Simple table setting. Table setting for various types of service. Porcelain or faience dishes

Evgeny Sedov

When hands grow from the right place, life is more fun :)

Content

The ancient art of decorating a solemn feast, arranging dishes for a dinner party or a family celebration, the ability to cover it beautifully, serve it festively is called table setting. It is based on a set of well-established rules, customs, including the order of laying out cutlery and serving dishes, recommendations for choosing jewelry, stylish decor elements to create a sophisticated look. How to decorate a table for guests or husband?

What is table setting

The correct arrangement of plates, salad bowls and dishes, as well as the layout of cutlery, napkins and other trifles necessary during the meal - all this is serving. It also includes the choice of tablecloths, napkins and other decorative elements. Serving is of three types: preliminary, banquet and "Bistro". How they differ and what are the features of the procedure - all this is interesting to know not only for the regulars of restaurants, but also for ordinary housewives, because then their celebrations will be decorated in an interesting way.

Serving types

The first variety is the simplest. A served table with it involves a partial arrangement of dishes and cutlery for serving dishes that are first on the menu. At the same time, in the process of changing dishes, the entire set of dishes is replaced. Pre-serving includes:

table-knife;
fork;
a teaspoon;
pie plate;
objects placed in the center (flowers, candlestick, porcelain figurines);
glass for red wine;
wine glass;
salt shaker, pepper shaker;
a napkin made of fabric without a pattern.

Banquet serving is a one-time arrangement of plates, cutlery and decorative elements. Devices that are used in this type of serving:

snack utensils (knife, fork);
soup spoon;
pepper box;
bread plate;
fish utensils;
a plate for pies or other pastries;
dessert spoon;
soup plate;
butter knife;
saucer (oval or round);
glassware;
cloth or silk napkins (rectangular or square).

"Bistro" is a simple arrangement for informal, non-formal occasions, a modern everyday option for lunch or breakfast. It is used in restaurants, hotels, hostels, self-service canteens and barbecues, establishments where they serve their own staff. Appliances, their location depend on the specific menu, the style of the institution, the average cost of the dish. It is necessary to cover the countertop with fabric white tablecloths, to serve paper napkins.

Table setting rules

Table decoration, especially festive, both in restaurants and cafes, and at home, should be carried out in accordance with generally accepted standards. Proper table setting sets the tone for the holiday. If you make a mistake when choosing dishes, you can ruin a gala dinner on the occasion of an event or an important business lunch. According to etiquette, certain napkins, glasses should be used - the choice depends on the type of meal (festive, for receiving guests, a romantic date).

Tablecloth

The general tone of the event can be set by the tablecloth. For a solemn meal, it should be snow-white, for simpler meals, cream or ivory is allowed. Regardless of the event, matter must be immaculately clean and ironed. Delicate decorative elements are allowed: lace, silk ribbons, perforation. Traditionally, the edges should hang from the edge of the countertop by 25-30 cm. In French and Italian restaurants, touching the edges of the floor is allowed. The material of the tablecloth should be natural: silk or cotton.

Types of plates

There are approximately 35 types of serving plates, but only about 5-6 are used universally. The rules of etiquette stipulate that the plates must be from the same set or at least made in the same style. The number and type of plates served depends on what dishes will be served and how many people are participating in the gala dinner. The main dishes used in restaurants are:

soup;
a plate or bowl for mustard;
herring;
large and small flat plates;
meat dishes;
dessert shallow and deep;
pie.

Cutlery for table setting

To the right of the plate is a soup spoon, immediately behind it along the outer edge is a fork and a knife for a snack (meat), the last one is a tea or coffee spoon. Cutlery for the main course is placed immediately next to the plate, and the dessert spoon is located behind the plate. A small butter knife is located on a patty plate. Devices should be polished with boiling water or special tools to a shine. In some restaurants, a special napkin is placed under the cutlery.

Glasses

Classics are two glasses: for wine and champagne. Other varieties for alcoholic beverages are agreed in advance, if necessary, add dishes for strong alcohol (glasses, glasses for whiskey, liquor). Glasses are arranged in this order: for red wine, for white wine, for champagne, and then dishes for spirits in the order of its serving. In addition, a separate glass (glass) for drinking water or juice is provided, it is placed on the left.

Napkins

If there is a problem of budget table decoration, then serving napkins will help to solve it. Napkins are one of the most important accessories on a festive dining table. There are two main types for serving - fabric and paper:

Cloth napkins are larger, square, made of linen fabric. Designed for kneeling or for decoration.
Paper napkins are used directly during meals, and they should be in the center of the countertop - so that it is convenient to use them. In addition, they should be available to every person sitting at the table. Napkins are placed in a napkin holder or in the form of figures as a decoration. Paper napkins at official receptions and celebrations should be plain, without a pattern.

