Table setting at home - useful tips. How to set the table beautifully so that everyone gasps in surprise Simple serving

A beautifully set table creates a feeling of celebration and comfort. How to easily and simply learn the secrets of serving? It is enough to understand the basic principles on which all table etiquette is based. As a result, you can celebrate any celebration with a light heart without unnecessary fuss.

Tablecloth - is it possible to do without it?

The tablecloth performs several functions at the same time:

decorates the table;
helps hide minor defects on the countertop that you don’t want to show to guests;
helps to fit the table into the overall style of the celebration;
serves as protection for expensive countertops, preventing scratches and accidental chips.

If the condition of the tabletop is satisfactory, and its material is not afraid of accidental contact with sauces and wines, you can do without a tablecloth. It can be replaced with a runner - a textile track.

If the room is decorated in a minimalist style, then a table with runners laid across the table will look harmonious and at the same time festive.

Runners can be placed along the table in the center, in the area where the main dishes and decor are located. In this case, the track can be used solo or in a duet with a suitable tablecloth.

The simultaneous use of tablecloths of different shapes is allowed. At the same time, the lower canvas should follow the shape of the tabletop and form an overhang of 20-30 cm for regular serving, and on special occasions it should completely cover the table legs.

Plates – is it necessary to use a tray?

In order to understand what to put where, imagine the space occupied by the guest’s appliances as a rectangle. Cover it with an epigastric napkin.

Depending on the type of dishes, appropriate plates are selected. For bread, pies and snacks, flat models of small diameter are used. They are located in the upper left corner of the epigastric napkin. For breakfast or lunch, this place is occupied by a tea pair.

It is convenient to eat hot food from flat, wide dishes. In some cases, dishes are served in small portioned pots in which they were cooked.

Cream soups and broths are convenient to consume from deep, spacious bowls. And for borscht or kharcho it is better to serve a wide, but at the same time deep plate.

To prevent the hot bottom from ruining the table or tablecloth, the festive version often uses underlay plates (serving plates), placed at a distance of 3 cm from the edge of the table directly in front of the guest. They serve for decoration and as a hot stand. In addition, they help protect the tablecloth from accidental stains.

Sometimes, instead of an epigastric plate, a large thick napkin or a neat mat is used, which performs the same function.

Cutlery – is it true that it can be simple?

The seemingly complex combination of spoons, forks and knives lends itself to easy classification.

Forks are placed to the left of the plate with their teeth facing up. From left to right, guests will sequentially take out utensils intended for appetizers, fish and meat. If any dish from this list is not on the menu, then you do not need to put a device for it.
Spoons and knives are laid out to the right of the plate. Again, following the same logic. In the direction from the edge to the plate there are: a knife for appetizers, a spoon for first courses, a fish knife and a meat knife. If any type of dish is removed from the menu, the appliance is not put down.
For dessert, cutlery is placed behind the plate, with the handle of the fork pointing to the left and the handle of the spoon to the right.
In the right corner of the napkin, place glasses for water and wine, glasses and shot glasses. They line up “in height” from high (left) to low (right).

Napkins

If you are setting a festive table using a tray, then place a textile napkin between it and the dishes for the first and second courses. It will protect the bottom plate from scratches and the top plate from slipping.

It is not forbidden to place napkins on top of snack plates or place them on the left side of the tablecloth.

In some cases, it is quite acceptable to place cutlery on a napkin.

You can use paper or textile models depending on the situation.

Rings, clips and holders for table linens help create a beautiful composition and emphasize the solemnity of the event.

If you decide not to use a tablecloth and runner, textile napkins will help designate a place for each guest and serve as protection for the tabletop. At the same time, you will avoid unnecessary pomposity and problems with washing and ironing linen. It is much easier to deal with napkins after the celebration.

Serving dishes

Common sense applies here too. Each dish is served in such a way that everyone can get it and try it. Square and round tables are arranged in such a way that all hot dishes and snacks are located in the center.

Rectangular and oval tabletops, depending on their length, sometimes need to be divided into separate sections depending on the number of people.
The first course is served either in plates or in a tureen. In this case, guests themselves can take the desired amount of food or the hostess distributes it. In the latter case, the tureen is located to the right of it.
It is advisable to distribute the bread baskets so that they are closer to the ends of the tabletop. However, when you plan to seat guests at one long table, you need to place several baskets of sliced bread in the center of the table.
Salt and pepper shakers are usually included in a guest's individual dinnerware set. Gravy boats and Maslenitsa are calculated according to the number of persons.
Soft drinks are served in jugs. White and red wine are opened in advance. Strong drinks are poured into decanters. The champagne is cooled and opened by the host of the celebration immediately before being poured into glasses.

