Setting a small table at home. General rules for table setting: cutlery and dishes. How to properly place cutlery on the table

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

General rules for table setting

A table set according to the rules of etiquette is always pleasing to the eye and is a pleasant place to spend time having a leisurely conversation. The basic serving rules are quite simple.

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

By following these basic rules, your table will always be decorated in accordance with etiquette.

Tablecloth on the table

A classic and win-win option is snow-white tablecloth . She always looks elegant and solemn.
However, there is no need to be afraid to experiment. It should be selected depending on the overall color palette of cutlery, the interior and the type of feast. But one thing golden rule yes: the tablecloth should be combined with curtains and upholstery.
Usually preference is given to light shades. But they can also be colored, plain or with a pattern. But the pattern should be located along the edge, because excessive variegation can distract the attention of guests. If you prefer a dark-colored tablecloth, then the cutlery should be a light shade.
Now large selection tablecloth shapes and materials, but usually choose it in a rectangular or triangular shape. It is best to choose one made from fabric, especially natural materials– it will add even more comfort to the feast. The size should be such that its edges can cover the table legs, and the ends should hang 25-30 cm, but not be lower than the level of the seats.

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

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

Cutlery - layout diagram

To location cutlery According to etiquette, you need to approach it responsibly. There is no need to put all kinds of cutlery on the table. They must correspond to the holiday list of dishes. Cutlery is divided into individual (which each guest has) and auxiliary - they are needed in order to lay out dishes.

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

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

Serving plates

There is an order in which the plates are laid out.

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

It is the responsibility of the housewife to promptly replace the plates with clean ones.

Serving with napkins

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

The material is chosen depending on the type of feast. You can take it for a holiday cotton or linen e. They are usually intended to be placed on guests' laps.

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

Napkins can be any color, the main thing is that they are folded beautifully and neatly.

Spice utensils

They are usually placed on festive table at the very end of serving. They are placed on special stands in the center of the table. So you can use small boards or saucers as stands. This must include a salt and pepper shaker, as well as additional mustard, vinegar, vegetable oil and other spices.

Drink glasses

You need to remember about the glasses when serving. They can be made from either glass or crystal. Small glasses are intended for stronger alcohol. Therefore, there should be a wine glass, a glass, a glass, and glasses on the table.

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

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

pie plate;
snack bar;
wine glass;
saucer;
coffee cup and saucer.

Bread can be served in a wicker basket, and butter can be served in a butter dish made of ceramic or porcelain - this way it retains its taste. Sausage and cold cuts are served in an elongated plate. The cheese is served in one piece on a porcelain board, with a knife for cutting the cheese placed next to it.

The snack plate is placed opposite the center of the chair, and the pie plate is placed to the left of it. The knife is placed to the right of the snack plate, with the blade facing it. Fork - on the left side, tines up. The teaspoon is placed with the handle to the right, parallel to the table. Vases with flowers, napkins and utensils with spices are placed in the center.

How to serve lunch and dinner correctly

The dinner table is set in such a way that guests can be served conveniently and quickly. To do this, place the snack plate on a stand, with the pie plate on the left side. Cutlery is placed between them - a knife and a spoon on the right, and a table fork on the left. And in front of the cutlery is a wine glass.

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

Dessert table setting

For setting the dessert table, it is permissible to choose a brighter tablecloth. Ideal option There will be a special tea set used. It is customary to place beautiful lace napkins in the center of the table and under tea cups. Serving a sweet table according to festive etiquette consists of the following cutlery:

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

For a youth group you can make a buffet table. It is served with a stack of plates (8-10 pieces in one stack). Cloth napkins are placed behind it. Glasses and wine glasses are placed next to the drinks. If there are people who smoke in the company, ashtrays are placed at the ends of the table.

Festive table setting

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

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

A napkin is placed on a serving plate and a plate intended for hot food is placed on it. A pie plate is placed on the left side of the snack plate so that they are on the same line. The serving plate should always remain in its place, and others can be replaced while dishes are being served.

