How to set the table correctly
The main sign of respect of the hostess for the guests is the correct table setting. Few know how to do it according to the rules. Some people think that it takes a very long time to serve, but this is not at all the case. By adhering to certain rules, you can create a festive mood on weekdays. We learn how to set the table for guests or a husband from the article.
What is table setting
Serving is the correct arrangement of tableware, dishes, salad bowls, cutlery, etc. This also includes the choice of tablecloths and other elements for decoration. There are 3 types of serving:
- preliminary;
- banquet;
- "Bistro".
Having learned what is the peculiarity of each type, you can easily and interestingly arrange any holiday.
The simplest is preserving. Dishes and cutlery are partially placed on the table for those dishes that will be served in the first place. As the dish changes, the whole set of dishes will also change.
Pre-serving includes:
- wine glass;
- a glass for red wine;
- fork;
- table-knife;
- tea spoon;
- pie plate;
- pepper shaker, salt shaker;
- decor items that are placed in the center;
- plain cloth napkins.
When serving a banquet, all dishes and cutlery are placed at the same time. This type of serving assumes the presence of the following devices:
- knife Fork;
- butter knife;
- soup spoon;
- bread plate;
- soup plate;
- saucer (oval or round);
- pepper shaker;
- fish appliances;
- baking plate;
- dessert spoon;
- glassware;
- silk or cloth napkins (can be square or rectangular).
You can see how the table setting looks like in the photo at home and for a festive event on the website.
How to set the table correctly
It doesn't matter whether it is a festive dinner or lunch with relatives, according to the existing rules of etiquette, serving is carried out in a certain sequence:
- a tablecloth spreads on the table;
- the plates should be in front of the chairs;
- then there is a line of cutlery, glasses, wine glasses and glasses;
- the next stage involves the arrangement of dishes;
- put napkin holders, sets for salt and spices;
- the table is decorated with beautiful decor elements.
Basic table setting rules:
- The plate should be in the center of the chair, an indent of 2 cm should be observed from the edge of the table.If several dishes are planned to be served for a birthday or other celebration, then it is permissible to put a deep plate on a shallow one. Pies are 10 cm on the left hand.
- Cutlery is placed with the tip up around the plate. The blade of the knife should be facing the tableware. The right side is for the knives, the left for the forks. For dessert, the soup spoon will be above the plate, otherwise on the right side. Festive table setting is not complete without a knife, a snack fork, and fish cutlery. The permissible distance between tableware and cutlery is 1 cm.
- On the right side, space is allocated for dishes for drinks. If water and wine are served at the same time, then the one that is more suitable for the served dish is placed closer and it is located on the line of intersection of the plate and the first knife. The number of items for each person should not be more than three.
Another important detail of serving are napkins, they are paper and linen. The first ones are put in a napkin holder, they are not placed at such a distance that it is easy to reach with your hand. Linen is placed in a deep plate.
Attention! For the purpose of decoration, napkins can be decorated with special rings or arranged beautifully.
There must be a set for spices on the table. The containers only need to be filled halfway. It is better to add horseradish and mustard to the meat dish.
The family, as a rule, always spends weekends together at home. It is on such days, with the help of competent serving, breakfast, lunch and dinner can be given a special warm atmosphere.
Let's consider the possible schemes:
- Breakfast. Snack plates are placed first, then cups, saucers and spoons. The latter are placed in the center of the table. For eggs, special coasters with long legs are served. For porridge, put a deep plate, for baking - a wide one. A small butter knife is a must. And of course there should be a napkin holder with napkins.
- Dinner. As a rule, the first course, second course and dessert are served for lunch. Therefore, for a family meal, you need to put more appliances than for breakfast. Here you will also need additional devices (shovels, spoons, forks). A deep plate is placed on a diner, and a dessert plate is brought after two dishes have been eaten. It is worth taking care of knives for fish and meat.
- Dinner. The table setting for an evening meal is almost the same as the morning table setting. Dessert plates are immediately placed, on the right side of which the cutlery is placed. Candles in candlesticks are placed on the table to create a romantic atmosphere.
Serving features
Festive table setting is definitely different from a romantic dinner for two. Let's consider what is the peculiarity of each.
Festive
Setting a festive table, for example, for a birthday, is not an easy task. It is important to take into account all the details here: a festive tablecloth, napkins, dishes, decor. You cannot do without a festive service.
The main plate is placed on the serving plate, followed by the snack, fish and soup. For the cream soup, you need a deep one, but for the broth they put a bowl. On the left, a bread plate is laid out diagonally, then a dessert plate (served directly with fruit or dessert).
The menu determines how many fixtures are required. As a rule, this is a knife for hot, fish, for snacks, a table and soup spoon, an oyster fork (it can be placed on the right). Forks are placed on the left.
Important! There should be no more than three pairs of cutlery for main courses and snacks next to the plate. Each of the devices should lie at a distance of 0.5-1 cm from each other. If there is a need for a fourth pair, then it is wrapped in a napkin and placed on the edge of the serving plate.
Glasses are placed on the right side of the tableware. Arrangement is allowed in 2 rows, diagonally or in a semicircle. The distance between the glasses is 1 cm. First, a glass is placed for water, champagne, wine, then a glass for cognac and glasses for strong alcoholic beverages are placed.
It is obligatory to have a tureen, which is placed next to the hostess. Meat appetizers are served in round plates, fish ones in oval ones. Next are salad bowls, dish bowls, gravy bowls and herring bowls. The decanter with the drink is placed on the edge of the table.
Flowers, candles, various figures can be used as a festive decor.
Romantic dinner for two
To create a romantic atmosphere, candles, a basket in which you can put fruits and alcohol are perfect. The most suitable color for the tablecloth is white or red. The dishes are placed opposite each other. A large number of devices are not needed here, since the emphasis is more on romance.
What to set the table
A table covered with a tablecloth always looks especially beautiful. It can be both everyday and festive. The fabric should be natural, white is preferred.
For a daily meal, you can use an acrylic tablecloth in the shape of the table. It is important to take into account the size of the tablecloth, the edges should not hang more than 20-25 cm.
Important! Make sure the tablecloth is clean, so it's always best to have a spare.
VIDEO: How to set the table correctly.
Beautiful ideas for festive table setting:
Here are photos of ideas and examples of table setting, in which the designers took part.