Decor

Candles, balloons, fresh flowers, pine cones, spruce or pine branches, small pumpkins, compositions carved from vegetables and fruits can be used as decoration.

At the same time, decorative elements must be positioned so that they do not interfere. Imagine what the table will look like during the entire celebration. If any decorative branch is capable of knocking over a gravy boat or scratching the table, it is better not to use it.

There are a lot of decorative elements for themed feasts. For example, for Easter in Orthodox culture, dyes are traditionally served in special stands. In Western culture, images of rabbits are appropriate. The New Year theme involves the use of evergreens, pine cones, and New Year's toys.

Separately, we need to mention the nameplates. Holders for them can be purchased at the store, or you can make them yourself. In a rustic style, these could be branches or wine corks. For a children's party, it is appropriate to use miniature toys.

As you can see, setting the table at home is not at all a rigid set of incomprehensible rules that are understandable only to aristocrats. This is a completely understandable principle of a comfortable and beautiful feast, where every guest feels comfortable.

Jul 24, 2017 Werri

A birthday is a celebration that you look forward to with special trepidation. After all, it is he who gives so many positive emotions, pleasant words, sincere congratulations and long-awaited gifts. And this is a reason to get together with family and friends. But you also want to thank them and please them with something tasty.

But what to do if there is no way to set a rich table, but you don’t want to lose face at all? It turns out that you can surprise your guests with luxurious dishes and an unusual menu without spending a large amount of money. We will tell you how you can save money.

The sooner you start preparing for the holiday, the more likely you are to spend less money.

It is better to monitor retail outlets a week before the celebration and note where you can buy certain products cheaper.

Seasonality and replacement of heavy foods

A lot also depends on what time you were born.

For example, if your birthday is in the summer, you should focus on fruits and vegetables - at this time they are much cheaper than, say, in winter and spring.

Fruits, berries, herbs and vegetables can not only be put on the table, but also various dishes and salads can be prepared from them.

In winter, the basis of the menu can be preserved food from the cellar: preparations, tinctures, compotes.

Create a menu

Think in advance about what you will put on the table. Here is an economical (but no less tasty) version of the birthday menu:

A variety of snacks (the more, the better). These can be cold and hot sandwiches, canapés, croutons, toasts, rolls, tartlets...
Several types of salads.
Hot meat dish: cutlets, baked chicken, fish or meat, meatballs, meatballs, cabbage rolls.
Side dishes: rice, mashed potatoes, buckwheat.
Dessert. It’s better to bake cakes, pastries, and muffins yourself - you save on groceries, and homemade baked goods are much tastier than store-bought ones.
From drinks you can make compote or jelly, from alcohol you can buy fruit cocktails.

Recipes for simple and economical dishes for the holiday table

For some reason, many people believe that the feast will not be successful if the guests do not prepare as much fatty meat food as possible, which causes a heaviness in the stomach. But people come to the holiday to have fun, not to fill their bellies, so make more light salads and snacks.

Products for such a tasty and nutritious snack can be taken in any ratio. And it is very easy to prepare.

Cut sausage, tomatoes, fresh or pickled cucumbers into cubes.
Mix all the products, do not forget to season with mayonnaise and place on pieces of loaf.
Place grated cheese and herbs on top.
Bake the sandwiches for 10 minutes in the oven.

Grate the processed cheese and add mayonnaise to it.
Add garlic (greens won’t spoil the taste either).
Spread the filling onto Armenian lavash and roll it into a roll.
Cut it with a knife into pieces 4 centimeters wide.

Tomato and cheese appetizer

After cutting the tomatoes into slices, place them on a large flat plate.
Grind the sausage cheese using a fine grater.
Grind the garlic with a press.
Mix cheese, garlic, add mayonnaise and place on tomatoes.

Chanterelle salad

If time does not limit you, you can design it in the form of a fox as in the photo, but this is not important.