There should be no more than 3 pairs of forks and spoons. To the right of the serving plate, place a soup spoon, a snack knife and a table knife, with the blade facing the plate, and the forks are placed on the left side. Only an oyster fork can be placed on the right. Place the forks with their tines up, and the spoons with their convex side on the table.
The principle of arrangement: the dish that is served first is the distant device.

Decor

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

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

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

You should be especially imaginative when decorating a table for a child’s birthday. Can be attached to the back of chairs balloons, and a bright detail will be pictures from your favorite cartoons. It is important that all decorative elements are in the same style. They should not be too high so that guests can see each other. The main thing is not to overdo it with decoration, so that the table setting at the holiday and the decoration complement each other.

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

Video: how to properly set the table

The New Year holidays are approaching, and, therefore, festive feasts. A table set with taste can turn even an ordinary meal into aesthetic pleasure and a feeling of celebration. By setting the table at home, you can deviate a little from the strict canons of serving that are strictly followed in restaurants and at official receptions. But there are still a few golden rules that should be followed even at home.

Tablecloth

Table setting always begins with laying out the tablecloth. For a formal reception, tablecloths made of shiny fabrics will look appropriate, rough linen fabrics are suitable for a simple table, and tablecloths in pastel colors will be good for home gatherings.

Of course, the tablecloth must be spotlessly clean and ironed. But in an effort to maintain cleanliness, you should not cover it with oilcloth on top. The linen should go down on all sides of the table by no less than 25 cm, but not lower than the seat of the chair: a tablecloth that is too short will look sloppy, and a tablecloth that is too long will cause inconvenience to guests.

The canvas should descend from all sides of the table no less than 25 cm, but not lower than the seat of the chair.

Serving

The serving set on the table can be different, it depends on the dishes that will be served, so without a well-thought-out menu you cannot start serving. It is important to provide approximately 80 centimeters of table length for each guest and ensure that the location and appearance of each set of cutlery is completely the same. All serving items on the table must match each other and the interior in color and shape.

Care must be taken to ensure that all dishes and cutlery are clean and free of water stains. To do this, just wipe them with a warm and damp towel, and then polish them with a dry one.

Plates

First, a decorative serving plate is placed in a central place, at a distance of at least two centimeters from the edge of the table. Place a plate on it for appetizers or soup. For puree soup, serve a soup plate, and for clear soups and broths, a cup. At the top left, eight centimeters from the decorative one, place a small pie plate for bread and butter.

Devices

Cutlery that will be needed during meals is laid out on the sides and on top of the serving plate. Forks are placed on the left with the horns up, and knives are placed on the right, with the blade facing the plate. The utensil that will be needed first is the one furthest from the plate, so the farthest are the snack bars, the fork and knife, followed by the fish ones, and the closest ones - the tableware ones.

Cutlery should not be located under the edges of the plate.

If there is no dessert on the menu, then the soup spoon is placed on top of the serving plate, but if dessert is planned, it is placed to the right of the row of knives. Dessert and fruit cutlery is placed above the snack plate - parallel to the edge of the table.

Glasses

It is important to follow the rule - each drink has its own vessel, so the number and type of wine glasses and glasses depend on what drinks will be served at the table. For example, red wine, brandy and cognac are served in slightly pot-bellied large glasses, while smaller glasses are used for white wine. Champagne tastes best in tall, narrow glasses, and cocktail glasses can be used for juices and mineral water.

The glasses are located to the right and above the serving plate. Place a glass for mineral water or juice at a distance of one and a half centimeters from the tip of the knife. Then, at an angle of 45 degrees from the edge of the table, a wine glass and a vodka glass. The same order works here as with cutlery: the glass farthest from the plate is used first.

The glasses are located to the right and above the serving plate.

Napkins

Each guest should have an individual napkin, which must be folded beautifully and placed on the appetizer plate at the end of serving. There are many ways to fold napkins, and the best way to fold them is to make them look fresh and attractive when unfolded.