You can beautifully arrange dishes for lunch or dinner at home. To do this, you need to buy a tablecloth, a set of cutlery and crockery. For a home-style serving option, it is not necessary to have everything, you should proceed only from your own needs and food preferences. To set the table for one person you need:

tablecloth, napkins (paper or fabric);
deep and flat plates;
table, tea, dessert spoon and fork;
table-knife;
a tea pair (jam outlet), a glass of wine;
water glass.

For dinner

Procedure:

The tablecloth must be spread on the table, put a flat plate, on top of it is deep.
To the right and left you need to put the cutlery for the main course, followed by snack bars.
Put a tea or coffee spoon in front of the plate.
A tea pair or a glass of wine is placed on the top right.
If desired, you can decorate the table with fabric napkins, flowers in vases or candles.

dining table

Recommendations on how to properly set the table for lunch for one person do not differ from those for serving for dinner. With the exception that for dinner the table is not decorated with anything other than napkins or flowers. In addition, instead of a white tablecloth for dinner, you can use special plastic or silicone substrates - they are more practical, they are easily washed from food and spilled drinks.

For guests

During lunch, serving for guests takes place in a similar way, only the number of cutlery and plates on the table changes. Decorations are almost never used, the tablecloth can be replaced with decorative coasters for hot dishes. If dinner is provided for guests, then light snacks and alcohol (wine, liquor) should be served, the coasters should be replaced with a white tablecloth.

For the holiday

Making your own dinner for the holiday is a laborious task, because. many dishes are served at the celebrations, a large number of people are present. For the holiday, the table is decorated with vases with flowers, fruits. At home, you can not follow the rules regarding the arrangement of plates and cutlery, but only use a tablecloth, napkins and make sure that each guest feels comfortable.

Beautiful table setting

Vases with flowers, satin or silk ribbons, porcelain figurines of angels, napkin rings are used as decoration. The creation of a festive atmosphere is facilitated by: balloons, serpentine, elegant tablecloths. Decorations for serving are selected in accordance with the holiday - a wedding, anniversary or a romantic dinner. The main decorative elements are a tablecloth and fabric napkins.

classical

Traditionally, for an ordinary lunch or dinner, the countertop is decorated with flowers or napkin rings. With a classic serving, the main condition is the impeccable cleanliness of the tablecloth, napkins and cutlery, dishes for spices. To beautifully set the table, but at the same time avoid excessive solemnity, you can pick up napkins of bright saturated colors - such a move will help brighten up a boring meal.

Banquet

Decorating a table for a mass banquet is not an easy task. In this case, they try to make all the decorative elements in the same style or color. They are selected according to the type of banquet: anniversary, corporate or other event. More often use bright napkins, fresh or artificial flowers. First of all, the wishes of people ordering a gala dinner are taken into account.

Wedding

When serving a wedding dinner, the emphasis is on places for the newlyweds, which are decorated with symbols of love (hearts, roses, posters with wishes, swans figurines). Places for the newlyweds are marked with separate glasses (decorated or tied with ribbons). A wedding banquet is served with white dishes with a gold or silver border. The tablecloth spreads only snow-white, symbolizing the purity of the feelings of the newlyweds.

Table setting for two

To create a romantic atmosphere, when serving dinner for two, it is customary to use candles, a basket in which fruit, alcohol (wine or champagne) are beautifully folded. The tablecloth is chosen scarlet or white. The dishes are placed opposite each other, but in such a way that the person sitting opposite can be reached without effort by hand. For two, they do not cover a lot of dishes and cutlery, the emphasis here is on romance.

The main problem when decorating a meal on a round tabletop is a small space, so the meal is served only with the necessary cutlery, deep and flat plates, a knife, a fork for the main course, a glass of wine. The rest is served as needed. In the center they put a vase with a bouquet of flowers, a dessert or a bottle of wine, decorated with a red or black napkin.

For birthday

Table decoration for a birthday implies an emphasis on the solemnity of the event. Serving dishes, competent selection of decorations, including decorating desserts, will help with this. How beautiful to set the table? It all depends on the personality of the birthday person:

Children's birthday table can be decorated using various toys, cardboard or paper cartoon characters.
A young girl or an aged woman traditionally uses natural flowers, original desserts, vases with exotic fruits, napkins, rosettes, and stylish dishes made of multi-colored glass to decorate a solemn meal.
It is customary for men to decorate a festive lunch or dinner laconically, with the help of beautiful contrasting napkins and tablecloths, while the appliances are classic, the dishes are white.

Serving a festive sweet table

For an event with a lot of sweets or a holiday that provides only for the presence of desserts, it is not customary to use decorative elements. Multi-tiered plates, pyramids, special coasters for cake pops or muffins are used. It is better if everything is matched in the same color scheme. If you use additional festive decoration, then the design will turn out to be pockmarked, overly pretentious and tasteless.

