Festive table setting. Table setting

Compliance with table setting etiquette primarily indicates the good attitude of the owner of the house towards guests. However, recently you can find a properly set table only at various kinds of official events, banquets or buffets. You need to please your loved ones in ordinary days, creating a festive atmosphere with colorful decorations. In this article we will talk about the basic rules of table setting, various directions and interesting ways decoration.

Table etiquette or how to properly set the table

If you are invited to a dinner party for the first time, the number of cutlery and their order can be perplexing. A well-organized festive dinner is the correct placement of cutlery on the table, compliance with table etiquette and decoration appropriate for the event. To learn how to use cutlery correctly, you need to understand a few points.

Rule No. 1: forks, spoons, knives are placed in the order in which dishes are served (appetizers, soup, meat or fish, fruit, dessert). Each item on the table plays its role.

General rules for table setting suggest the following tableware arrangement patterns:

  • a snack plate is placed in front of the guest;
  • on the left is a cake plate or paper napkin with additional cutlery;
  • on the right are knives and spoons, and on the left are forks;
  • Wine glasses and glasses, as well as dessert cutlery, are placed in front of the main plate;
  • There is a napkin on the appetizer plate.

Rule No. 2: serving items should be used for their intended purpose. The utensils located on the right side are taken and held while eating in the right hand, and those located on the left - with the left hand.

The question of how to use a knife deserves special attention. It is necessary that the end of the handle rests in the palm of the right hand, the thumb and middle fingers clasp the base of the knife from the side, and the index finger lies on the surface of the handle. This will make it more convenient for you to cut off the desired piece of meat or fish, and you won’t have to blush in front of strangers.

Rule No. 3: table decoration involves the use of all kinds of decorative elements: a white ironed tablecloth, lace napkins, colorful runners and fragrant flowers.

To better understand the principle of table etiquette, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the video material presented below. You will learn a lot of useful things and will forever forget about the problem of improper use of cutlery.

On video: serving and serving rules.

Scheme and sequence

There is no single correct option for setting the table, because each country has different traditions regarding this issue. Much also depends on the menu, the number of dishes and their focus. Do not forget that depending on the time of day, the design of the kitchen or dining room can vary greatly.

It is customary to set the table according to the following order: tablecloth, dishes and cutlery, wine glasses, glasses, glasses, napkins, decor.

Let's start with the tablecloth - it should be perfectly ironed and match the nature of the event. So, for a dinner party, models in neutral shades are suitable, and for Sunday tomorrow with the family, there is nothing better than a bright tablecloth and napkins with unusual drawings. The average length of this product is 25 cm. This indicator is far from accidental - an excessively large slope of the tablecloth will look sloppy, and a small one will look awkward.

The smoothed fabric should cover the entire surface, and the corners should fall against the table legs, covering them evenly.


Choose a tablecloth that is the right size

Next comes the arrangement of dishes and cutlery. In a number European countries, and in Russia too, it is customary to first display porcelain and glass plates, saucers, wine glasses and glasses. When setting the table, it is important to consider that all items will change depending on how the dishes are served. That is why it is better to place dishes and cutlery at a distance of 1 cm from each other, starting from the edge of the table.

Selection and placement of tablecloths and runners

Every housewife keeps an elegant white tablecloth in her closet. However, you should not limit yourself to just one model; now stores offer a wide selection of products in a variety of sizes, colors and styles. For rectangular tables, tablecloths 50 cm longer than the tabletop are suitable, and for round or oval tables - 100 cm wider than the diameter of the table.

Designers insist that the color of the tablecloth be combined with the shade of the curtains and the overall style of the room. The main thing is to iron the fabric well, and the choice of colors depends only on the preferences of the residents of the house. You can choose a traditional beige or white bed, or choose a more custom option.

Another new way to decorate a table is to use plain table runners and placemats. You can see examples of such decoration in the photo below.