Details

Stylish details will put guests in a festive mood and help them feel the atmosphere of solemnity, but their number should not be excessive and interfere with serving and arranging dishes.

If you have a beautiful figurine, it can become a wonderful decorative element on the holiday table. Candlesticks in combination with exquisite dishes and beautiful glasses look especially elegant.

Fresh flowers look very fresh and original. So that they look harmonious and do not interfere with guests, their height should not exceed the largest glass in the serving. It is better to place a small vase of flowers in the middle of the table and pay attention so that the bouquet does not have a strong smell.

If your holiday is themed, for example, New Year’s, then you can place suitable decorative elements on the table - spruce branches, figurines of snowmen or Santa Clauses, silver “rain”, small gifts for guests.

Placement of dishes

The festive table should not be “clogged” with an overabundance of dishes and utensils, so that each guest has a sufficient amount of personal space.

It is better to place the salt and pepper utensils in the center of the table at a short distance from each other. You can also place utensils with mustard and sauces there. The butter is served with special knife, and mustard - with a small spoon. Bread bins are placed on opposite sides of the table so that all guests can easily reach them.

Bread bins are placed on opposite sides of the table so that all guests can easily reach them.

Cold appetizers are arranged alternating fish, meat and vegetable dishes. Soup should be served in a tureen, and hot dishes should be served in special dishes. All dishes and salads should have separate spoons.

Bottled drinks should be placed uncorked on the table. Fruity and mineral water put in different places table and open immediately before the start of the feast. Juices and fruit drinks are served in jugs, vodka and strong liqueurs are best placed on the table in decanters. Wine and cognac are served in bottles.

It would be right to start the holiday by serving cold dishes - salads, sandwiches, and only then start serving hot dishes - first, second and dessert.

Nowadays, a beautifully set table represents hospitality, and food in such an environment is especially tasty. Don't miss the opportunity to do New Year's holiday even more joyful and elegant!

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

How to conveniently and correctly set the table

Good manners suggest avoiding excess cutlery located near the plate. More accurate adherence to etiquette would be the use of additional serving tables and separate serving of additional cutlery for dishes. Special fish forks, two-pronged lemon forks, cheese knives and sherbet or crab tongs only clutter the table. Except if crab or specialty fish is the main dish.

If you find yourself in the middle of a dozen spoons and forks placed to the right and left of the plate, simply use them in pairs, starting from the edge to the center. An excessive number of devices can also mean a hint of the brevity of the event. The table setting rules also allow this option. But usually, frankly speaking, an overabundance of cutlery indicates a shortage of waiters or a low class of service.

There are general rules for table setting

Guests must have all the same utensils.
Napkins are supplied with each appliance; there is an additional supply of napkins and towels, linen and paper.
Bread plates are included with each appliance.
A glass for water is required for each device and is located on the right in front of the plate.
An overabundance of cutlery and crowding at the festive table is unacceptable. It's better to put extra tables.
For desserts, special dishes, hot dishes, use additional serving tables.

Accommodation of guests

When organizing a celebration, the seating plan, decoration and menu should be thought out in advance and written down.

Each guest must have an invitation card with a number according to which he will take a place at the table. Can be used business cards with the names of the guests, laid out on standalone plates or beautifully arranged between the cutlery.

Using numbered spaces is more practical because finding a large written number that matches an invitation is easier than reading an intricately and beautifully written name. The comfort of guests is the main requirement for organizing special events.

Time to set the table

Many guides 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 cannot start serving a few days in advance.