Table setting ideas

To surprise family and guests at celebrations or during regular meals, the following serving options can be offered:

Spring. The tabletop is covered with a tablecloth, fresh flowers and herbs are used as decorations. A linen napkin is placed on a plate, and a flower is placed on top. If desired, you can use a green tablecloth and decorations in the form of insects (May beetles, ladybugs). Fresh lettuce leaves are served at the beginning of the meal.
Decoration for tea. Tea pairs are placed on a tablecloth of any color, decorated with bright napkins. You can use spectacular scissors for cookies and small desserts (marshmallows, sweets, muffins). In the center of the composition there is a large teapot, around it are rosettes with jam and honey.
Breakfast at the cottage. The tablecloth is either not used at all, or linen in a natural gray color. Ceramic dishes, enameled bowls with flowers in water are used as decorations.
Hen-party. The tablecloth is used in fresh, bright colors (pink, coral, blue). Dishes are placed in a minimum amount (glasses, wine glasses, champagne or martini glasses), the main area is occupied by desserts, snacks, drinks. You can decorate the surface with flowers, decorative beads.
Children's holiday. They use oilcloth napkins of bright colors, plain or with the image of cartoon characters or animals, the entire surface of the countertop is occupied by sweets: sweets, cakes, fruits, cakes.

Video

Did you find an error in the text? Select it, press Ctrl + Enter and we'll fix it!

In this article, you will learn about what types of cutlery exist, their advantages and disadvantages, the pros and cons of the material from which they are composed. Also, we will talk about the care of cutlery, and how to properly lay out cutlery and much more.

There is a wide variety of cutlery, which consist of various materials, they can be: wood, aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, cupronickel or silver.

Cutlery serves to handle dishes, food at the table. Often the usual, standard cutlery that you see in the picture: a spoon, a fork and a knife - they are used for first and second courses, as well as for the process of laying out dishes if there are no serving utensils.

In addition, there are specialized cutlery for different dishes - appetizers, fish, dessert, fruits, etc.

Snack set consists of a fork and a knife- shown in the picture on the right. Compared to a regular, standard canteen, it has a smaller size and is included in serving hot snacks such as pancakes, meat snacks, etc.

fish appliance shown in the figure on the left. Suitable for cutting fish dishes. a fish fork has four short prongs and a recess for separating fish bones, and a fish knife has a short, wide blade. Ordinary table forks are also often used for fish dishes.

Dessert types of cutlery

The dessert device includes a spoon, a fork and a knife of small sizes. Often dessert devices have an original, unusual design that emphasizes their elegance. A dessert fork is needed for sweet dishes, pies, charlottes, etc. A dessert spoon is used to eat dishes with a loose consistency - mousses, puddings, fruits in syrup, etc.

For fresh fruits - pineapples, apples, pears, watermelons, melons - a fruit device is used, including a fork and knife. Canned fruits can be eaten with one fork.

For serving coffee and tea, special devices are also used - coffee and tea spoons, and for ice cream - flat blades with curved edges.

Serving utensils (accessories) are sometimes referred to as cutlery, although this is not entirely correct - since they eat with cutlery, and serving utensils are used to put dishes on plates, cut and divide them into portions and perform other maintenance operations. Cutlery is also often called individual, and serving - auxiliary.

Spoons:

1 - Coffee
2 - Tea room
3 - Dessert
4 - Dining room
6 - Spoon for making mixed drinks

Forceps:

5 - Large pastry tongs
7 - Tongs for asparagus
8 - Ice tongs
9 - Small pastry tongs
10 - Cigar secateurs
11 and 12 - Lemon Fork
13 - Cocotte fork
14 and 15 - Spade-shaped blunt knife for fish second courses and a fish fork with a recess for removing bones

Cutlery (knife + fork):

16 and 17 - For dessert
18 and 19 - For dessert
20 and 21 - For snacks
22 and 23 - For snacks
25 and 26 - For second courses (except fish)
24 - pouring spoon

Shoulder blades:

27 - Confectionery
28 - Pate
29 - Fish
30 - For caviar
31 - For ice cream

When serving a seat, it is customary to follow a certain order. First, tableware (porcelain) is placed, then cutlery is laid out, and only then can restaurant glass be placed. Cutlery is also laid out in a certain order, see the picture above.

The order of unfolding cutlery

butter knife
Pirozhkovy plate - for bread and butter
First course spoon
Fork for seafood, cold appetizers
Knife for seafood, snacks
Fork for meat and salads (main course)
Table-knife
Decorative plate
Soup plate
Dessert spoon
dessert fork
water glass
Champagne glass
Red wine glass
White wine glass

Rice. Full dinner service

Placement of crockery and cutlery for breakfast

Cutlery for a traditional breakfast with coffee or tea, various types of bread, butter, marmalade and honey (but no egg)

Cutlery for a "coffee mug" or tea party with pastries. You can add a paring knife if needed.