Boil the chicken (it’s better to use fillet).
Cut 3 pickled or pickled cucumbers into strips.
Grind the cheese using a coarse grater.
Combine everything, 200 g of Korean carrots, greens and 3 cloves of garlic passed through a press will add originality to the salad.
Season the salad with mayonnaise.

Hot dish – potatoes with chicken

This option is not only economical, but also incredibly tasty.

You can cut the chicken into pieces or take it whole. It needs to be grated with pepper and salt and placed on a baking sheet.
Place 1 kilogram of chopped potatoes next to the meat.
Bake in the oven at 200 degrees for one hour.
Sprinkle the finished dish with spices and herbs.

This recipe is used as the base for many cakes. To prepare it you need very few ingredients. But before you start making it, remember the rules, without which baking may not work.

The container in which the dough is beaten must be completely dry.
During baking, do not open the oven door under any circumstances.

And here is the recipe itself.

Table setting involves arranging dishes and cutlery in a certain order, as well as decorating it. It depends on the occasion of the feast and the menu, but in any case, the purpose of serving is to set the table so that dining at it is comfortable and pleasant. Everyday table setting at home is certainly different from setting a holiday table, but there are general etiquette requirements.

Basic serving rules

The tablecloth, dishes and decorative elements should be combined with each other. In an informal setting, it is not necessary that all participants in the meal have the same dishes, but each of them should have them from the same set.

The distance between chairs should be about 50 cm to ensure that everyone at the table has sufficient personal space.

All utensils must be washed and thoroughly wiped in advance.

Flower arrangements and other decorative elements should not be too large so that they do not interfere with those sitting at the table communicating and enjoying the dishes.

How to cover the table

A classic table covering option is a plain fabric tablecloth in light colors. A dark tablecloth will also look original, but in this case the dishes should be light. A colored tablecloth is suitable for a meal with family or tea with friends.

The main requirements for a tablecloth are that it must be perfectly clean and carefully ironed. According to the rules of etiquette, the edges of the tablecloth should hang 20-30 cm from the table top. You can put a soft flannel or fleece base under the tablecloth so that you can’t hear the clatter of plates and forks while eating.

Sub-plates or runners can complement or replace the tablecloth. Placemats are rectangular, oval or round cutlery coasters made of plastic, rattan, bamboo or paper. A runner, or tablecloth runner, is a narrow strip of fabric that covers the middle of the table along its entire length. If the table is set for a family meal, you can limit yourself to fabric placemats.

Serving for a meal at home

For home table setting, dishes made of earthenware, porcelain or colored glass, steel or cupronickel forks and spoons are suitable. The set of serving utensils depends on the menu. For example, when setting the table for dinner, there is no need to place soup bowls, and if a fish dish is not served for lunch, then you won’t need a fish fork.

Breakfast

A beautifully set table for breakfast ensures a positive mood for the whole day. Therefore, you should not save a few minutes on serving it, especially since the number of dishes for breakfast is usually small. The dishes should be arranged as follows:

In the center of the table they place a dish with sandwiches or pastries, a sugar bowl, a salt shaker, and vases of butter, jam or honey.
The teapot or coffee pot is placed so that it is convenient to get it out.
A snack plate is placed in front of each family member, to the left of it there should be a fork with the teeth up and a butter knife, the blade of which is directed to the left.
If milk porridge is offered for breakfast, place a deep plate on top of the snack plate and place a tablespoon to the right of it.
A saucer with a cup and a spoon is placed in front of the plate, a teaspoon is placed to the right of the cup.
Boiled eggs are served in special stands, with a separate spoon.

Dinner

Setting the table for dinner, even if it is only with family, requires several utensils. A bread box, butter dish, salt shaker, gravy boat and pepper shaker are placed in the center of the table. Then the table is set alternately with the utensils necessary for the main courses and dessert.

At the beginning of the meal, there is a tureen with a ladle in the center of the table, and at each “seat” there are deep plates or broth cups. In order to prevent the tablecloth and table from heating up, use substitution plates, runners or sub-plates. They are removed only before serving dessert. A tablespoon and a knife are placed to the right of the plates, a fork is placed to the left, a glass for water, a wine glass, and a glass for strong alcoholic beverages are placed at the upper right edge of the plate.
The second is served on the table in a special hot dish or a large plate, from which everyone helps themselves to the required amount. Before serving, soup plates are replaced with flat dinner plates. If the second dish is fish, in addition to a fork with four short tines, it is accompanied by a spatula knife, with which it is convenient to separate fish fillets from the bones.
After the main courses are eaten, all cutlery, except for glasses and glasses for dessert wine, is removed, and the table is set for dessert. Along its middle line there is a dish with cakes or sweet pastries, vases with fruit, sugar bowls, bowls with jam or jam, rosettes with lemon. A dessert plate, cup and saucer are placed before each participant in the meal. The dessert spoon is placed on the right side of the plate, the dessert fork is placed on the left side. Portioned sweet dishes are served in vases or bowls.