Tables must be fully set half an hour before the appointed time for receiving guests. What does the concept of “set tables” include?
Tables must be covered with tablecloths.
The decor must be placed and secured. Shuttlecocks, decorative garlands, themed decorations, bouquets in vases - all these elements of the celebration should be placed before the guests arrive.
Tables are numbered in a visible way.
Salt shakers, pepper shakers, and vinegar are conveniently placed in special stands at the rate of at least 1 salt shaker for 4 guests.
Bottles of water are placed. It is possible to place water next to each device.
There should be stand plates opposite each seat. This creates the personal space of the guest. Arranging coaster plates will help avoid possible crowding. 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 arranging the guest cards, cutlery is laid out.
Table knives lie on the right, with the blade facing the guest, forks are located on the left. If soup is served, the spoon for it is located to the right of the knives.
Arrange the glasses in advance. The optimal number of glasses is a glass for water, a glass for champagne or a wine glass, a glass for strong drinks. 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 set out a few minutes before entertaining. Bottles of wine in napkins and champagne in ice buckets can be served after guests have taken their seats.

Where did the remark come from that it is not advisable to set tables in advance? Mainly from books on etiquette of the century before last. They prepared in advance for special events, especially weddings. Wedding dresses and tablecloths were sewn and embroidered several years before the event. Therefore, starting to decorate the wedding table immediately after the engagement announcement, months before the celebration, seemed completely natural for the young bride. Ceremonial plates became covered with dust, tablecloths faded, silver became tarnished and was stolen.

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

Subtleties

Arrangement of cold appetizers.

Cold appetizers can be placed a few minutes before guests arrive. If there are a large number of guests, the same dishes must be exactly repeated for each table.
A serving fork for sausages, cheese, rolls and other small snacks will be conveniently placed directly in the dish.
It is more convenient to provide canapés with caviar with skewers inserted in advance.
Stuffed eggs, baskets, conveniently equipped with tongs.

Proper serving table implies the use of serving tables.

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

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

Have a nice holiday!

Peculiarities

Serving is a clear arrangement of dishes and all the utensils necessary for eating on the table. A number of ordinary people are unaware that correct design The table takes time, although for savvy housewives this process will be quite simple. The entire table design process consists of several steps:

Choosing a beautiful tablecloth and matching napkins.
Buying dishes.
Purchasing beautiful spoons, forks and special knives.
Buying glasses.
Choice of service for tea and coffee breaks.

When all the necessary items are at your disposal, then you can start planning your meal.

You should not forget that a tablecloth is considered a mandatory attribute of table decoration for a celebration at home.

You should know that it can be purchased for special occasions and everyday use. Experts recommend:

For a festive feast, buy a tablecloth made of natural material.
For frequent family tea parties, purchase a tablecloth made from more durable materials.

It is better that the shape of the product follows the shape of the tabletop. Please pay special attention for the length of this important accessory. According to all the rules of etiquette, the tablecloth must completely hide the tabletop, and also hang down from its edge 20-25 cm.

The classic design of the table requires a special arrangement of dishes on it. First, earthenware and porcelain tableware is installed, then all kinds of cutlery are placed, then glasses, cups and shot glasses, crystal items, vases and glass candy dishes are taken out.

Napkins are important. Fabric products can perfectly complement the design of the table itself; they look elegant. Invitees place them on their laps so that their clothes do not get dirty. Paper analogues are simply used to wipe fingers or lips both during and after meals.

If you put different cups or plates on the table for a celebration, your guests will clearly consider such a move bad manners, so it is best to select all the dishes from the same set, then they will not only be stylish, but also of the same color.

Before serving dishes, the hostess should check the presence of spoons in all salad bowls, so that the guests have something to transfer the chosen salad to their plate.

For children, the table for a birthday or New Year is decorated in almost the same way as for adults, but these days most parents buy plastic dishes for their children. It allows you to avoid injuries and loss of expensive service items.

In addition, cups and plates made of plastic always delight with their attractive looking, which will allow you to make the table at home for fun children as elegant as possible.

A couple of days before the holiday, you need to solve all the issues related to its organization and prepare well: count the number of invited guests, think over the menu, determine whether the tablecloth is in order and whether there are napkins of the right color, take into account the presence of holiday sets of dishes in the house, come up with original decor. On the day of your celebration, wipe all items with a clean cloth until they squeak and shine, and then you can begin setting the festive table itself.