Cutlery materials

Wooden cutlery

Wooden spoons can be used for trips to nature, but not for daily use. The tree absorbs moisture, it is short-lived, and eating with such spoons is inconvenient.

Aluminum cutlery

Aluminum cutlery was common before. Now there are disputes about the dangers of aluminum, but in any case, aluminum cutlery quickly loses its shape, color, and is also fragile.

Stainless steel cutlery

Stainless steel cutlery is one of the most popular. They are made from medical stainless steel, which practically does not react chemically with alkalis, salts, acids. The most commonly used stainless steel is "18/10", which contains 18% chromium (gives strength and stainless properties) and 10% nickel (gives shine and protects against aggressive food acids).

Cupronickel cutlery

Melchior is an alloy of copper, nickel and manganese. Cupronickel cutlery ceased to be produced in the 50s of the last century. Nickel silver cutlery is now being produced (it is softer, it also contains zinc). Nickel silver cutlery is plated with silver, gold or blackened. On the reverse side of such devices there is an MNC marking.

Silver cutlery

Silver cutlery is very expensive and is the pride of the owners. The devices themselves are quite heavy, so it cannot be said that they are convenient for daily use.

How to choose cutlery?

Most often, dinnerware sets consist of 24 items: 6 soup and small spoons, forks and knives. But there are sets for 12 people. Such sets may also include a sauce spoon, dessert, salad forks, a ladle, a cake spatula, a sugar spoon, sugar tongs, a fork for fish and meat.

When buying cutlery, you must definitely pay attention to the shine - it can be white or grayish. Make sure that there are no burrs on the edge of the appliances. Fork teeth must not be excessively sharp, dull or chipped.

A high-quality spoon or fork should not be deformed by the fact that you press harder on the bend - it should be thickened. There should not be any smell from the devices.

The standard thickness of cutlery is 1.5-4 mm, and the depth of spoons is 7-10 mm.

Knife blades can be non-hardened (they are cheaper, but over time spots appear on the blade, they wear out and age) and hardened (such a blade is elastic).

Ask the seller for a hygienic conclusion and a certificate of conformity. The certificate must indicate: the manufacturer, the address of the manufacturer, the name of the cutlery brand. The same data should be on the instrument box.

Cutlery care

Stainless steel cutlery should be washed immediately after use to prevent food residues from drying on them. You can wash them with dishwashing detergent with a sponge or cloth. Stainless steel cutlery can also be washed in the dishwasher. If dark or iridescent spots appear on the appliances, they can be easily removed with a solution of citric acid or vinegar.

If you have cutlery with plastic handles, then you will need to constantly clean the dirt from the places where metal and plastic come into contact. Such devices can also be washed in the dishwasher, but do not use high-temperature conditions.

Caring for cutlery made of silver, cupronickel or nickel silver is a little more difficult. After each use and washing, such devices should be rinsed in a solution of baking soda (50 g of soda per 1 liter of water). They can only be cleaned with special pastes and napkins. You can also clean it with ammonia: for this you need to take 10% ammonia, pour it into a container and put cutlery there for 15 minutes. After that, rinse them in running water and wipe dry.

Proper table setting, corresponding to the event, occasion and time of day of the feast, will allow guests to feel satisfaction from both the event and the meal itself.

Proper table setting not only emphasizes the delicate taste of the hostess, but also shows her respect for guests and household members.

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

Basic rules for table setting with cutlery at home

The first step is to select and lay tablecloth. For rectangular table take a tablecloth 50 - 60 cm longer than the tabletop. If a table round or oval- 100 - 110 cm wider than the diameter of the countertop.

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

For a homemade dinner you will need plain white tablecloth, but other soothing pastel colors will do.

IMPORTANT: It is good if the color and texture of the tablecloth is in harmony with the color and texture of the curtains, upholstery of sofas and armchairs in the room. In any case, the tablecloth should be ironed flawlessly.

When the table is set arrange appliances. First of all - glass and porcelain plates and dishes. Followed by - knives, spoons, forks and other necessary devices.

The last put glass and crystal glasses, glasses, goblets.

The scheme of the correct sorting of the festive table

Lay out your appliances like this:

any knives put on the right, so that the cutting part is facing the plate
tablespoon put also on the right, so that its convex part is at the bottom
forks after serving the table should be on the left, while their teeth will be directed upwards
dessert spoon should be behind the plate, its handle is turned to the right

IMPORTANT: When serving cutlery, it is necessary to take into account that they will be used from the outer edge and change items depending on the serving of new dishes. For convenience, objects should be placed at a distance of about 1 cm from each other.