Dinner

Since first courses are not served for dinner, deep plates are not placed on the table. The rest of the table setting for a home evening meal is carried out as described in the last two paragraphs of the rules for serving dinner.

Festive table setting

Table decoration for the holiday begins with the placement of cold dishes. They are placed around the perimeter of the table, alternating meat and fish; each type of cold appetizer is served with a portioned spatula or spoon. A beautifully decorated signature dish is usually placed in the center of the table. Hot dishes are placed on the table as needed; they are served in ceramic, porcelain or metal dishes with a lid (“lambs”).

Spices are placed along the center line of the table: a mustard pot with a spoon, a salt shaker, a pepper shaker, gravy boats, and a butter dish. It is better to place bread bins at opposite ends of the table. Sweets and cookies should be in vases, not in packaging boxes.

When setting the table for a holiday, you should take into account the order in which dishes are consumed - cutlery for dishes that will be served first lies further from the plate. The usual order of cutlery is: next to the small dinner plate there is a fork (on the left) and a knife (on the right) for the main course, then cutlery for fish, and at the end there is a fork and knife for appetizers and salads. Knives are placed with the cutting part facing the plate, tablespoons and forks - with the convex part down.

Glasses, shot glasses and wine glasses are placed in front of the plates, starting with the largest container, from left to right. There is a separate container for each drink. Wines and cognacs are placed on the table in bottles, vodka and spirit tinctures can be served in decanters. Juices, compotes and fruit drinks are poured into jugs, bottled drinks are placed on the table uncorked.

To decorate the festive table, use small bouquets of fresh or artificial flowers in low vases, candles in beautiful candlesticks, napkins folded in a special way, and decorative porcelain, glass or metal figurines.

Children's table

The festive table for children is served a little differently than for adults. First of all, more attention is paid to its colorful design: compositions of dried flowers and ribbons, funny little trinkets laid out near the plates, originally decorated dishes, jugs with colorful drinks - all this creates a joyful atmosphere. It is better to lay a bright, disposable or oilcloth tablecloth - after a children's feast, a fabric tablecloth cannot always be washed.

Since children do not like to sit at the table and prefer sweet dishes, it is enough to include one or two hot dishes in the holiday menu. Consequently, the set of dishes will be small: two small plates, a glass, a cup and saucer and, if necessary, a bowl or socket.

If there are mainly preschool children at the table, it is better for them to use spoons instead of knives and forks. For the same safety reasons, it is recommended to use unbreakable disposable tableware. Moreover, today in stores you can find very elegant and beautiful plastic plates, glasses and cups.

Compliance with table setting etiquette primarily indicates the good attitude of the owner of the house towards guests. However, recently you can find a properly set table only at various kinds of 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 of decorating.

Table etiquette or how to properly set the table

If you are invited to a dinner party for the first time, the number of cutlery and their order can be confusing. A well-organized festive dinner means proper placement of cutlery on the table, adherence to 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 stores offer a wide selection of products of various sizes, colors and styles. For rectangular tables, tablecloths 50 cm longer than the tabletop are suitable, and for round or oval tables - 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 and placed with the back side facing 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. 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 a modern style is distinguished by a variety of shapes, shades and its own unique functional features.

Types of serving

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

For breakfast (+ Sunday breakfast)

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

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

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

To make the holiday a success, you must follow the following rules of table etiquette:

A perfectly clean, ironed tablecloth. It is advisable that the product be made of thick fabric (this will prevent the dishes from clinking when dropped and protect the surface from spilled liquid).
To decorate a festive table, it is not acceptable to use dishes and cutlery of different colors. Give preference to monochromatic options from one set. All decorative elements (vases, coasters, napkin rings) should be sparkling clean, the same goes for dishes.
It is prohibited to serve corked bottles of champagne or wine. All alcoholic drinks 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 start setting the table by arranging glass and crystal dishes, after which vases with flowers and bottles of alcoholic drinks are placed in the center of the table.