Location of items

First, all the plates are set out. The main place on the table is always occupied by a separate plate for decoration, which is placed no less than 2 cm from the edge of the tabletop. A dish for cool snacks is placed on top of it; its size should be medium. In addition, you can also place a soup product on the main plate if your menu includes puree soup. If you are going to treat your guests with broth, then it is best to serve a special broth for it. The bread plate should be at left side from the main one.

For any kind of plates there is a general rule - you need to place them 50 cm from one another so that the invitees do not feel crowded at the table. Cutlery is placed on either side of the plates or above them. The plugs are usually located on the left side of the main appliance. Knives should be placed on the right, with the blades facing directly towards the dish. A spoon for all kinds of soups is located on top of the main dish. The dessert spoon lies on the right and is considered the last in the line of cutlery.

Those items that are used first are placed closest. Furthest away will be the knives and forks for the latest dishes. When arranging devices, you need to remember that they should be easy and simple to reach.

You cannot hide the cutlery under the large edges of the guest plates; they must be clearly visible.

To set a table with food at home in an interesting way and according to all existing rules, you need to choose the right glasses. It is worth knowing that for any drink there must be a specific type of glass or glass. Experts suggest that:

Pot-bellied glasses are used for red wines, aromatic cognac, and aged brandy.
Small glasses will adequately preserve the bouquet of dry white wine.
Narrow glasses are useful for champagne.
Glasses will be needed for pouring juice and mineral water.

On the tabletop, all these items are placed to the right of the invitee’s plate. Napkins should be interestingly combined with the main color of the selected table service. The napkins are folded so that when unfolded they look as neat as possible. These items are placed on the snack plate until it is in use. With these accessories you can decorate the table in any fashionable direction.

How to arrange ready-made dishes?

Any housewife will prepare many of the most incredible and delicious dishes to amaze guests with her cordiality and hospitality. But you need to take into account that excessive abundance will then be difficult to arrange in all its splendor on the table, which can lead to unpleasant moments:

The guest will have nowhere to put his plate.
There won't be enough space for all the food.
You will not be able to reach certain dishes.
The table may look cluttered.
You will not be able to arrange all the devices correctly.

To avoid this, when planning a celebration, you need to immediately make a list of all the dishes that will need to be prepared.

If you dream of holding the most formal reception, then you will need to think about setting the table 3 times:

Serving hot dishes and arranging cutlery on the table for them;
Decorating a separate table with various snacks;
Final table preparation for dessert dishes.

You need to think about how to quickly and correctly set the festive table for all these stages. Special attention should be paid to the details of the arrangement of the main dishes.

Place the salt and pepper shakers in the very center of the table, leaving a small distance between them. Place a mustard pot and all kinds of gravy boats nearby. Serve the butter with a special knife, and put the smallest spoon into the mustard.

The bread is brought in on separate plates, which must be placed on different sides of the table so that any guest can reach it. You need to arrange cold appetizers correctly - they can be fish, meat and vegetables. If you need to serve the drink in a bottle, then bring an already opened vessel to the table.

Correctly serving various types of drinks should follow the following rules:

It is better to place sweet water and mineral water separately; you should open them before the start of the celebration.
Juices and fruit drinks are poured into glass jugs and placed around the table.
Decanters are needed for vodka and various liqueurs.
Cognac and wine are placed on the table only in original bottles.

If many people are invited to the celebration, then you need to know correct order serving dishes. The feast should begin with cold appetizers - delicious salads and small sandwiches. Afterwards, hot food is brought in - this can be soup and a variety of main courses. Sweet dishes are considered the end of the meal - they are served at the end of the holiday. Each dish brought in should have a separate spoon so that your guests can easily transfer the treat to their plates.

If you have introduced a number of main dishes to the menu, then before the next shift you need to change the dirty plates to clean ones.