Plates placement

First, deep, wooden or salad plates are placed on napkins or special tracks. Not far from them are tea utensils and dishes for desserts. The distance from the edge of the table to the dishes should be about 1.5-2 cm. It is also recommended to place a paper napkin under the appetizer plate so that it does not slide on the tablecloth.

Next in order is the layout of the cutlery. According to the rules of etiquette, they are laid out according to the number of courses, placed reverse side to the table. On the right are spoons and knives, on the left are forks. In most cases, there is one set of cutlery for each person.

If you want to amaze your guests, you can additionally set the table with bright glasses, glasses, special forks, tea and dessert spoons.

Serving glasses, glasses, wine glasses

The plates are followed by glasses - they are arranged from largest to smallest. The choice of items depends on the guests' preferences regarding certain drinks. These can be glasses for water, glasses for white or red wine, glasses for juice, as well as glasses for strong drinks.

Glasses are placed on the right, glasses on the left, forming an even line. It is allowed to arrange dishes and cutlery in two rows if there are a large number of participants in the event.

Before serving glasses on the table, make sure the dishes are clean. All items must be thoroughly washed, wiped with a towel and made sure there are no chips or other defects.

Selecting and serving napkins

Classic table setting involves the use of plain napkins in neutral shades. As with the arrangement of cutlery, there are no clear rules for the placement of napkins. They can be beautifully stacked next to a snack plate (designed for bread, tarts and salads) or placed in a water glass, decorated with decorative rings and ribbons.

If you're setting the table for dinner, simply place napkins on the side of each plate, as shown below.

On video: how to properly set the table.

Table decor (finishing)

An excellent option for table decor is a tablecloth made of synthetic material. This solution is suitable for both home gatherings and festive dinner, the main thing is to choose the right color. It is easy to care for such a tablecloth - it does not wrinkle, does not wear out and retains its original appearance for a long time. appearance. As an addition, fabric napkins, plates, and lace runners are used.

To make your living room interior elegant, cozy and unforgettable, place a bouquet of fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit, an antique sugar bowl and crystal glasses on the table.

Cutlery in a modern style is distinguished by a variety of shapes, shades and its own unique functional features.

Types of serving

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

For breakfast (+ Sunday breakfast)

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

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

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

Dining

There are several types of table settings for dinner. It all depends on the number of dishes and their nature. Cover the table with a white tablecloth, place one flat and one deep plate (for soup or salad). If there are dishes on the menu that cannot be eaten from shared dishes, add a snack plate. Arrange cutlery according to proper etiquette. Beautifully folded napkins are perfect for table decoration.

A distinctive feature of the table setting for dinner is the installation of a salt shaker and other items for spices and seasonings.

Full evening

You can set the table not only for family members, relatives or friends, but also for unfamiliar guests. Preliminary serving in accordance with all the canons is the key to the success of any dinner party, because everyone should be comfortable and comfortable. The decor of the table creates a special atmosphere that is conducive to intimate conversations, wonderful memories and plans for the future.

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

  • A perfectly clean, ironed tablecloth. It is advisable that the product be made of thick fabric (this will prevent the dishes from clinking when dropped and protect the surface from spilled liquid).
  • For registration festive table It is not acceptable to use dishes and cutlery of different colors. Give preference to monochromatic options from one set. All decorative elements (vases, coasters, napkin rings) should be sparkling clean, the same goes for dishes.
  • It is prohibited to serve corked bottles of champagne or wine. All alcoholic drinks are served in open bottles, after which they are poured into glasses. One cloth napkin is placed next to the glasses.

Banquet room

Banquet table setting is not much different from a full evening table setting, but there are some features of this type of decoration. So, shallow plates are placed at a distance of 1 cm from each other, starting from the center, first on one side, then on the other. They should be clearly opposite one another. Snack and pie saucers are placed on these plates. The next step is to place the cutlery at a distance of 0.5 cm from the shallow plate.

A distinctive feature of the banquet is the decoration of the table with special personalized cards, which indicate the personal information of the event participant. They are located to the left of the wine glasses.