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

Coffee shop

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

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

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

Teahouse

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

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

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

In conclusion, it is worth adding that table setting is, first of all, an individual design of the surrounding space. Don't limit yourself to just one arrangement of objects; show your imagination and decorate the table with incredible decor and fresh flowers. 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.

10 etiquette secrets from aristocrats (1 video)

Lunches, friendly dinners and just tea parties with friends - you really want to do everything correctly and beautifully, so that everyone feels comfortable, so that
the time spent was truly enjoyable for everyone. But surprising guests with culinary talent or entertaining them with an interesting conversation is not everything.
No matter how tasty and original the treats are, it is important to serve them correctly and present them according to the rules and etiquette. Perhaps for some this seems an unimportant “tribute to tradition,” but think about it, this “science” of table setting is hundreds of years old.

The art of table setting has been formed over thousands of years, improving with each new generation. It represents a multifaceted and interesting feast culture. Just think how many peoples and nationalities there are on our Earth! Each and every one of them has not only its own cuisine and its own way of life, but also its own principles of serving dishes and rules for table setting. This science can be studied endlessly, without ceasing to be surprised and find something new.

Of course, today we will not be able to cover the entire scope of existing traditions and features, but it is quite possible now to “open the door” to this interesting World and give several answers to the question of how to set the table. I offer you several rules for the generally accepted, “European” table setting, used in many countries, including Russia.

Simple secrets of table setting that we sometimes tend to forget about

Firstly, I would like to immediately clarify that each housewife makes her own decision on how to set the table. There are many options that meet the basic rules. The main thing to remember is that this “art” largely depends on the taste and wishes of the person setting the table. You shouldn’t reduce everything to financial capabilities. Believe me, a simple tablecloth with paper napkins can look very beautiful and elegant.

When starting to set the table, try to take into account the number and type of dishes, and take care in advance of the availability of the necessary dishes, cutlery and other items. For example, if the menu contains dishes that must be eaten with your hands, stock up on enough napkins or prepare a bowl for washing your hands.

When setting the table, focus on the circle of invitees (close friends, colleagues, family with children, etc.). It is necessary to provide comfortable conditions for each of the guests. If you plan to have small children at the table, most likely you will need to replace the fork and knife with a tablespoon or dessert spoon.

It is important that the table setting matches the type and occasion of the feast.
If this is a business or dinner party (for example, a get-together dinner), it is better to stick to a more restrained, neutral style. If only friends and loved ones are invited, the table setting can be more free, using additional table decorations and other things.
It is also important to remember that all elements of the table setting should not only be combined with each other, but also fit organically into the overall interior of the room. The classics are transparent glass glasses and white plates, which are universal for almost any table; if you don’t have them, try to choose the most suitable set from the available ones.

The main “favorites” of table setting, as already partially mentioned earlier, are: tablecloth, napkins, dishes, cutlery and various decoration elements. In order to correctly and quickly arrange the numerous items involved in setting the table, a certain sequence of actions is provided; guided by it, let’s try to set the table.

Answering the question “how
set the table,” it would be appropriate to say about the tablecloth

Naturally, before setting the festive table with dishes and cutlery, it must be covered with a tablecloth. Today in stores you can find plastic and oilcloth tablecloths of different colors and patterns. They are certainly beautiful, but are more suitable for everyday use.

A linen (fabric) tablecloth is considered truly festive and “homey”. It can be colored, plain or with a pattern around the edges. Her choice depends on the type of feast, the color of the dishes used, and the general interior of the room. Ideally, it should go well with curtains and upholstery (if there is one in the room).

The best option is a tablecloth with a plain, preferably light, central part. Bright and colorful canvases can not only distract from the dishes, but also quickly tire you due to the saturation of colors and the contrast of the pattern. If you decide to use a dark-colored tablecloth, try to choose light-colored dishes to match it, this will make the appearance of the table more harmonious and pleasant.

And, most importantly. Whatever tablecloth is preferred, it must be spotlessly clean and well ironed. If you are concerned about its quality and appearance, in some cases you can cover the tablecloth with a thin transparent oilcloth or unfold a beautiful matching napkin under each plate.