Basic rules for table setting with dishes at home

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

Arrange the plates in this order:

medium plate(snack bar) place in such a way that 2.5 - 3 cm remain to the edge of the table.
Pirozhkovuyu (bread) plate position on the left, leaving about 10 cm.
If you plan to change dishes, put under the diner small dinner plate before laying a napkin under it.

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

wine glass put on the right water glass- on the left, but they must be in one line. Two rows of drinkware are allowed if a grand event is being prepared with a large variety of dishes and drinks.

IMPORTANT: Tableware must be prepared in advance. To do this, it is washed, dried, carefully wiped with a towel. The main thing is that the dishes look perfect before serving. Divorces, streaks, cloudy or opaque appearance of it is unacceptable.

Folding napkins for table setting

Napkins- an essential attribute of any feast. No matter how beautifully folded paper or linen napkins are, do not forget that they, first of all, serve for the convenience of guests.

Therefore, any napkin should be located in the most accessible place, and even the most intricate napkin figure should be easy to unfold.

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

IMPORTANT: Volumetric figures from fabric napkins will keep their shape well, and the napkins themselves can be easily washed off dirt if they are starched.

To starch a linen napkin:

In 0.5 liters of cold water, add 1.5 tbsp. starch and stir until you get a homogeneous solution of a cloudy white color that does not contain lumps.
Boil 1 liter of water, pour into the prepared solution and mix.
Cool and strain through cheesecloth.
Dip clean, dry wipes into the solution and wring out a little.
Hang the napkins to dry without using clothespins.
Start ironing between two towels as soon as all the water drains from the napkins.

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

Table setting rules for breakfast according to etiquette

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

Arrange your dinner plates.
Set out cups and glasses.
Place a teaspoon on a saucer.
Set an egg stand on a snack plate, do not forget about a special spoon.
On the snack plate, also put a deep plate for porridge.
Put a coffee pot or tea with a hot drink in the middle of the table.
Serve sandwiches or croissants on a large flat dish.

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

Table setting rules for dinner according to etiquette

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

Place a small plate on a table covered with a tablecloth.
Place a deep plate on a shallow plate - for the first course.
Add an appetizer plate if you are serving dishes that cannot be eaten from shared dishes.
To the left of the plates, place a fork, to the right - a soup spoon and a knife, and the knife should be closer to the plates, and the spoon should be closer to the edge of the table.
Decorate your dinner plate with beautifully folded napkins.
In the center of the table, place a salt shaker, vessels with the necessary spices and seasonings.
Place wine glasses and water glasses on the right and left, respectively.
Put a bottle with an alcoholic drink on the table in advance uncorked.
Fresh flowers in the center of the table will decorate and complement even an imperfect table setting.
Serve the oil in a butter dish.
First, serve hot in a tureen.

Table setting rules for dinner etiquette

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

Pick up a tablecloth (suitable with a small pattern).
Place two small plates one inside the other, and to the left of them put a plate for bread.
To the left of the plates, place the forks with their teeth up, to the right - the knives with the blades to the plate.
Place the dishes for alcoholic beverages to the right of the plates, for water - to the left.

IMPORTANT: Table setting for dinner is similar to lunch setting, but differs in the absence of a deep plate and a spoon for the first course. This dish has no place on the table in the evening.

Beautiful festive table setting: rules

Festive table usually they cover not only for members of their family, but also for invited guests.

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

Tablecloth for the festive table should be perfectly clean and ironed. It is advisable to spread a thick cloth on the table under the tablecloth, which will avoid the ringing of dishes in the event of an accidental fall, and also protect the table surface from spilled liquids. However, it is permissible not to cover a table made of expensive wood at all.
Crockery and cutlery, which are used for serving, must be from the same set. It is unacceptable to serve a festive table with dishes of different colors and sizes. The cleanliness and brilliance of dishes must be impeccable.
how plates and appliances need to be laid out only in the order in which the hostess plans to serve the dishes.
Shouldn't be on the table. excess utensils and cutlery. Items "just in case" will not be needed, but only spoil the look of the table.
All alcoholic drinks are served on the table in pre-opened bottles, but champagne is opened immediately before serving.
For each guest, one cloth and several paper sheets should be prepared. napkins.
First course the hostess pours the guests into plates from the tureen. Someone from the guests or household can help her serve filled plates. You need to do this by approaching everyone present at the table from the right side.
Second course guests themselves put on a plate from a common dish.

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

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

Rules for serving a banquet table

Banquets arranged in honor of some major holiday, such as an anniversary or wedding. The very concept of "banquet table" implies that the event will be held in a specially rented banquet hall, the guests will be served by waiters.

