Which side of the bread plate. We learn how to properly and beautifully set the table for a family lunch, dinner or holiday. What candles are needed

Table setting according to all existing rules is always a sign of attention from the owner of the house to his guests. Unfortunately, a properly laid table is not so often seen today, especially at home. However, table setting is a true art, once mastered, you bring beauty into your life. That is why it is so important to know the rules of table setting - to be able to create a festive atmosphere in your home every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and on holidays to surprise your guests with fantasy decoration, intricately folded napkins and luxurious tableware.

Table setting sequence

The table should be served according to the following plan: tablecloth; plates; cutlery; glasses, wine glasses, glasses; napkins; table decoration. At first, table setting may seem like a really complicated science to someone, but after some time, when table setting according to the rules becomes a habit, it will seem to you that this task is easier than ever!

Table setting begins with spreading tablecloths on the table. It would seem, what could be easier? Threw the tablecloth over the table - and it's ready. In fact, there are certain rules in this regard.

First, the tablecloth must be perfectly ironed and presentable. There is nothing good in setting the table with a crumpled tablecloth or oilcloth. The smoothed tablecloth, or rather its corners, should fall opposite the table legs, covering them evenly. There are also requirements for lowering the tablecloth from all sides - at least 25 cm and, in no case, not lower than the seat of the chair.

Such requirements were not introduced by chance, since too small a tablecloth descent on the table looks ugly, and too large - it causes inconvenience to guests. After you have covered the table with a tablecloth, it's time to start arranging the plates.

Types of plates

The purpose of most of the plates from the table above can be easily guessed by their name, however, there are also dishes that are not entirely obvious. The patty plate is used to serve croutons, patties or bread. The chill plate is used to serve various appetizer dishes such as oysters, salads or stews. The bowl plate, as you can easily guess from its shape, is used to serve several types of salads or side dishes at once. It is also used to serve fondue. Fried eggs are served in an egg plate, jam, jam or honey is placed in a socket, and a bowl is intended for serving fresh berries, jelly and fruit salads.

What kind of plates you put on the table on a festive or weekday evening depends on the number of dishes served. Serving for a two-course dinner involves one plate, for a four-course dinner - another.

Naturally, the plates on your table should be perfectly clean and dry. It is advisable to polish them to a shine before serving.

According to the rules, a snack plate (see the table above) is located in front of each chair. Do not put it on the very edge of the table, it does not look very presentable! The patty plate is placed to the left of the diner, as you can see in the photo above.

If you set a table with several dishes, in this case you place small canteens under the snack plates, etc.

Types of cutlery

  • 1,2,3,4,6,31 - spoons: coffee, tea, dessert, table, for making coffee, for ice cream;
  • 5, 7, 8, 9 - tongs: large confectionery, for asparagus, for ice, small confectionery;
  • 10 - a device for trimming cigars;
  • 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 26 - forks: for lemon, lemon, cocotte, fish, dessert, dessert, snack bar, snack bar, dinner fork for second courses;
  • 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 25 - knives: for the second fish dishes, dessert, dessert, snack, snack, table knife for main courses;
  • 24 - ladle;
  • 27, 28, 29, 30 - blades: confectionery, for pate, for fish, caviar;

After arranging the plates, you should immediately lay out all the necessary cutlery. Knives are placed to the right of the plates, forks to the left. A tablespoon is placed near the knife. For a festive dinner of several dishes, the cutlery should be laid out as follows, starting to the right of the plate: a table knife, a fish knife and a snack knife. You put a butter knife on a patty plate. If it is supposed to serve first courses, a soup spoon is placed between the snack and fish knives. If fish is not provided on the festive table, a tablespoon is placed instead of a fish one. To the left of the plates are forks corresponding to the knives in the same order in which the knives are laid out: canteen, fish, diner.

Also, do not pile cutlery one on top of the other, the distance between forks and spoons should be about 1 cm.

Table setting: glasses, wine glasses, glasses

To the right, behind the plates, we put the glasses from largest to smallest. Depending on what drinks will be served on the table, glasses for water, white / red wine, champagne, a glass for juice, a glass for spirits and glasses are sequentially set. When placing glasses, hold them by the stem so as not to leave fingerprints on the glasses themselves.

