Dishes for table setting. We learn how to properly and beautifully set the table for a family lunch, dinner or holiday

Table setting for all existing rules- this 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; dishes; cutlery; glasses, wine glasses, glasses; napkins; table decoration. For starters, table setting may seem real to someone. complex science, but after some time, when the table setting according to the rules becomes a habit, it will seem to you that this occupation is easier than a piece of cake!

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 designed 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 gala dinner of several dishes, cutlery should be laid out in the following way, starting to the right of the plate: table knife, fish knife and 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 festive table no 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 colorful vegetables, etc.

Many of us think about decorating the table just before the holiday, when we receive guests and want everything to go to the highest level. Few people try to decorate the dining table for themselves and their families, and out of habit we use boring dishes and appliances for years, lay a practical non-staining tablecloth, and keep everything beautiful in the closet in case guests arrive. If you recognize yourself in this description, it's time to change something. After all, everyday serving home table much more important than a few public holidays in a year. Our mood and atmosphere in the family depend on the environment in which we have breakfast, lunch and dinner. And random guests who dropped in without an invitation, let them think that you have a holiday every day! It is not at all necessary to spend a lot of money on new dishes and decorations for your home table. First, decide which style suits you, decide on colors and take a closer look at the range of local stores. "Culinary Eden" will tell you how to make your home table beautiful, stylish and cozy.

Easiest to update appearance home table is to buy new bright dishes. Be sure to ask each family member what color of dishes he is most pleased with. It's not scary if there are plates and cups at the table different colors. Modern collections are produced with this in mind, and designers carefully consider shades to make dishes in pink, green, blue and yellow color looks good in any combination. The combination of colored and white plates stacked on top of each other looks especially stylish. At the same time, pick up natural cotton napkins for the new dishes: plain, checkered, striped, polka dots.

Checkered fabric is a sure way to emphasize the simplicity and comfort of the environment. Pick up a small two-tone checkered tablecloth, white cups, plates, gravy boats and bowls different sizes, put everything you need for breakfast in them: croissants or buns, jam, cheese, ham, fruit - and your homemade breakfast already sets you up for work.

The modern trend of home serving is the rejection of the tablecloth. Bulky cloth tablecloths are inconvenient in Everyday life, and the oilcloth tablecloth is completely mauvais ton. Nothing will happen to the table if you put the plates directly on its surface. For hot dishes and drinks, you can use special coasters or folded cloth napkins - it's simple, beautiful and very convenient during breakfast. And if you match napkins and dishes to the color of the countertops and chairs, your breakfast will be as stylish as in a restaurant or cafe.

Another idea for a homemade breakfast is to decorate the table with cups of fresh berries or pieces of fruit. It is not only beautiful, but also reminiscent of healthy eating. It has been noticed that children willingly eat berries and fruits that look beautiful.

As coasters for plates, you can use woven straw or bamboo mats-placemats or wooden cutting boards. Vegetables, greens and bread can be served directly on the boards, pies can be put in a straw basket, and a wide glass dish can be found for a salad. Add a small bouquet of flowers - and the dining table becomes elegant almost effortlessly.

There is no way to put fresh flowers on the table every day? It doesn't matter - decorate the center of the table with bright cutlery stands, complement with artificial flowers - beautiful and practical.

If anyone in your family knows how to knit, consider setting your home table as settled. Crocheted napkins will perfectly serve as coasters for plates, if you choose a color that contrasts with the countertop.

If knitting is not your element, do not be discouraged: it costs nothing to find carved paper napkins of various sizes in stores. They can be used not only as coasters, but also instead of dessert plates.

To drastically change the look of your home dining table, swap out your dinnerware for wood. Now in stores there is a wide selection of plates, bowls and cutlery made of wood or with wooden elements. It remains to pick up napkins to match.

If you're the proud owner of an antique wooden dining table, highlight this treasure with a table setting - use vintage cutlery, decanters, checkered linen napkins, add framed old photos or cute china figurines - it's great when family history comes to life for dining table.

Owners of family silver are also lucky. Silverware does not need additional decorations, you only need a neutral tablecloth and napkins and maybe a small bouquet of oak or rowan leaves - simple and elegant.