Banquet attributes are:

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

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

Are used folding tables, which are arranged depending on the number of guests, the features of the hall, the type of service.
Tables are set white banquet tablecloths, leaving descents from the edges of about 25 cm.
First of all, arrange small plates. They are arranged in such a way that the distance between adjacent plates is at least 60 cm, but not more than 80 cm, and the distance to the edge of the table does not exceed 1–2 cm. Snack plates are placed on top, and patties on the left.
On right put knives, facing the blades towards the plates. All appliances located on the right: a table knife, a fish knife, a table spoon, a snack knife.
To the left of the plate: dining fork, fish fork, two snack forks.
Dessert fork and knife placed on a plate.
Also behind the plate are glass, to the right of the wine glass - glasses for stronger drinks.
Cloth napkins put on plates, after giving them a beautiful look.
Low flowerpots with natural or artificial flowers placed evenly in the center of the table.
It can also serve as a table decoration. vases with fruit and grapes.

IMPORTANT: For a banquet table, every little thing is important, so serving takes a very long time.

Table setting rules in a restaurant

The restaurant has two serving options:

banquet
preliminary (corresponding to the order from the menu) with dosing

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

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

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

Dessert table setting rules

Dessert time is the end of the main feast. All dessert appliances are served shortly before the dessert itself is served. A fork is placed to the left of the dessert plate, a spoon to the right.

Dessert is served on serving plates. If it is chilled, it can be served in bowls or bowls.

Sweet table setting rules

Serving a sweet table has no fundamental differences. They put a plate, put cutlery in front of it. A deep plate is placed on top of a flat plate - for liquid sweets.

To the right of the plates are wine glasses and glasses. On the shelves you can lay out fruits or various cakes.

Before inviting guests to the table, it is covered with a tablecloth, preferably in soft colors.

A tea cup larger than a coffee cup is placed on a saucer. The spoon is placed on the saucer. A dessert plate is placed to the left of the cup. For sugar, special tongs are used.

Tea table setting rules

The main rules for serving a tea table are the same as the basic serving rules described earlier, however, a few recommendations will help create a more comfortable environment for guests invited to a tea party:

The color and style of the tea set should match the color and texture of the tablecloth.
It is desirable that a composition of fresh flowers be present on the table.
If a classic Russian tea party is expected, it would be appropriate and at the same time original to serve tea directly from the samovar, which is placed to the left of the hostess of the house or set on a separate table.
The milkman serves milk for tea. It is advisable to put the milk jug on a plate so as not to accidentally spill its contents on the tablecloth.
Cake, roll or pie cut into portions. Fruits are placed in vases, sweets - in candy bowls. Berries are laid out on bowls or plates.
Alcoholic drinks are allowed at the tea table.

IMPORTANT: Tea drinking is a time of laid-back intimate conversations. Even if the tea table setting is not perfect, the positive attitude of the guests and the kind cozy atmosphere will brighten up the evening and make small flaws invisible.

Rules for serving a buffet table

buffet are held at official receptions, corporate holidays, presentations.

The peculiarity of its implementation is that many people can attend the event, but neither a large hall nor special financial costs are required for this.

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

Features of table setting for a buffet table:

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

Birthday table setting

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

Depending on what kind of holiday the birthday person wants to arrange, you should choose the venue, menu, type of service.

If scheduled quiet family dinner, then either a festive table or a table for dinner is served.
If the birthday passes in the cafe or a restaurant with a prearranged menu, a banquet table is served.
Those who decided on their birthday visit a restaurant, but did not pre-book a table and certain dishes, a standard restaurant preliminary serving will wait.

Table setting rules for children in pictures

From childhood, you need to teach the child the basics of etiquette. In adulthood, this knowledge will come in handy more than once. So that when studying the rules of behavior at the table and the basics of serving it, the baby does not have any difficulties, you can conduct classes in a playful way and use special pictures.

Knowing and putting into practice the rules and features of table setting, you can feel confident when inviting guests or setting the table for a family celebration.

Joint feasts at a cozy, beautifully decorated table will bring positive emotions to the hosts and their guests, and perhaps such feasts will turn into a good good family tradition.

Video: How to properly set the table?

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!

Where to begin?
What is for what?

Dishes
Glasses
Cutlery

What and how to use?

Placement rules

Does color matter?
Decor
Tips for all occasions

Proper serving of cutlery and appropriate decoration can create a special atmosphere at the table, in which even the simplest homemade dish will be perceived as a culinary masterpiece.

For a real hostess, the ability to lay a table is no less important than the presence of culinary talents. Proper serving is a sign of attention and respect for those sitting at the table, as well as an indicator of the taste of the hostess herself.

Before you start serving, you need to carefully plan and think through everything. Be sure to take into account the number of guests and the menu - the type and number of dishes depends on what devices will be used.

First of all, a carefully ironed tablecloth spreads on the table. They cover it in such a way that the corners cover the legs of the table, and the edges hang from the table by 25-30 cm. The edge of the tablecloth should not fall below the seat of the chair, so as not to cause inconvenience to those sitting.