Table setting: napkins

What is a festive table without napkins? Napkins are not only a wonderful table decoration, but also a very practical thing. Napkins are linen and paper. Cloth napkins are not intended for wiping hands or face, there are disposable paper napkins for this purpose. Fabric napkins, on the other hand, are usually beautifully decorated by good housewives so that guests can put them on their laps.

Table decor

Regardless of whether you have a festive dinner or a daily breakfast, a properly served table involves decorating it with flower arrangements, fruit vases, the same cloth napkins, dishes with bright vegetables, etc.

The holiday begins with a feast! And no one will argue with that. We have long been accustomed to immediately recalling food, drinks and desserts when we talk about the past holiday.

If some kind of celebration is being prepared, they also first of all think about the festive table, various dishes. But the decoration of the table, the arrangement of dishes also play a huge role!

Beautiful table setting can completely transform the holiday, bring the event to a completely different level. At the same time, it is not supposed to arrange dishes, lay out forks and spoons in a random order. It is important to know a number of nuances.

Over the years, people have already managed to develop peculiar “formulas”, the observance of which ensures comfort at the festive table for everyone. Serving is a real art. Remember the basic nuances so that your table is really elegant. A few interesting ideas for decorating a festive table will always come in handy.

Basic rules for serving a festive table

We immediately note a few nuances. These rules are universal for any table setting, regardless of the occasion for the holiday. It is important to pay attention to the choice of serving items. They should reflect the thematic focus of the feast, fit into the interior and design of the room as harmoniously as possible.

Dishes, napkins, plates and cutlery should be selected according to color, shape and materials, design, so that all items create a single ensemble together. It is advisable not to allow dissonance. It is necessary to take into account the color of textiles: tablecloths, napkins.

It is worth remembering that the setting of the festive table is needed not only to create a pleasant atmosphere, a special festive mood, but also to ensure comfort. It should be convenient for each guest to use dishes, cutlery, napkins. For this, the placement of all objects is thought out, the optimal distances between them are determined.

There is also traditional sequence in which the festive table is usually served.


Vases with flowers will be a worthy decoration of any holiday table. Even at business lunches and official receptions, they are indispensable elements of table decoration.

Remember that cutlery and glassware need to be more than just clean. On a properly served holiday table, these items are sure to shine. To do this, they are first washed, then thoroughly dried, after which they are polished to a shine with napkins.

Plates for serving a festive table

Please note: the plates themselves can be real works of art, true table decorations. Sometimes it is they who determine the thematic focus of the feast. Therefore, approach the choice of plates and sets thoughtfully. For a solemn event, you can purchase dishes separately.

Of course, it is important to remember how arrange the plates correctly during table setting.

  • Smooth the tablecloth again, make sure that there are no wrinkles or litter on it. Start spreading. There should be plates in front of each guest. You can not put them on the very edge of the table. The approximate distance from the plate to the edge is usually two centimeters. Professional waiters instantly determine the desired distance from the edge of the table by placing middle and index fingers between it and the plate.
  • When the occasion is solemn, it is worth using the so-called "double plates". You first put a small dinner plate, and already install a snack bar on it. Since the plate should not slide, a napkin should be laid between the dishes.
  • There are also special pie plates, which are located to the left of the main ones. The distance from the pie plate to the diner should be 5-12 cm.
  • If the feast is especially solemn, all the edges of the plates are placed on the same line, clearly. So line up small and patty plates.

The centers of all plates must be placed in one line.

Arrange the plates correctly. Be sure to consider that there will be vases, salad bowls, and cutlery on the table. Each guest should feel comfortable, be able to move quietly without touching the neighbors on the table.

Cutlery for serving a festive table

Now it's time to learn how to properly place cutlery for a festive table setting. In ordinary life, we are accustomed to reducing the number of forks and spoons to a minimum, putting cutlery in random order. But for festive serving, this approach should be avoided. Remember all the nuances.


It is not necessary to lay out all the devices in a row. If the menu contains only snacks, you will not need cutlery. They are needed only for the second hot dishes.

All appliances should be perpendicular to the edge of the table, parallel to each other.

When dessert cutlery is required, they should be laid out in front of the plate. First a knife, then a fork and a spoon. The fork handle turns to the left, while the spoon and knife handles turn to the right.