For evening tea drinking, you can gather not at the dining table, but at a small tea table. Its serving can be extremely simple: cups with saucers, a teapot, a vase with bagels and a bouquet of flowers - it's cozy at home.

A good habit is to use a lot of bright vegetables, fruits, berries when setting the table for a large family lunch or dinner. Fresh carrots, celery, peppers, tomatoes, greens and fruit juice in a jug will decorate the table no worse than flowers. In order not to distract attention from this splendor, it is better not to use colored napkins and coasters.

Ordinary homemade borscht can also become a table decoration if it is served not in the usual plates, but in colored bowls, supplemented with sour cream and herbs. Board with sliced ​​bread, fresh herbs, garlic cloves - all this is not only tasty, but also beautiful, if you creatively approach the serving of borscht.

Spring is the most right time update your home table setting. Search, combine, create, and may your table always be rich and beautiful.

Table setting is a sign of good manners and hospitality of the hostess, so it is very important that the set table abounds not only with delicious and steaming dishes, but also with beautiful elements, correctly laid out knives and forks.

This fascinating, and certainly creative activity will be discussed in this article. Here you will find recommendations for the correct layout of cutlery, as well as a photo of serving in different styles and colors.

Since ancient times, eating was not just an everyday activity. Gathering with a company at a large table, a seemingly simple dinner became something of a holiday.

At the table, they did not just eat food prepared in advance, people talked, shared news and their thoughts. As a result, such a concept as table setting was born.

Correct and beautiful location appliances and dishes gave the festive table a special look, and with the advent of the first rules of table etiquette, proper table setting has become an integral part of any feast.

Moreover, in normal home conditions, it's not even about etiquette. In fact, it’s just nice when order and a special atmosphere reign on the table.

But let's get down to the basic rules that will help you decorate the holiday table.

What you need to know about table setting

First of all, make sure that all utensils and cutlery are clean. To do this, first, without exception, all devices should be wiped with a warm and damp towel, and then polished dry with a dry one. Make sure there are no water stains on cutlery and crockery.

The tablecloth must be carefully ironed. Its edges should hang from the table by 25-30 centimeters, so that the corners hide the table legs a little. Many housewives, in fear for the tablecloth, cover it with oilcloth on top, however, according to the rules of table setting and etiquette, this is unacceptable if you receive guests.

The number of cutlery on the table at each plate in different situations may be different. It all depends on the dishes that will be served during the meal.

Well, the last "golden" rule - the location and type of devices for each guest should be completely the same.

Proper table setting

Take a look at the following image:

The photo shows a classic table setting according to European etiquette. In the picture, as an example, all types of cutlery are laid out. Of course, you most likely won’t need the whole “set”, so looking at this picture, you can place the appliances in the same way, but leaving only the necessary on the table (depending on the dishes).

For example, for an ordinary classic Russian dinner, it is enough to leave a pie plate for bread and butter, a spoon for the first course, a fork for the main course, a table knife, a decorative and soup plate, a glass of water. In each case, something may change, for example, if there is a dessert on the dinner menu, it is worth adding the appropriate appliances to the table.

Types of napkins and their location

Napkins are one of the most important accessories on the festive table. There are two main types of napkins - fabric and paper. Cloth napkins (large in size) are usually designed to be placed on the guest's lap (to prevent food from getting on clothes).

Paper napkins are usually used directly for eating, and they should be located in the center of the table, so that they are accessible to everyone. If the table is large, place the napkins in several places so that everyone at the table has direct access to them.

By the way, napkins can be placed on the table both in an ordinary napkin holder, and making original figures from them. Below in the figure, you can see the four most conventional options napkin figurines. As you can see in the photo, a beautiful table setting largely depends on the appearance of the napkins and their color.

By the way, if the feast does not involve a first course, then a beautifully folded napkin should be placed on the plate of each guest, but remember that in this case all napkins should be the same, and in the center of the table there must be a supply of them at the rate of 2-3 napkins per guest .