To prevent the dishes from knocking on the table, you can put a soft cloth (for example, fleece) under the tablecloth.

Even the most expensive and beautiful tablecloth should not be covered with oilcloth on top as a precaution - etiquette does not allow this. But buying and laying a Teflon tablecloth on the table is not forbidden.

The Teflon coating of such a tablecloth does not allow spilled drinks and fat to be absorbed into the material, so they can be easily removed with a sponge. After removing the liquid, it will not leave unaesthetic marks and wet spots.

In some cases, instead of a tablecloth, the use of underplates or runners is allowed. The first are stands of various configurations, placed under plates and cutlery. Underplates are plastic, bamboo, made of rattan, or just paper. The second are narrow fabric strips spread only in the center of the table.

As for cutlery and utensils, before placing it is necessary to check them for integrity(there must be no chips, cracks, rust, bent parts) and cleanliness.

To remove dust and traces of water, all dishes are wiped with a damp warm towel and polished with a dry cloth.

Important! Proper table setting requires that all sets of cutlery be placed in the same order. In an informal setting, it is allowed to use different utensils for different guests. But at the same time, for each individual participant in the meal, all devices must be equipped from one set.

What is for what?

There is a wide variety of serving items. Most of them are not used daily at home, but they may well be needed to organize a banquet or gala dinner.

Dishes

About 35 species are known. However, the most commonly used are:

Soup. A recessed plate that serves not only soups, but also muesli, milk with cereal or oatmeal. But broths, according to the rules, are not served in such dishes - special bowls are provided for them.
Dinner plates. They are shallow and deep. Small ones are used for serving second courses, and pasta and other pasta dishes are put into deep ones.

Pirozhkovaya. Bread, croutons or butter are served on it. Place it on top and slightly to the left of the main set. A small butter knife is placed on top of it.
Chill mold. It looks like a clam shell. Designed for salad appetizers or oysters.
Fish. Slightly elongated for easier handling of fish dishes.

In addition, there are caviar, egg, dessert, salad bowls and many others. In addition, there is also such a type of plate as a serving plate. It is placed under a plate for snacks, soups or main courses.

According to the rules of etiquette, it may differ from the rest of the dishes (be from a different set or a different color).

Glasses

Most often, glasses and wine glasses are used as utensils for drinks. They may vary in shape, volume and have different purpose, which should also be taken into account when preparing for the meeting of guests:

Classic elongated glasses with a volume of 120-200 ml are intended for champagne sparkling wines. served for refined champagne wines. Refrigerate before filling.
A glass that differs slightly from the classic one in increased volume, with a slightly narrowed neck, is served for refined champagne wines. Refrigerate before filling. And fill it no more than 2/3.
For white wine, use glasses with an elongated bowl on a narrow leg, with a volume of 180-260 ml.
Red wine is poured into wider and more open glasses.
Cognac glasses can have a classic shape (snifters) or a tulip shape.

Liquor glasses, vodka glasses, beer glasses are also used - everything here will depend on the preferences of the guests and the proposals of the hosts.

Cutlery

Over the years of the evolution of the art of cooking and serving, no less than plates, cutlery has also appeared. All of them are usually divided into main and auxiliary (they are also called serving devices).

The first are intended for individual use. The second is used by all participants in the meal. They are used to separate and cut dishes into portions, laying them out on individual plates.

The main devices, in turn, are divided into:

Canteens. They eat soups and main dishes. The set includes a knife 20-24 cm long, a fork and a spoon, which are 5-6 cm shorter than the knife.
Eateries. Designed for snacks and cold dishes. Consists of a knife and fork.
Fish. A set of slightly modified forks and knives. Fish knife - blunt, in the form of a spatula. The fish fork has shortened teeth.
Dessert. A trident fork 18-19 cm long, a small spoon and a knife with a narrow blade. Served with pies, mousses, puddings and other desserts. A dessert spoon can also be served with fried eggs and berries with cream.
fruity. These include a fork with two prongs and a knife. They are used for fruit salads, melons, watermelons and unpeeled fruit desserts.

In addition, special utensils designed for certain dishes (for example, a fork for oysters, sprats or lobsters) may be served.

What and how to use?

The greatest difficulty is most often the unfolding and use of cutlery. The rule can help here: devices are always used in the direction from the edge to the center and from right to left. This means that when a meal is supposed to be changed, those cutlery that lies farthest from the main plate will be used first. When in doubt, the device located on the right is taken first.