Buffet room

Buffet table setting is becoming increasingly popular; it is used at private parties, official events and during informal communication between business partners. There are two options: one-sided and two-sided serving. Each has its own distinctive features. In the first case, the table is decorated only on one side and is placed near the wall. The second one is usually used at corporate events, weddings and anniversaries.

Serving is done on both sides in accordance with a special scheme. The main thing is that you can take the dish without special effort(therefore the table occupies the entire central part of the room).

When serving a buffet, it is especially important to maintain equal intervals between cutlery and other items. They begin to set the table by arranging glass and crystal dishes, after which vases with flowers and bottles of alcoholic beverages are placed in the center of the table.

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

Coffee shop

The nature and basic provisions of coffee etiquette directly depend on the drinks chosen. It could be Turkish coffee, classic coffee, Italian expresso. More strong drinks, cooked on the stove, served in porcelain cups from one set. Help in creating the perfect coffee drink Maybe a geyser coffee maker is an ancient secret of the peoples of the East.

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

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

Teahouse

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

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

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

In conclusion, it is worth adding that table setting is, first of all, an individual design of the surrounding space. Don't limit yourself to just one arrangement of objects; show your imagination and decorate the table with incredible decor and fresh flowers. Informal creativity and compliance classical rules table etiquette is the key to a successful holiday dinner, Sunday morning and friendly gatherings with friends over a cup of aromatic coffee.

10 etiquette secrets from aristocrats (1 video)

A real housewife always pays special attention not only preparing delicious dishes for this or that celebration, but also setting the festive table. A beautifully and correctly set table arouses appetite and promotes good mood and pleasant communication, harmonizes with the interior of the room and corresponds to a particular holiday, makes guests admire the talents of the hostess. If you want to know how to set the table correctly, read about it in our article.



Tablecloth

The tablecloth is where any table setting begins. When choosing the color of the tablecloth, give preference to light tones and non-sticky (preferably monochromatic, although variations are possible depending on the interior of the room, the color of the dishes, etc.) colors.

Check the condition of the tablecloth at least a day before the celebration. It must be perfectly clean. Even the most inconspicuous spots have no right to be on it. Also, the tablecloth should be well ironed. A starched, freshly ironed tablecloth has an ideal look.





When covering the table with a tablecloth, make sure that its corners cover the legs of the table, and the ends fall from the edge of the table by about 30 cm. You can put a soft cloth under the tablecloth - then the sound of cutlery hitting the table will be completely inaudible. Putting a transparent oilcloth on the tablecloth (to avoid soiling the tablecloth) is only possible if a family gathers at the table, but for guests (friends, work colleagues, etc.) this is unacceptable.

Placing dishes

All utensils must be clean: they must be pre-washed and thoroughly wiped dry. It is very desirable that all the dishes on the table be from one set (if there are a lot of guests, then 2 or 3 sets for 6 people each - the main thing is that it does not turn out that all the guests have different plates, glasses, forks) - otherwise, it will create impression of disharmony.

Plates are placed in front of each guest at a distance of approximately 2-3 cm from the edge of the table. Make sure all the plates are in the same line. If there are several plates, they can be placed on top of each other (snack plates are placed on small large plates). Guests' plates should be at least 60 cm apart from each other to prevent those sitting at the table from bumping elbows.





Cutlery is placed as follows: next to the main dish there is a knife (on the right, with the sharpened side facing the plate), a spoon (on the right, with the convex side down, placed if a first course is provided) and a fork (on the left, with the convex side down), a dessert spoon is placed behind the plate. If other cutlery is provided (snack knife, fish knife, oyster knife, etc.), they are placed in the order of use. A distance of no more than 1 cm must be maintained between cutlery. Drinking utensils (a glass for vodka or cognac, a wine glass for wine or champagne, a glass for water or juice) are located on the right behind the knife.