Crockery and cutlery

After covering the table with a tablecloth, arrange the plates, glasses and cutlery. At the same time, it is recommended not only to wash and wipe them thoroughly, but also, if possible, to polish them to a shine. Multi-layer paper napkins or hard cotton towels that do not leave lint work well for this.

On the eve of the feast, do not be too lazy to clean the cutlery; they should not have stains or water stains. Moreover, this is not acceptable in the case of glassware for drinking: wine glasses, glasses, glasses and glasses need to be perfectly transparent, which can be easily checked against the light.
After bringing the serving items into the required condition, we begin to arrange them:

1. a snack plate (medium-sized plate) is located at a distance of approximately 2 cm from the edge of the table strictly opposite each chair;
2. To the left of the snack plate (at a distance of 5-15 cm) a plate for bread (pie) is placed. However, it is rarely used at home, even festive, feasts;
3. If several dishes are provided, a small dining room is placed under the appetizer plate.

During the meal, timely change of plates is provided, in accordance with the dishes served.

Next we move on to the cutlery. The knife and tablespoon are always placed on the right side, the fork on the left. The dessert spoon is placed behind the plate, with the handle to the right. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account that according to the rules, a person begins to use the utensils lying at the outer edge, then, as the dishes change, he takes the utensils towards the plate. The distance between adjacent cutlery, as well as between the cutlery and the plate, should be 0.5 - 1 cm.

Wine glasses, glasses, tumblers, etc. are also designed for only one type of drink. The wine glass is placed on the right, the water glass on the left. More often they are displayed along one line, but it is not customary to display more than three items in a row. When the table is fully set, items for drinks are placed in two rows.

Napkins

How to set a table with napkins, or rather how to serve napkins, is a special conversation. Someday it is necessary to devote a separate article to him, talk about

folding options and possibilities for decorating the table with them. Now let’s outline a few basic rules.

This important serving attribute is used at all feasts without exception. For important holiday celebrations, linen (linen, cotton) napkins are often used; sometimes they can be replaced with paper ones. A folded napkin is placed on the appetizer plate for each guest. If paper napkins are used, they can be placed under the right edge of the plate.

Arrangement of cutlery with spices

Spices are placed at the end of the serving. They are installed in the middle part of the table on special stands. Salt and pepper are a must; mustard, table vinegar, vegetable and other seasonings - as needed (according to the menu).

How to set a festive table and
casual with jewelry

The main decoration of any table is, naturally, flowers. They are pleasing to the eye and pleasing to almost everyone. But, at the same time, when using them for serving, try to take into account several nuances:

1. The most important thing is to make sure that none of the invited guests are allergic to this type of plant.
2. Do not use flowers with a strong scent for a table bouquet. Mixed with the aroma of dishes, it can become cloying and produce an undesirable effect.
3. Place the vase at an appropriate distance from dishes and cutlery, so that pollen or stray petals cannot get into the food.

In addition to flowers, figurines, various figurines and souvenirs are also used to decorate the table. So, if the reason for the feast was some holiday or family celebration, you can use the appropriate paraphernalia to decorate the table.

For example, for Christmas or New Year, make a beautiful composition from candles, tinsel, Christmas tree decorations or souvenirs (observing safety precautions when lighting candles); for a wedding celebration use small figurines of doves, figurines of the bride and groom, flowers; when preparing a youth or children's birthday, focus on bright colors; for children, choose images of your favorite characters; When decorating a table for colleagues for a professional holiday, a good solution would be to use small items associated with professional activities, etc. The main thing is to remember that reasonable measures are important in everything.

And also, no matter what decoration you choose, be it a flower bouquet or a figurine, it should be of such a height that all guests can easily see each other.

A few words about etiquette
Try to create comfortable conditions for each of the invitees. Remember that the hostess can suggest certain seats to guests, or allow them to choose them themselves.
A used linen napkin left by the hostess on the table can serve as a sign for the end of the feast. Otherwise, even when temporarily leaving the table, both guests and hosts should under no circumstances place the napkin on the table (only on the chair).
When inviting guests, the hostess must ensure that the menu includes dishes for all guests. If for some reason a guest does not eat any food, it is important to notice this in time and, without focusing attention, offer him an appropriate replacement.

Enjoy your feasts and happy holidays with your family, friends and loved ones!

Tatiana Raduga