You can place the main courses on the table in this order - first the fish ones, after them the meat ones, and then just under the “curtain” - the vegetable ones.

If you have prepared fried or stuffed fish, then the meat or poultry on your menu should be stewed or vice versa, and then your guests will be satisfied. Vegetable dishes- these are those that contain green peas or cabbage.

Before dessert, it is better to remove all unnecessary dishes from the table, with the exception of glasses. On the table there are small dessert plates with knives and forks, which are laid out according to the same principle as the usual cutlery for main courses.

Required elements

A serving plate is a flat product large diameter. An ordinary hot plate can successfully play its role. It is used not only for decoration: such a product will protect the table from accidental splashes.

A snack plate is a small and flat saucer. It is needed for a salad or canapé and is removed from the table as soon as the appetizers are finished. A deep dish for hot dishes or a special cup for broth is placed on top of the appetizer and serving plates if you have soup on the menu.

The stand plate for sliced bread is located at left hand and is individual for each invitee. In everyday serving, it is most often abandoned. Glasses are set according to height. They are placed diagonally on the right hand of the person sitting, the row begins with the tallest and largest glass or glass.

Usually all devices are divided into individual (for each of the invitees) and additional. These are special spoons, forks, tongs and scoops, etc. With these additional utensils, guests transfer food to their plates from a common dish.

Table setting involves the correct arrangement of dishes, cutlery and decoration. Its design directly depends on the target destination; it can be a regular feast, a gala event or a business lunch. But some rules must be followed for any event.

Naturally, in order to arrange a real celebration, a large cozy room, where you can accommodate all invited guests, and you should also take care of beautiful dishes, tablecloths, cutlery and a variety of holiday dishes. Near each plate there are knives, forks, spoons, glasses and glasses. As a rule, all devices are usually divided into individual and auxiliary. The latter are used to take food from common dishes, these include spoons, forks, tongs, scoops and much more. Using auxiliary forks and spoons, they put food on their plate from common dishes, while the spoon is in right hand, and the fork is in the left. Sauces and hot soups are served in ladles very carefully, so as not to drip onto the tablecloth. If this does happen, you can blot the stained area with a napkin without attracting everyone’s attention.

Traditional design implies a certain order in which dishes are placed on the table. First, porcelain or earthenware items are placed, cutlery is placed, and then glasses, shot glasses, glassware and crystal.

A photo of the table setting is presented below:

Fabric and paper napkins are of considerable importance when decorating. Fabric ones can harmoniously complement the overall design; they look sophisticated and elegant. According to etiquette, guests place them on their laps so as not to stain their clothes. Use paper napkins to wipe your lips and hands during or after a meal.

Table setting for a birthday and a lot of photos

Name day is one of the most favorite holidays for both adults and children, so table setting for a birthday should be elegant, original and even bright.

A large role in decoration is given to the tablecloth. It can be plain snow-white or, on the contrary, colorful. And the lace patterns on it will give the table a solemn look. In order to prevent stains from appearing, oilcloth is placed on top of the tablecloth.

Table setting for a birthday would not be complete without tableware such as wicker fruit baskets, crystal vases for sweets and salads, porcelain plates and elegant glasses.

It is very important to think about the number of invited guests in advance, so that there is enough equipment for everyone present to avoid awkward situations.

A vase of flowers is placed near the birthday boy, but in such a way that it does not interfere or block the view. Fruit baskets are placed on both sides of the table, preferably the same.

After this, several stands with bread and sandwiches are placed at the same distance from one another and drinks. As for the plates, there is a generally accepted rule - to place them half a meter from each other, and they should be one centimeter from the edge of the table. Using mismatched cups and plates for a special occasion is considered bad form, so it is best to take dishes from the service, because they are not only beautiful, but also the same.

It is arranged as follows: first, shallow plates are placed for the second course, larger ones are placed on them for the first courses, and on top are the smallest ones, which are used for appetizers.