Glassware plays a huge role on every table. Wine glasses and glasses decorate the table, become eye-catching decor details. At the same time, their practical function is also important. For example, the comfort of guests can largely depend on the shape of the glasses. Of some models, it is inconvenient to drink, some do not lie well in the palm of your hand.

Learn how to properly arrange glassware.

  • You can arrange glassware in the center, to the right of the plates. If the glass is placed in the center, it should be behind the plate. When you want to put the glass on the right, it should be placed in the place where the end of the first knife intersects with the top edge of the plate. Mineral water and juice are poured into this glass.
  • For fruit drink, kvass, you need to put a mug. The handle is turned to the right.
  • A glass, a glass for alcoholic beverages is placed to the right of the main glass. When the assortment of drinks is large, the glass should be placed on the left, and all glassware for alcohol should be placed to the right of the plate.
  • More than three items in one row should not be placed. This already creates discomfort, looks ugly.

The distance between glasses, glasses should be approximately one centimeter.

Glasses, glasses, wine glasses for table setting

The capacity and type of glassware depends on what kind of drink will be in it.

In accordance with the rules of etiquette, it is customary to allocate a separate glass for each drink.

For vodka, an ordinary glass is placed, for fortified wine - Madeira. A separate glass is required for dry white wine. Champagne is poured into wine glasses, the capacity of which is 180-210 ml. If red dry wine is served, it should be accompanied by a special Rhine wine glass. Juices, water are poured into a glass, the capacity of which can be 250-350 ml.

It is great if all the glasses, wine glasses will be in harmony with each other.

Napkins also occupy a prominent place in the table setting. They are able to give the whole table a special look, create a thematic design. Interestingly, folding napkins is a whole science. You can create peacocks, water lilies, candles and ties from them.

It is important to select napkins by color, size, so that they are in harmony with the tablecloth, dishes, interior of the room in which the solemn event is held. Then the feast will be magnificent. It is believed that when setting the table, it is necessary to use cloth napkins.

It is good when they are in harmony with the tablecloth in color and texture. Sometimes they immediately purchase sets that include textiles for serving. However, original design solutions are also in demand. For example, napkins and tablecloths contrast. But with dishes, vases or plates, napkins should still be combined.

Napkins are used clean, starched. Usually a napkin is placed on a plate, you can put it on the right.

Cloth napkins are not customary to wipe your mouth. These accessories perform a decorative function, sometimes they are placed on your knees.

For hygienic purposes, use paper.

Festive table setting ideas

Tables are served differently. Any festive table can be given an extraordinary, memorable look, make the decor themed.

Table setting deserves special attention. for a romantic dinner. A woman will be able to capture the imagination of her beloved if she creates such a small miracle on the table. It is better to avoid too bright tones, stick to a few primary colors.

For example, red plates, napkins, flowers and candles of the same shade will be in perfect harmony with red glasses. A decorative heart, golden cutlery, white plates and transparent wine glasses, a snow-white flower vase fit perfectly into this serving.

The table setting in a marine style looks very original. It is suitable for lunch with family friends, New Year's breakfasts. A decorative light tree in a blue vase is placed in the center of the table, the surface of the table is decorated with a delicate blue cloth.

Transparent glasses are in perfect harmony with white plates and glass vases for dessert, light napkins. On the plates are small plates of bright turquoise color in the shape of shells.

The festive table for the New Year is also decorated in an original way. If friends decide eat before new year's eve, you can limit yourself to the arrangement of basic appliances, white plates and transparent glasses. The main decoration will be gifts in translucent fabric, placed on napkins in plates, and a festive composition of red candles and artificial pine needles.

The New Year's table is successfully decorated, when shades of brown, beige and green contrast in the serving. Bright Christmas balls in a white plate can become a real table decoration. Napkins are sometimes placed in the form of purses. So accessories become symbols of prosperity in the coming year.

, even very modest, also conquers with harmony. Plates can be placed directly on the table when it is so beautiful, made of natural wood. The red fabric in the center becomes a bright detail, balls lie on it, Christmas trees stand. The elegant rustic style captivates at first sight.

You can come up with your own ways of serving the festive table. Consider all the nuances, remember the rules. Then any solemn feast will be fine.