Napkins

An important element of table setting are napkins. They can be fabric or paper. Cloth napkins (most often linen) are laid out folded on plates after the main stage of table setting is completed. If the napkins are paper, use a napkin holder for them. Choose napkins that match (or contrast) the tablecloth.








Dishes and drinks

The main dishes are placed around the perimeter of the table - you can try several options for arranging them to make it as convenient and beautiful as possible. In the center you can place the housewife’s “signature” dish or the best decorated dish.

Any seasonings for dishes: salt, spices, vinegar, sauce, etc. - placed in the center of the table so that everyone can reach them. Bread bins are placed on opposite sides of the table. Fruits are laid out in special wide vases ( large fruits It is recommended to cut into slices). The dessert is placed behind a wine glass or served at the end of the meal (if the table is small or the dessert contains quickly melting ingredients: ice cream, jelly). All dishes must be served with cutlery (spoons, spatulas, etc.)







Bottles of drinks are placed in different places on the table and opened before guests sit down at the table. The only exception is for champagne - it is opened immediately before pouring into glasses. It is better to pour juices and compotes into decanters.

Flowers and other table decorations

Flowers are great addition to the general table setting. They should be placed in low but stable vases and placed on the table so as not to cover the guests’ faces or interfere with communication and dining. Choose flowers to match the tablecloth or dishes.

The table can be decorated with candles, small holiday-themed figurines, and gel balloons. The main thing is that everything should be in moderation and complement the festive atmosphere at the table, and not be an eyesore.

Buffet - worthy alternative dinner party, becoming increasingly popular.

A buffet involves guests taking their own food and snacks and pouring drinks into glasses, usually while standing. Of course, guests can sit on the sofa, but the buffet table itself does not provide seating. An undeniable advantage of such techniques is the ability to use disposable tableware instead of glass and ceramics, which will have to be washed after a meal. A buffet at a holiday reception allows guests to socialize casually while sampling the variety of food served.

Dishes for the buffet table

Salads

At a buffet table it is customary to diversify the table llight salads. Can be cooked classic version Caesar salad, as well as salad with arugula, avocado and shrimp. Heavy salads with mayonnaise are unlikely to be suitable for a buffet table. Although, as they say: “the master is the master.” It is advisable to place salads in dough baskets or disposable plastic vases.

Kebabs

Small kebabs on skewersuniversal dish to the festive table. You can cook them with fish, meat or vegetables. At the same time, preparation will not take much time and effort.

Snacks

Great for snacks lavash rolls with curd cheese and red lightly salted fish, decorated with sprigs of greenery. Decorate the table and canapes on toast and tartlets with any fillers. It would be unusual to serve traditional Italian appetizer bruschetta: toasted baguette is rubbed with garlic, sprinkled with a drop olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and put delicious filling. You can use mozzarella, tomato, basil, ham, red fish. Bruschetta is considered great snack to wine.

Sauces for dishes

Homemade sauces are not only tastier, but also healthier than store-bought counterparts. Preparing 3-5 sauces is not difficult, but they will come in very handy on the table. Sauces will be an excellent combination with chips, cheese and breadsticks and, of course, with any vegetables. Cucumbers, carrots, peppers can be cut into strips; cherry tomatoes are perfect.

Dessert dishes

At any buffet it is worth taking care of the final part of the festive meal - desserts.

Chocolate cupcake, cut into small cubes will undoubtedly please every guest. The cake should be served with chocolate and creamy sauces, and offer fresh berries and finely chopped pistachios as decoration.

A win-win option for buffet table turns out to be a classic cheesecake. It is easy to prepare, but is in no way inferior to other sweets. Chocolate, berry and caramel syrups They will not only decorate the dish, but will allow each guest to give the dessert their “own” taste. Prepare a plate for the cheesecake fresh berries with mint leaves - everyone will appreciate this move!

Gaining more and more popularity American dessert- balls cake pops. They are perfect for a buffet! Small biscuit balls in colorful glaze on a stick will not leave any guest indifferent. They are not so easy to prepare, but you can buy them at some pastry shops.