The arrangement of cutlery has its own peculiarities: a fork is placed on the left, and a spoon and table knife are placed on the right, and the spoon and fork should lie with the concave side up. Paper napkins are laid out on the left side. Glasses, shot glasses and glasses are arranged in descending order from left to right, starting with the largest container.

It is customary to start the holiday with cold dishes: salads, appetizers, sandwiches, then hot dishes and dessert are served. Hot usually consists of the first and second. The hostess must check the presence of a spoon in each salad bowl so that it is convenient for guests to serve it.

The festive table is set for children in the same way as for adults, but now many parents prefer to use plastic dishes in order to prevent possible injuries and breakage of expensive sets. In addition, today plastic glasses and plates delight with their bright and original appearance allowing you to do children's table elegant and colorful.

As you know, children have a big sweet tooth, so you should pay special attention to sweets: cakes, cookies, candies, ice cream, which should be served in beautiful vases and other desserts. Fruits can be unusually cut and distributed.

Juices, compotes, fruit drinks, tea or coffee are suitable drinks for children. And of course, the main attribute of the celebration will be a beautiful birthday cake.

DIY festive table setting

Every housewife, preparing for any special event, tries to decorate the festive table as best as possible. But before you cover it, you should think about what style it will be decorated in.

First of all, the choice depends on the design and colors of the dishes and tablecloth, and choosing a tablecloth to match the dishes is much easier than choosing dishes to match the tablecloth. If in home arsenal There is a service made of delicate, exquisite crystal; a snow-white tablecloth and starched fabric, perfectly white napkins will go perfectly with it. Bouquets of flowers in crystal vases will be a wonderful decoration. It is much easier to choose a canvas for porcelain dishes, because any combinations and accessories will look good on it.

The festive table setting will become more elegant if you add an additional twist to it in the form of colored or plain napkins folded into various shapes. Most importantly, the tablecloth, dishes and napkins should be combined with each other.

A plain tablecloth is very practical, on which you can place dishes of any color. To give it a more formal look, it is decorated with a silk ribbon. If there is an elegant coffee service on the table, a tablecloth and napkins with lace will be an excellent addition to it.

Paper napkins folded in a special way will help complete the look. Thanks to the wide variety of these products, they can easily be selected for any event, be it a wedding, New Year, Valentine's Day and other holidays. Special holders, which are now included in the set of services, will help you secure the napkins.

Candles and candlesticks on the festive table create a special, unique atmosphere in the room and decorate the event. These attributes will be appropriate at any celebration, the main thing is not to replace the lighting with them, since the festive table should be well lit. The color of the candles must be chosen in one color scheme with napkins or tablecloth, dishes or glasses.

The New Year and Christmas table will convey the whole holiday atmosphere if you decorate it with white or red candles in candlesticks with spruce branches. You can arrange them in flower arrangement or between bouquets, or screwed to flower holders so that the candles rise above the bouquets. You can see the photo of what this table setting looks like here.

Table setting for the holiday can be complemented by all sorts of things and objects, for example, silk ribbons, which are matched to the tone of the dishes. They are used to make patterns or pass from bouquets to cutlery, thereby creating smooth lines and rings.

Various silver figurines are also not uncommon on a modern festive table. And finally, flowers serve as an obligatory element of the table setting. Properly decorated and arranged bouquets help to lift the mood, create coziness in the room where the holiday is taking place, and also add a touch of charm and charm to the table setting.

Home table setting

As a rule, setting the home table occurs on weekends, when the family has the opportunity to gather for dining table full complement. Prepare for such a case delicious dishes, loved by family members, leisurely conversations are held, the time during such a dinner passes very pleasantly and sincerely.

A well-set, beautifully decorated table teaches children to use cutlery correctly, promotes a good appetite, and brings pleasure to the household members sitting at it.