Table setting - photo with examples

Above in the photo, you saw classic version table setting, however, it is absolutely not necessary to strictly follow these rules if more than interesting ideas. You can decorate the table perfectly different ways, the main thing is that the main devices are located in right places, and the rest - at the discretion of the hostess.

Separately, we note such a holiday as the New Year. Everyone's favorite feasts can be not only tasty, but also beautiful.

Today we will talk about how to set the table beautifully and correctly, citing as an example a photo of serving for various holidays or everyday dinners. Proper serving The table says a lot about the hostess, her education and taste, because one of the basic norms of ethics is the ability to set the table, know the purpose of all cutlery and use them correctly.

Tablecloth selection

First of all, a tablecloth is laid on the table, it would seem that this is understandable, however, this business has its own subtleties. The tablecloth must be absolutely clean, smoothly ironed, otherwise it will only become an indicator of your untidiness. After you set the table with it, check that it has an equal length everywhere, and at the same time does not hang too low, as long edges can cause inconvenience for guests, and besides, they can be accidentally pulled, which will be an unpleasant end holiday. Too long ends can be secured with fabric snaps, which most often have an interesting design.

Also, the tablecloth should not be too short, otherwise it will look like the girl was wearing a dress several sizes larger. In the absence of a tablecloth or the desire to set the table in an unusual way, you can use special large napkins for each person. Please note that these are not the ones that lay on your knees or wipe your mouth with, they are much denser in material, have big size, as they should fit plates, cutlery, glasses.

Serving rules

The next step is to arrange the plates, they are placed on top of each other depending on the size and purpose. Three types are most often used: soup, snack bar, dining room. They are put on the countertop in reverse order, as the guest will start with soup, then move on to snacks, simply removing the already used plate from above.

Knives are placed to the right of the plate, followed by spoons in order of use. Today, the number of devices, their location are not determined as strictly as before. Insofar as huge role the design itself plays, based on which, according to the idea, a teaspoon can be located not at all at the plate, but, for example, next to a saucer for cakes or served only with tea. The forks are placed on the left side with the teeth up, so the sooner it is used, the closer it is to the plates. This arrangement of cutlery contributes not only to ease of use, but also helps guests not to get confused.

Dessert cutlery is placed behind the plate, perpendicular to how all the rest are stacked. There, on the right side, there are several glasses. There must be a glass for soft drinks: juice or mineral water. Also about 2-3 glasses, each designed for a certain type of alcohol.

Types of glasses

Let's start with a simple one, everyone knows what a flute glass is, because traditionally, especially on New Year's Eve, champagne is poured into it. Although glasses of this shape are also suitable for sparkling wines. The main feature is the upwardly elongated shape, which allows the foam to rise and air bubbles to play inside the liquid.

Red wine glasses are just as easy to imagine for most, they have a thin stem, a rounded bottom, are quite bulky and taper towards the top. However, the type of glasses varies greatly depending on the type of wine, for example, glasses for Burgundy and Montrachet have a much larger volume, more like a ball or pear, tapering less towards the top. However, quite rarely people at home and even far from always in restaurants follow such subtleties.

The white wine glass has more elongated shape, it looks more like an oval. Usually two types of wine glasses are placed side by side, a glass or a glass for the selected strong drink is added to them, and other glasses are brought as needed. Otherwise, the whole table will be filled exclusively with glasses of different types.

A glass for whiskey or cognac is low, with a thick bottom, expanding towards the top, has a simple, fairly spacious shape. The martini glass is shaped like an inverted triangle, so it's not difficult to recognize it at all. For cocktails, straight glasses, shot glasses or two-tiered glasses are used. complex shape. If you do not arrange a bar separately, then better near with bottles place small saucers with lemon, lime, olives.

Placement options for napkins

When serving, three types of napkins are used:

• decorative;
• napkins, creeping on your knees;
• wipes adapted for wiping hands or mouth.

Napkins that are placed on the lap can be placed on top of the soup plate, folded nicely. Thus, a person sitting at the table will immediately understand what it is intended for. On top of it, you can put a small postcard with the name of the guest or a nice short wish. You can add to the postcard miniature flower or a piece of spruce branch.