Classic is always in fashion. A cake– a classic for any holiday table. The choice here is limitless, it all depends on your imagination!

Fresh juicy fruits will serve excellent option dessert. Serve with whipped cream or scoops of ice cream.

Eclairs. Delicious cakes are also great dessert for the buffet table. You can order eclairs at a pastry shop so as not to have to worry about preparing them. The cakes will quickly “fly away” and delight the guests.

Rules for serving a buffet table

  1. By preparing only cold dishes, you can save yourself from constantly heating food and relax, enjoying communication with guests.
  2. If seating is not provided, it is worth serving dishes that do not require the use of more than one utensil: it is obvious that a standing guest will not be able to comfortably cut, for example, meat with a knife and fork.
  3. Be sure to take care of satiating your guests: add it to the menu homemade bread, chips or nuts and olives.
  4. Try to ensure that the buffet dishes cater to every taste. You can cook fish, meat and vegetarian dishes. This way there is a greater chance that absolutely every guest will be delighted with the reception.
  5. It is worth cutting the dishes in advance to make it easier for the guest to take the selected portion. This applies to cheeses, cake, desserts, etc.
  6. It is better to serve alcoholic drinks in open bottles, and it is preferable to pour juices, fruit drinks, and lemonades into transparent jugs. In winter you can prepare spicy mulled wine, and in summer - refreshing sangria and homemade lemonades.
  7. There should be a sufficient number of clean plates, glasses and cutlery on the table for each guest. Paper napkins will also be an indispensable accessory.
  8. It is better to place a small low table next to the buffet table, on which there will be cutlery, drinks and glasses.

All these simple rules will help you make a splash at the holiday! The main thing is a great mood and close people nearby.

In the frantic pace of modern life, it is rare for a family to gather at one table to have breakfast, lunch or dinner together. Too much to do, too little time... In such a situation, about some kind of table setting no one will remember. But fortunately, there is still a place for a holiday in this life and millions of housewives carefully set their holiday table with the most elegant tablecloth and service.

What is important to know about the rules of table setting?

It is customary to set the table tablecloth. IN special occasions A white ironed and starched tablecloth is used. You can also take a plain colored tablecloth that matches the cutlery. Place a clean cloth or oilcloth under the tablecloth to protect the polished surface of the table. The tablecloth should be neither too short nor too long, its corners should cover the table legs.

Methods of placing cutlery and dishes depend on the type of reception:

  • dining (hot) table
  • cold (snack) table
  • tea or coffee table
  • buffet table (buffet, buffet or cocktail table)

TO dining table Usually, several cold appetizers are served first, then broth or soup, and then a hot dish, and dessert is served at the end of the meal. Cold table limited only to appetizers and dessert; at tea or coffee, only dessert is served.

Buffet table differs from all other types of reception primarily in that guests do not sit at the table, but, if necessary, come up to it and dial required quantity food. For this type of reception, the table is not set for each individual guest; all dishes, mainly snacks and drinks, are placed on a high table.

Although table setting methods for different types The techniques differ, but several general rules can be identified.

Plates must be positioned a few centimeters from the edge of the table. A large shallow plate for hot food is given to each guest, and a snack plate is placed on it. To prevent the snack plate from slipping, you can place a cloth or paper napkin under it. A pie plate (for bread) is placed to the left of the snack bar, at a distance of about 5-15 cm. If butter is served with the bread, then a small butter knife should be placed next to the pie plate.

After the plates have been placed, you should start serving cutlery. Cutlery - knives, forks, spoons - must be positioned like this: for the main course, the cutlery should be closest to the plate. Knives are placed on the right, forks on the left. The forks point upward, the knives are turned with their sharp side towards the plate.

If the first course is to be served, then soup spoon should be placed next to the knife, with the spout facing up. When submitting fish dishes The table is served with a fish fork and knife, respectively, placing them between table and snack forks and knives. The snack fork and knife are always further away from the plate.