Table setting for breakfast

Aesthetic table setting for breakfast lifts the mood for the whole day, but it also has its own characteristics. First, plates for appetizers are placed, and then cups or glasses on saucers. The handle of the cup and the spoon on the saucer should be on the right so that they are convenient to use. Eggs, boiled “soft-boiled” or “in a bag”, are served in a special stand on a long leg, which is placed on a snack plate along with an egg spoon (for this it is better to use a plastic device, since a metal spoon will become bad smell). The porridge is poured into a deep plate, which is also placed on the snack bar. Hot drinks: tea, coffee, cocoa are poured into cups from a teapot or coffee pot, which are placed in the middle of the table or on the side, so that they are convenient to take out. Pastries and sandwiches are laid out on a wide platter, butter, a plate of honey, jam or jam, and a sugar bowl and salt shaker are also placed on the table.

A small set of several napkins and insulation for a teapot (coffee pot) will decorate the table and create coziness. This set must be made in the same style from the same material. Classic option is considered a set of checkered products that will suit any kitchen interior. It is very practical and inexpensive to use paper napkins, which are placed under the appliance or on a plate with bread. It is useful to involve older children in setting the table at home and gradually they will learn this interesting, simple task.

Table setting for dinner

Setting the table for dinner requires compliance with several rules. Usually, it is customary to serve cold and hot dishes for lunch, and dessert at the end of the meal. Such serving will require several utensils (spoons and forks) to place food into individual plates from common dishes. Snack plates are served for each family member, along with a fork and knife. A snack knife is used for butter.

First courses (hot soups) are served in broth cups and deep plates. Both are placed on the table in a special substitution plate to make it easier to remove these dishes and then to prevent the table and tablecloth from heating up. Tablespoons are used for broths and soups, and knives and forks are used for meat.

The main dishes are laid out in small, pre-served plates. If it is a fish dish, the table is served with a fork and a spatula knife, which separates the fish fillets from the bones. Cutlets, meatballs, zrazy, omelettes, casseroles and similar dishes are divided into pieces using a fork. Dessert is served at the end of the meal, when all the utensils used after the first and second are removed.

Table setting for dinner

Table setting for dinner is similar to lunch setting, with the only difference being that there are no utensils for hot dishes. For the evening meal, prepare a casserole, pancakes, pancakes, or a sweet pie.

Dessert plates are pre-placed on the table, dessert forks are laid out on the left of them, and dessert knives are placed on the right. Cups for hot drinks are placed to the right of the plate, or closer to the center of the table.

A very useful acquisition for the kitchen will be a utility table, which perfectly helps out the hostess while eating. Additional plates, cups, cutlery and other items that may be needed during meals are placed on it.

Setting the table at home is a painstaking, but at the same time enjoyable and interesting task that will bring a lot of pleasure and benefit to the whole family.

Of course, the beauty and originality of the design depend on the imagination and hard work of the hostess. In this matter, it is important to take into account many things: the choice of dishes and cutlery, the color of the tablecloth, napkins, as well as correct location all items and decorative elements. But besides this, there are generally accepted and long-standing established rules table setting, they should definitely be taken into account when decorating it.

One of the main requirements is to have a spotlessly clean and ironed tablecloth. Its ends should hang evenly from all sides of the table by about 30 cm, and the corners should cover its legs.

When arranging dishes, you need to start with plates that have been cleanly washed, wiped with a towel and polished to a shine with a napkin. Snack plates are placed opposite each chair and at a distance of about 2 cm from the edge of the table. The pie plate is placed to the left of the snack bar. The table should only contain necessary devices, you shouldn’t overload it with extra dishes, firstly, it spoils general view, and secondly, it creates certain inconvenience for guests.

To make it easier to seat large number guests, you can make cards in advance with the names of all those present and place them near the glasses.

The distance between the chairs should be approximately 50 cm, this will ensure a comfortable time at the table.

Despite all the complexity that seems at first glance, setting the table with your own hands will be successful if you put maximum effort and patience into this work, show maximum ingenuity and imagination, and, of course, bring a piece of your soul into it. Then any event will go off with a bang and will be appreciated.