Decorative napkins are usually placed under the plates, sometimes additionally and between them. They can be folded into triangles, diamonds, or overlapped so that the colors are intertwined. In addition, you can also put small lace napkins under candles or glasses.

The most ordinary napkins are usually located under the cutlery, or behind the plates, but only one at a time. There should be a few more napkin holders in the center so that guests can easily use any number they may need.

VIDEO: How to fold napkins beautifully

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Boho decor

The "boho" style is distinguished by its brightness and an abundance of various interior and decor items, in which you can combine dishes absolutely different styles, colors and shapes. Serving looks insanely beautiful when all the wine glasses are made of different materials, some have blue color, some pink or green. In addition, this style is characterized by an abundance of textiles, that is, under each plate there can be several napkins from the same various materials, fringe, tassels are welcome, with which you can complement the monotonous tablecloth.

An important element is lighting, around the table or above it you can place several lamps, shades, garlands, and place candles on the tabletop itself. different forms with unusual candlesticks or small lamps. Small frames and voluminous vases with flowers will interestingly fit into the decor. Bouquets are best made from a mixture of field and garden flowers, so that among the many greenery peek out large heads roses, lilies, peonies.

Easter table

Easter decor is truly one of the cutest, because decorating eggs, baking Easter cakes and creating little bunnies with your own hands is a favorite pastime for both children and adults. The Easter table often looks amazing due to the baskets with painted eggs, candles and sprinkles on the tops of Easter cakes. However, this is not all that you can think of to create a beautiful festive interior.

You can make a small basket of recruiting branches, an egg carton, or any other shape. Inside put napkins, lace (which goes very nicely with canvas and coarse craft thread). You can also complement the decor with grass and flowers, both natural and artificial. And eggs are already laid on top, or parts of their shells, from which toy chicks, hares or, again, flowers can crawl out.

The table can be decorated with candles of different diameters and colors, low, thick candles can be placed in shells or on varnished wood cuts. Napkins, tablecloths, the color of plates and dishes should be chosen according to general decor. Below are photos of Easter servings for inspiration.

New Year decoration

When decorating New Year's table The most commonly used colors are:

• red;
• green;
• white;
• gold.

However, it is better not to mix them in the total mass, only three colors should always be the main ones. It is better to combine gold only with white, for example, white tablecloths, beige napkins, white dishes, several of which can be with a gold or black border, the pattern can also be in the form of specks. Transparent wine glasses can also be supplemented with gold ribbons, white candles can be placed in golden candlesticks. You can add greenery to the bouquets, lingonberry or spruce branches are amazingly suitable for the atmosphere.

Jewelry from spruce branches especially popular when serving on winter days, the photo below will show an example of how best to do this. They can be laid out on the table between dishes, you can use them to decorate candles, or create a wreath into which white long candles will be inserted, which can be lit closer to midnight.

New Year or Christmas, held in a red and green theme - this is a classic. Checkered napkins, red tablecloth, fir cones, striped lollipops, Santa's socks and white candles. This design is considered one of the most stylish and is quite traditional in America, where the New Year can be called the main holiday. You can also create a more relaxed design by placing decorations in bright colors on a snow-white tablecloth.

Another amazing color combination, just the same more suitable for Russia: white, blue, silver. Just the same here again you can use glasses and napkins of different colors. You can place small Christmas decorations with silver glitter on the table, for example, deer or Christmas trees.

Holiday in nature

Perhaps one of the most beautiful views serving is a combination of boho, rustic and natural styles. The rustic style implies maximum closeness to nature, so it mostly uses natural materials, and dishes and decor are selected in calm natural shades. In a similar decor are often decorated wedding tables, on which there are always a lot of bouquets made in delicate color variations, the main elements of which are again wildflowers.

Napkins are selected from canvas and white lace, cutlery can be tied with lace beige ribbons, and glasses can also be decorated with them. The abundance of lighting is also characteristic of all three styles, however, the color variations are far from being as bright and bold as in boho. Often garlands with white or yellow bulbs are chosen, which can be hung over the table or laid out on it, they can also be hung around on trees or braided around trunks.