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Have you ever wondered what is the main sign of the attention of the hostess of the house to her guests? Of course, this is the correct table setting. Unfortunately, not all housewives know how to do this. Many people think that a beautiful table setting takes a lot of time. However, this opinion is erroneous. Knowing and observing certain rules, you can create a festive mood not only for the holidays, but also on weekdays.
To create an unusual table decoration, you can attract household members. Most likely, they will like this activity, and you will save time and effort.


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It is wrong to think that in ordinary life you can not bother, and all the complexity of decoration is used exclusively for holidays. Psychologists say that the mood and taste perception of food depends on the appearance of the dish and the table as a whole.
Table setting at home differs from the solemn one in a smaller number of appliances and decor details.

  1. Take into service that coaster plates are a must. Using them, you will avoid staining the tablecloth. Agree that sometimes it is very difficult to remove borscht stains from it.
  2. It is not recommended to replace the tablecloth with oilcloth. To make the table look "smart", sometimes it is enough to lay a checkered cloth on it. Of course, everything should look harmonious and the tablecloth should be combined with the overall interior of the kitchen.
  3. If your menu includes a first course, then the presence of deep plates is a must. It is much easier to walk around with a pot and pour the broth for everyone than to rush around with plates.
  4. Under a deep plate should be a container for a side dish.
  5. In order not to constantly run for forks and spoons, provide them in the right amount in advance.


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Why is table setting necessary?

Everyone will agree that it is much more pleasant to eat at a chicly served table. If everything is properly organized, then the daily meal turns into a holiday.
It is not necessary to cook gourmet dishes, you can use ordinary inexpensive products. The very idea of ​​\u200b\u200bdecorating a dining table is important.
Serving planning for specific meals
Introduce new traditions into your family. Due to the lack of time in the modern world, not every family can afford joint meals. In this case, you can limit yourself to one common meal, which will take place in the evening.
Not only for a festive meal, but also for a simple dinner, you can arrange the serving in an original way. Children will be happy to help you with this, as a rule, they are very fond of arranging plates and laying out napkins.
At this table you can chat with all family members. The atmosphere of comfort is conducive to confidential conversations, everyone can talk about their problems or achievements. Such a tradition will bring a piece of joy into everyday life. After everyone gets used to gathering at home for dinner, you can start introducing gatherings on weekends into family traditions.


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Table setting rules

  1. You need to use the same devices.
  2. Each dish should have its own serving.
  3. When arranging objects, it must be taken into account that about 80 cm of space must be allocated for each person. This condition will make guests feel comfortable.
  4. Plates are placed in the middle of the allocated place, at a distance of two cm from the edge.
  5. When planning the serving of several dishes, deep dishes are placed on a flat surface.
  6. At a distance of 10 cm to the left of the person, plates for sweets or bread are placed.
  7. Spoons, forks and knives are placed with the tip up, on the right - knives, on the left - forks. If dessert is to be served, the soup spoon is placed above the plate.
  8. Glasses and glasses should be placed on the right. If alcohol and water are served at the same time, then the container that should be combined with the first course is placed closer.
  9. All utensils must be clean and free of stains and streaks. Before serving, it must be wiped with a dry towel.

How to choose the right tablecloth

A mandatory attribute is a tablecloth. It can be both for everyday use and for solemn. What recommendations do experts give when choosing a tablecloth?

  • for a banquet, a tablecloth made of natural fabrics, preferably white, is used;
  • for everyday dinner or lunch, you can use an acrylic attribute, it should fit the shape of the table;
  • it is important that the tablecloth is of suitable length, it should cover the entire surface, and the edges should hang down by 20-25 cm.

Required condition!!! Any tablecloth must be clean. Therefore, you need to have several options available.

Plate arrangement

So, the tablecloth is laid. Now you need to arrange the plates. The scheme is very simple. There should be a decorative plate in the very center, it should not be too close to the edge. A plate for snacks is placed on it. If there are liquid dishes on the menu, then a deep container is also placed on a decorative plate. It is important to note that when serving puree soup, a soup bowl is served, and when serving broth, a cup must be served. The bread plate is placed to the left of the decorative one.

