquette directly depend on the drinks chosen. It can be Turkish coffee, classic coffee, Italian expresso. Stronger drinks prepared on the stove are served in porcelain cups from one set. A geyser coffee maker can help you create the perfect coffee drink - this is an ancient secret of the peoples of the East.

When pouring coffee, make sure that the cups are only two-thirds full (this allows guests to add a little milk or cream).

Coffee table setting includes three elements - a saucer, a cup and a teaspoon. Additional items include a dessert plate that can hold cakes, and cutlery for fruit or sweets. The arrangement of dishes should begin with desserts. When all the guests have arrived, you can start preparing drinks.

Teahouse

If each guest is assigned a certain place at the table, then the basis for serving is the principle that a cup and saucer with the necessary list of cutlery and a small plate for desserts are placed in front of each participant in the tea party. The main dish is located in the center of the table. This could be a bowl of pastries, a cake, an apple pie, a bowl of fruit.

Particular attention is paid to the decor; all elements must be evenly spaced around the perimeter of the table. It is customary to leave the teapot and the kettle with boiling water on the edge. In the case of a samovar, it is placed clearly in the center.

When inviting friends for tea, make sure that you have enough tea sets (it is better if there are 1-2 more than the expected guests).

In conclusion, it is worth adding that table setting is, first of all, an individual design of the surrounding space. Don't limit yourself to just one arrangement of objects; show your imagination and decorate the table with incredible decor and fresh flowers. An informal creative approach and adherence to the classic rules of dining etiquette are the key to a successful festive dinner, Sunday morning and friendly gatherings with friends over a cup of aromatic coffee.