Candles or others lighting it is not necessary to put exclusively white, but it is better to turn to pastel colors. It can be beige, light green, lilac, or pale pink - these colors can be used throughout the interior. But again, make sure they match.

Table setting in nature

Lunches, friendly dinners and just tea parties with friends - so you want to do everything right and beautiful, so that everyone is comfortable, so that
the time spent was truly enjoyable for everyone. But surprising guests with culinary talent or entertaining with an interesting conversation is far from everything.
No matter how tasty and original the treats are, it is important to serve them correctly, to present them in accordance with the rules and etiquette. Perhaps for some it seems like an unimportant "tribute to tradition", but think about it, this "science" of table setting is more than one hundred years old.

The art of table setting has been formed for thousands of years, improving with each new generation. It represents a multifaceted and interesting feast culture. Just think how many peoples and nationalities are on our Earth! Each and every one of them has not only their own cuisine and their own way of life, but also their own principles of serving dishes and table setting rules. This science can be studied endlessly, without ceasing to be surprised and look for something new.

Of course, today we will not be able to cover the entire scope of existing traditions and features, but “open the door” to this interesting world and to give some answers to the question of how to set the table, it is quite possible now. I offer you a few rules of the generally accepted, "European" table setting, used in many countries, including Russia.

Simple Secrets table setting, which we sometimes tend to forget

Firstly, I want to clarify right away that the decision on how to set the table is made by each hostess independently. There are many options that meet the basic rules. The main thing to remember is that this "art" is more dependent on the taste and wishes of the person setting the table. It doesn't have to be about financial possibilities. Believe me, a simple tablecloth with paper napkins can look very beautiful and sophisticated.

When setting the table, try to take into account the number and type of dishes, take care of the availability in advance necessary utensils, cutlery and other items. For example, if there are dishes on the menu that you need to eat with your hands, stock up on enough napkins or prepare a bowl for washing your hands.

When setting the table, be guided by the circle of guests (close friends, colleagues, relatives with children, etc.). It is necessary to provide comfortable conditions for each of the guests. If you plan to have small children at the table, most likely you will need to replace the fork and knife with a tablespoon or dessert spoon.

It is important that the table setting matches the type and occasion of the feast.
If it's a business or formal dinner (such as an introduction dinner), it's best to stick to a more subdued, neutral style. If only friends and close people are among those invited, the serving may be more free, using additional table decorations and other things.
It is also important to remember that all elements of the table setting should be combined not only with each other, but also organically fit into the overall interior of the room. Classics are transparent glass goblets and white plates, which are universal for almost any table, if there are none, then try to choose the most suitable service from the available ones.

The main "favorites" of table setting, as already partially mentioned earlier, are: tablecloth, napkins, crockery, cutlery and various elements decorations. In order to correctly and quickly arrange the numerous items involved in setting the table, a certain sequence of actions is provided, guided by it, we will try to set the table.

Answering the question "how
set the table", it would be appropriate to say about the tablecloth

Naturally, before setting the festive table with dishes and cutlery, it must be covered with a tablecloth. Today in stores you can find plastic and oilcloth tablecloths of different colors and patterns. They are certainly beautiful, but more suitable for everyday use.

A linen (fabric) tablecloth is considered truly festive and “homemade”. It can be colored, plain or with a pattern around the edges. Her choice depends on the type of feast, the color of the dishes used, general interior premises. Ideally, it should go well with curtains and furniture upholstery (if there is one in the room).

The best option a tablecloth with a plain, preferably light, central part is considered. Bright and colorful canvases can not only distract from dishes, but also quickly tire due to the saturation of colors and the contrast of the pattern. If you decide to use a dark-colored tablecloth, try to match it with light-colored dishes, this will make the appearance of the table more harmonious and pleasant.

And, the main thing. Whatever tablecloth is preferred, it must be spotlessly clean and well ironed. If you are afraid for its quality and appearance, in some cases the tablecloth can be covered with a thin transparent oilcloth or a beautiful matching napkin unfolded under each plate.

Crockery and cutlery

After setting the table with a tablecloth, arrange plates, glasses and cutlery. At the same time, it is recommended not only to wash and wipe them thoroughly, but also, if possible, polish them to a shine. Multi-layer paper napkins or stiff cotton towels that do not leave lint work well for this.