Location of devices

Serving provides a certain location of all appliances. Everything must comply with the rules of etiquette:

  • appliances should be placed on the sides of the plates, in some cases they are placed on top;
  • there should be forks to the left of the main plate;
  • knives are placed on the right, their blades should be directed towards the plate;
  • on top of the plate should be a spoon for soup;
  • a dessert spoon is placed on the right side, it should enclose a row of knives.

Important!!! The utensils that will be used first should be closest to the plate. Appliances for first courses should be the most distant. It should be borne in mind that all devices must be freely available for use.

How to choose glasses

For serving a festive table, it is very important to choose the right glasses. For each drink, a certain type of wine glasses or glasses is provided.
For red wines, cognac and brandy, "pot-bellied" glasses are used. And for wines from white varieties, small glasses are used. The tallest or narrowest glasses are for champagne. For juices and water, glasses are served that are intended for cocktails.

Use of napkins

How beautiful to set the table? One of the most important elements of decoration in the design of any holiday or banquet are napkins. A lot of techniques have been invented, following which you can create an exquisite and unusual composition from them. When choosing napkins, you need to pay attention to the color. You can buy napkins of the same color with holiday candles.
Napkins need to be folded so that after unfolding they do not look too wrinkled. This decoration is placed on a plate for snacks. Using napkin figurines, you can make your table very stylish.


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Table setting for dinner

  1. Festive dinner with the family. Beautiful candles and plates are placed on the table, wine and light snacks are in store. Later, you can serve a hot dish, dessert and fruit. Remove the glasses and replace them with cups and saucers.
  2. How beautiful to set the table for a romantic dinner? A small table is laid, at which two people sit opposite each other. Candles and flowers are a must. A dark-colored tablecloth will add a special flair to the romantic mood.
  3. For a themed dinner. You can serve dishes prepared from products that are grown in your country house. The table is decorated with compositions of vegetables. All dishes are simple, prepared from natural products.
  4. For dinner with a friend. No extra details. Delicate tablecloth, the minimum number of appliances, light meals. Perhaps cold cuts or seafood.
  5. Dinner for friends. Friends come to visit for simple informal communication. So forget about solemnity, everything should be simple. But of course cook some delicious meals


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Table setting for a children's event

Organizing a children's event is always a special concern for parents. It is necessary to take care not only about the deliciousness of the food and the beauty of the presentation, but also about the safety of the children.
How to set the table for a children's holiday?

  1. In order for the children to feel like adults, set a separate table for them.
  2. It is necessary to withstand the design in one scale. It is better if you pick up any cartoon theme. It must be present in everything.
  3. Disposable tableware is a real find for parents who need to organize a children's party. Just do not think that we are talking about simple disposable plates. In stores you can buy very beautiful dishes made of durable plastic or special cardboard. Such dishes are very practical, because they do not break. She is very beautiful, so the kids will be delighted with her.
  4. Do not cook a variety of salads and meat dishes. After all, this is a children's holiday, and children do not like to eat this at a party. Surprise them with beautiful buffet appetizers, this is exactly what they will like.


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Benefits of proper table setting

If your family gets used to eating in a cozy and beautiful environment, then food will be a real pleasure. Children will grow up cultured, knowing the place for each item on the table. Evening gatherings at a beautifully laid table will unite your family. And this family tradition will be passed down from generation to generation.

And the art of table setting has a thousand-year history. Each era had its own feast culture. In addition, different peoples had their own ways of decorating the table and serving dishes that corresponded to national culture and traditions. And today there are a lot of types of serving, so let's try to understand only the basic rules for table setting according to etiquette and its design.

The main elements of table setting are: tablecloth, dishes, cutlery, napkins and various decor. In order for all these items to be placed correctly on the table, you need to follow some rules, as well as a certain sequence in actions.

On the eve of the feast, decide on the number and type of dishes, napkins, cutlery, etc. - this will depend on the number and type of dishes, the number of guests, the reason for the feast.

We serve the table according to etiquette

Tablecloth

E e is chosen depending on the type of feast, the color scheme of the dishes, the interior of the room - it should be in harmony with the curtains and furniture upholstery. Usually light shades are preferred. The white tablecloth looks especially elegant.

However, tablecloths can also be colored - plain or with a pattern along the edge. But keep in mind that too colorful and bright tablecloths will tire your eyes and distract from the dishes on the table. If you are using a dark tablecloth, match it with light-colored dishes.