Placement rules

Serving is a whole science with a long history, which has its own rules and exceptions. However, if you remember the basics, then setting the table correctly will not be difficult at all:

The dishes are placed on the table in a strictly defined sequence. First - faience and porcelain items, then - cutlery. At the end they put objects made of glass and crystal.
It is necessary to decompose everything so that what is needed first of all lies closest. When scheduling multiple meals, dishes and cutlery are arranged in the order in which the food will be served. At the same time, it is not necessary to pile everything on the table at once. It is enough to put the devices intended for serving dishes on the first and second. Dessert sets can be arranged later - after the main ones are removed.
The knife should be placed so that its blade is turned towards the dishes.
According to the etiquette, a glass (glass) should be placed above the knife. If several types of glasses are used, then they are all placed side by side.
Forks must be laid out on the left side of the plate.
Spoons are always located to the right of knives.
If you plan to serve Italian dishes, there should be a plate for bread on the table.
If there is soup on the menu, the soup spoon is placed between the knives for snacks and fish.

In addition, there are several more generally accepted rules governing the location of individual serving items.

Dishes

According to the rules, the layout of dishes should begin with plates. At the same time, it is necessary to put them so that they are 1.5-2 cm from the edge of the table. The distance between them should be approximately the same. It is believed that the dishes should be arranged with an interval of 50 cm - so that those sitting at the table are comfortable.

Plates with cutlery should lie opposite each chair. Their number depends on the variety of the menu and the type of meal. For example, for a regular snack, one plate will be enough, but for lunch and dinner, two are served.

Smaller cymbals are always stacked on top of larger ones, allowing for quick replacement while saving space on the table.

Spoons and forks

Appliances are laid out behind the plates. They must be placed on the sides of the main plate, turning the concave side to the table.

Forks are placed on the left side, spoons and knives are placed on the right. A teaspoon can be placed on top.

It is important to place on the table only those devices that are really needed. Most often, one knife, one fork and two spoons (for a hot dish and dessert) are enough for a regular meal. If necessary, this set is supplemented with special devices.

Glasses

Behind the plates, a little to the right, you can arrange the glasses. When deciding on a variety of glasses, glasses and wine glasses, it is necessary to take into account the contingent of guests and the options for drinks offered to guests.

According to the rules, containers for drinks should be arranged from largest to smallest. At the same time, you should not put too many glasses or stacks - this will only clutter up the table and may cause inconvenience to guests.

Does color matter?

Color in serving is as important as when decorating an interior or choosing an outfit.

Most often, the table is covered with a white tablecloth, but any other color can be used to create an unusual atmosphere. Everything here will depend on the nature of the event and the preferences of the hosts.

A white tablecloth, for example, is perfect for formal dinners. It goes well with porcelain, crystal and looks elegant in any situation. At the same time, white color can be easily combined with any other. The table, decorated in black and white, will look original.

A romantic mood for dinner or lunch will help to give a combination of white with delicate pastel shades. And the green color will bring warm spring notes to the meal. The serving, completely made in green, will look original.

The combination of white and blue will also be beautiful, but red must be used with caution, since under different conditions it can act differently on others and affect the atmosphere at the table.

Decor

Decor will help complete the serving, give it completeness. The main decor element is napkins that can be placed in a water glass, laid out next to the plates or put on top.

For a quiet family dinner, you can use large napkins, for breakfast - a smaller size.

For large celebrations and holidays, napkins can be folded in the form of flowers or tied in an original way. The color and pattern of napkins can be absolutely anything, the main thing is that it is in harmony with the overall picture of the design.

In addition to napkins, it is customary to use flower vases, candles or themed decorations for table decor.

Finally, a few more tips from serving masters:

When decorating a table for a wedding banquet, it is necessary to focus on places for the young. They can be decorated with love symbols (swans, hearts, flowers). Separate glasses are placed here, different from the rest. Tableware for wedding feasts should be white, possibly with a gold or silver border. The tablecloth is exclusively snow-white.

Candles, a fruit basket will help add romance to the table decoration. Instead of fruit, you can put a bottle of wine in the basket. Devices for dinner for two are placed in such a way that those sitting are opposite. In this case, it is not recommended to use a lot of dishes - just put one set of appliances. The tablecloth can be red or white. A combination of red and pink tones will help to give greater tenderness to the design.

In order not to create additional inconvenience to the participants in the meal, when laying a round table, it is worth using only the most necessary appliances. If you plan to change dishes, before each serving, sets of dishes and cutlery sets are replaced on the table.
If it is necessary to set the table for a birthday, then everything will depend on the age of the birthday person. For example, toys, balloons or figures of cartoon characters are well suited as decor for a child. If the table is made out for a young girl, then it would be appropriate to use fresh flowers, original multi-colored glassware and various napkins.

There are many serving options. It is important to remember that table setting is not a set of strict rules at all, but a creative process. Therefore, when decorating a table for the arrival of guests, it is necessary to adhere to the general canons, but at the same time it is quite acceptable to bring in your own ideas.

How to properly set the table, see the following video.

Categories

Popular