On the eve of the feast, do not be too lazy to clean the cutlery, they should not have streaks and water stains. Moreover, this is not acceptable in the case glassware for drinking: wine glasses, glasses, glasses and glasses must be perfectly transparent, which is easy to check by light.
After bringing the serving items to the required state, we begin to arrange them:

1. 1. a snack plate (medium-sized plate) is located at a distance of about 2 cm from the edge of the table strictly opposite each chair;
   2. to the left of the snack plate (at a distance of 5-15 cm) a bread plate (pie) is placed. However, in a home, even a festive, feast, it is rarely used;
   3. in case several dishes are provided, a small dining room is placed under the snack plate.

During the meal, a timely change of plates is provided, in accordance with the dishes served.

Next, we move on to cutlery. The knife and tablespoon are always placed on the right side, the fork on the left. The dessert spoon is placed behind the plate, the handle in right side. At the same time, it must be taken into account that, according to the rules, a person begins to use the devices lying at the outer edge, then, as the dishes change, he takes the devices towards the plate. The distance between adjacent appliances, as well as between appliances and a plate, should be 0.5 - 1 cm.

Wine glasses, glasses, glasses, etc., are also calculated for only one type of drink. The wine glass is placed on the right, the water glass on the left. More often they are displayed in one line, but it is not customary to display more than three items in a row. When the table is fully set, items for drinks are placed in two rows.

Napkins

About how to set the table with napkins, or rather how to serve napkins - a special conversation. Someday it is necessary to devote a separate article to him, to talk about

addition options and the possibilities of decorating the table with them. Now let's talk about some basic rules.

This important serving attribute is used at all feasts without exception. For important festive celebrations, linen (linen, cotton) napkins are more often used, sometimes they can be replaced with paper ones. A folded napkin is placed on each guest's snack plate. If paper napkins are used, they can be placed under the right edge of the plate.

Arrangement of devices with spices

Appliances with spices are placed at the end of the serving. They are installed in the middle of the table on special stands. Salt and pepper must be required; mustard, table vinegar, vegetable and other seasonings - as needed (in accordance with the menu).

How to lay a festive table and
everyday with jewelry

The main decoration of any table is, of course, flowers. They are pleasing to the eye and pleasant to almost everyone. But, at the same time, using them for serving, try to take into account a few nuances:

1. 1. Most importantly, make sure none of the invited guests are allergic to this species plants.
   2. Do not use flowers with a strong smell for a table bouquet. Mixed with the aroma of dishes, it can become cloying and produce an undesirable effect.
   3. Place the vase at an appropriate distance from dishes and cutlery so that pollen or accidentally fallen petals cannot get into the food.

In addition to flowers, figurines, various figurines and souvenirs are also used to decorate the table. So, if any holiday or family celebration served as a reason for the feast, you can use the appropriate paraphernalia to decorate the table.

For example, for Christmas or New Year, make beautiful composition from candles, tinsel, Christmas decorations or souvenirs (observing safety measures when lighting candles); for wedding celebration use small figurines of doves, figurines of the bride and groom, flowers; in the preparation of youth or children's day birth - focus on bright colours, for children - pick up images of your favorite characters; decorating the table for colleagues for a professional holiday, good decision will be the use of small items associated with professional activity etc. The main thing, remember, in everything a reasonable measure is important.

And yet, whatever decoration you choose, be it a flower bouquet or a figurine, it should be such a height that all guests can freely see each other.

A few words about etiquette
Try to create comfortable conditions for each of the invitees. Remember that the hostess can offer guests certain places, or let them choose their own.
A sign of the end of the feast can be a used linen napkin left by the hostess on the table. Otherwise, even when temporarily leaving the table, both guests and hosts in no case put a napkin on the table (only on a chair).
When inviting guests, the hostess should make sure that the menu contains dishes for all guests. If for some reason the guest does not eat any food, it is important to notice this in time and, without focusing attention, offer him an appropriate replacement.

Happy feasts to you and happy Holidays in the circle of family, friends and relatives!

Tatiana Raduga