According to the rules of etiquette, the tablecloth should be sized to cover the legs of the table (rectangular or square), and its ends should evenly hang 25–30 cm from all sides, but at the same time not fall below the level of the seats.

Spread the tablecloth on the table as follows: open it, then take it from one side by the ends, lift it up, shake it and lower it sharply down. At the same time, a layer of air is formed between the table and the canvas - it facilitates the further alignment of the tablecloth. Never stretch the canvas and do not pull it by the corners!

  • If the table is polished, place an oilcloth under the tablecloth.
  • Give preference to fabric tablecloths, especially from natural materials - they will create a truly homely or festive atmosphere.
  • Whatever tablecloth you choose, remember the main rule - it must be perfectly clean and ironed.

Cutlery and crockery

After the tablecloth is covered, they begin to lay out the plates and cutlery.

Plates

Consider the etiquette of arranging plates:

  • Snack plate - should be located opposite each chair and at a distance of about 2 cm from the edge of the table.
  • Bread or pie plate - it is placed to the left of the snack plate at a distance of 5–15 cm.
  • If several dishes are provided, you need to put a dining room under the snack plate.

During the feast, when changing dishes, the plates are replaced in a timely manner.

Cutlery

Place the spoon and knife on the right, and the fork on the left. The dessert spoon is located behind the plate - the handle to the right.

According to the rules of etiquette, they first begin to use the cutlery from the outer edge, replacing them with cutlery towards the plate as the dishes change.

Try to keep the distance between the appliances and the plate, as well as between adjacent appliances - it should be 0.5–1.0 cm.

Drinkware

Glasses, glasses, wine glasses are designed for only one type of drink. The wine glass is on the right, and the water glass is on the left. Usually they are placed in one line, but not more than three items. In the case of a full serving, the drinkware is placed in two rows.

Tips:

Before serving, be sure to thoroughly wash and wipe all cutlery - they should not have smudges and streaks. Buff them to a high shine with rough cotton towels or multi-layered paper towels.

Napkins

They play an important role in table setting. There are a lot of options for folding napkins - this is a real art, which you can talk about a lot. Let's just focus on the basic rules.

  • The material of napkins is chosen depending on the type of feast.
  • Cloth napkins (made of cotton or linen) are more suitable for a festive table, sometimes they can be replaced with paper ones - in this case they are placed under the right edge of the plate.
  • The color of napkins can be any - to match the tablecloth, candles or flower arrangements on the table, although contrasting colors are also allowed.

Appliances with spices

They are placed at the final stage of serving. Usually these devices are installed on special stands in the central part of the table. There must be salt and pepper on the table, as well as, in accordance with the menu, mustard, vinegar, vegetable oil and other seasonings.

Decor elements

The choice of decorative ornaments depends, first of all, on the occasion of the feast: business meeting, wedding, anniversary or birthday, New Year's holidays and so on. And also from the style in which the apartment is made. For example, red napkins with a turquoise color will look strange (you can read about this beautiful shade.)

For a dinner party, it is better to stick to a neutral style in the design, and if close people or friends come to visit you, the design style can be more free.

Figurines of the bride and groom, doves, as well as items in the form of wedding rings or hearts will suit the wedding table.

For a birthday, create bright accents with the help of decor, and if the birthday is for children, use images of characters from your favorite cartoons.

On the New Year's table, compositions of coniferous branches, Christmas tree decorations, tinsel, candles, etc., as well as figurines and New Year's souvenirs, will look beautiful.

The decoration of any table, regardless of the type of feast, will be flowers - bouquets or compositions of fresh flowers, as well as floristic arrangements of dried flowers. However, when using them as decoration, pay attention to some points:

  • make sure none of the invitees are allergic to flowers;
  • do not choose plants with a strong aroma, it will mix with the smell of dishes or interrupt it;
  • place a vase of flowers at some distance from cutlery and dishes so that pollen or petals do not accidentally fall into the guests' plate.

Tips:

All decor elements should be combined not only with each other, but also with the overall interior.

Do not choose too high decorative elements - they should not prevent guests from seeing each other and communicating freely.

Do not use too much decor - remember that everything needs a measure.

The festive table should not only abound with delicious dishes and delicacies. Try to arrange it in an original and correct way, because a beautifully set table is an indicator of your hospitality and good taste.