The distance between cutlery should be small - only about 1 cm. From the edge of the table, the handles of the cutlery should be at the same distance as the plates.

Arranging drinkware also requires compliance with the rules. If only water (mineral, carbonated) or juice is served at the table, then a wine glass or glass for it should be placed behind each guest’s plate, in the center or slightly to the right. Dishes for alcoholic drinks should be placed next to the water glass, to the right of it. In this case, the number of dishes depends on the number of strong drinks served to the table.

Each drink has its own glassware: a glass, a tall or low glass, etc. Drinkware should be arranged in accordance with the dishes with which these drinks will be served. The later the dish is served, the closer the glassware for the corresponding drink should be to the guest’s plate.

Napkins- a mandatory attribute of table setting. Cloth napkins are placed on each guest's appetizer plate. There are many known ways to decoratively fold napkins: you can thread them through a decorative ring, you can fold them into a triangle or a square, a “rose”, etc. Paper napkins are usually placed in special napkin holders.

Decorate the festive table with flowers or bowls of fruit. Depending on the season, flowers can be replaced with a composition of spruce or pine branches in winter, from decorative tree branches in autumn. It is better to place flowers in vases that are not very tall so that they do not obscure the guests.

A beautifully set table looks appetizing, creates a special, solemn atmosphere, which is why both the owners and their guests will be satisfied with the holiday and will retain the warmest and brightest memories of it for a long time.

And the art of table setting has thousand-year history. Each era had its own feast culture. In addition, at different nations there were their own ways of decorating the table and serving dishes, corresponding to national culture and traditions. And today there are quite a lot of types of table settings, so let’s try to understand only the basic rules of 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 adhere to 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, and the reason for the feast.

We set the table according to etiquette

Tablecloth

It 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 upholstery. Usually preference is given to light shades. A snow-white tablecloth looks especially elegant.

However, tablecloths can also be colored - plain or with a pattern around the edge. But keep in mind that tablecloths that are too colorful and bright will tire the eye 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 hang evenly by 25–30 cm on all sides, but 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, shake it and sharply lower it down. At the same time, a layer of air is formed between the table and the canvas - it facilitates further leveling of the tablecloth. Never stretch the canvas or pull it at 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, begin laying 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 approximately 2 cm from the edge of the table.
  • A bread or pie plate is placed to the left of the snack plate at a distance of 5–15 cm.
  • If several dishes are provided, a dining plate should be placed under the appetizer plate.

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

Cutlery

Place the tablespoon and knife on the right, and the fork on the left. Dessert spoon located behind the plate - with the handle facing to the right.

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

Try to maintain a distance between the cutlery and the plate, as well as between adjacent cutlery – 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 located on the right, and the water glass on the left. Usually they are displayed along one line, but always no more than three items. In case of full serving, drinkware is placed in two rows.

Adviсe:

Before serving, be sure to thoroughly wash and wipe all cutlery - there should be no smudges or stains on them. Buff them until they shine using stiff cotton towels or multiple layers of 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 that you can talk about a lot. Let's focus only on the basic rules.

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

Cutlery with spices

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

Decor elements

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

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

TO wedding table Figurines of the bride and groom, doves, as well as objects in the form of wedding rings or hearts are suitable.

For a birthday, create bright accents with the help of decor, and if it’s a children’s name day, use images of your favorite cartoon characters.

On New Year's table Compositions made from coniferous branches will look beautiful, Christmas tree decorations, tinsel, candles, etc., as well as New Year-themed figurines and souvenirs.

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

  • make sure that none of the guests are allergic to flowers;
  • do not choose plants with a strong aroma, it will mix with the smell of the 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 plate of guests.

Adviсe:

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

Don't choose too tall decorative elements– they should not interfere with guests seeing each other and communicating freely.

Don't use too much decor - remember that everything needs moderation.

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

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