Table setting at home is a whole set of laws of etiquette. Every housewife should be able to maneuver in this creative sea and distinguish between aesthetic nuances. Not everyone can afford to have a butler in their personal staff. Therefore, you need to learn how to receive guests on your own.

Holidays differ in the level of perception by society of this event. Let's start with small domestic joys: name days, homelands, christenings, dates from family history. Serving a festive table at home depends on the number of guests.

family celebration

Such events can involve both a large number of guests and a quiet family dinner. If you plan to arrange just tea gatherings, warn guests about this in advance. An invitation "for tea" implies the absence of a strict dress code.

The hostess is the heroine of the festive table, regardless of who is the hero of the occasion. On the table you can lay a bright colored tablecloth. From personal appliances, you can only arrange plates for pies and dessert accessories.

The hostess, sitting at the head of the table, pours tea and passes it to the guests. In the center you can serve various desserts: berries and fruits, cakes, pastries, cookies or sweets. In the middle there are also pots with jam and honey.

The decoration of the table are fresh flowers. You can put in the middle a small low vase with a bouquet or a flower arrangement on a wide dish. The original decoration of the tea table is a traditional samovar. Don't forget brightly painted paper napkins. From alcohol, you can offer guests dessert wine or liquor.

Children holidays

Children have a lot of events that can be celebrated: a birthday, the first time in first grade, sports achievements - you can’t list everything. How to please the youngest household members?

Serving a children's table at home implies maximum comfort and a minimum of shackling traditions. Children must laugh! Offer them lots of colors and sweets.

Everyone loves sweets. Therefore, it is better to make a children's table dessert. Everything is very similar to "tea gatherings". Just don't offer hot drinks. It is better to serve the table with juices or compotes.

For a children's table, you can prepare bright colored jellies. It is undesirable to lay out fruits in large crystal vases. You can make individual chocolate baskets and put berry-fruit platter there: strawberries, apricots, grapes, raspberries, plums. Don't forget the cakes and sweets!

daily beauty

If you want your household to be charged with cheerfulness and good mood every day, delight them with gastronomic delights. Everyday table setting for dinner, lunch and breakfast is not much different from a democratic tea party. Only individual devices will be more. For breakfast, it is quite acceptable to serve the table “in tea”. But a family lunch or dinner is already a small event.

The tablecloth should be changed from multi-colored to plain. Ideally - a snow-white starch cloth. A tablecloth for dinner can be decorated with an ornament in the form of a wide strip around the edge.

The dining tablecloth should not hang more than 50-60 centimeters from the edge of the table. For lunch and dinner, linen napkins can be served with each appliance. If you are practicing traditional family meals, you can use table accessories such as napkin rings, silver and gold-plated cutlery.

The main dishes are placed in the middle of the table. You can immediately put cold snacks and hot. If the dinner is solemn, then an aperitif and appetizers are served first, then the hostess's signature dish.

The hostess is the queen of dinner. She must know with all the nuances how to properly set the table for dinner or for a birthday. Soup tureens and deep plates are placed on an additional table. Only small wide plates, cutlery, glasses and glasses are personally placed on the table. The hostess pours a hot dish and passes it to the household.

This traditional option can be replaced by a more democratic one: put the tureen in the middle of the table, and deep plates - personally. Everyone serves himself.

Don't forget to decorate your dining table with fresh flowers. From alcoholic drinks, you can offer table wine, sherry, vodka. Cognac is not drunk at dinner. Port wine and beer are also excluded. Such drinks can be served with afternoon coffee or pleasant conversation at fireplace .

Dinner is served in the same strict manner as lunch. Only real flowers can be replaced candles in high candlesticks. Instead of crystal, you can put silver dishes on the table: common dishes, gravy boats, salad bowls. Evening is the time of soft shadows. Table setting must match.

Be sure to place paper napkins on the table. But do not forget about linen! The guests unfold the napkin and place it on their laps.

If the wedding table setting at home is very dense, you should not put fresh flowers. Better decorate garlands room. At the wedding, it is advisable to invite attendants who will change dishes. It is difficult for the hostess to keep track of all the guests alone.

Whatever celebration would be celebrated in your home, remember: the main thing is a good mood and a smile!