How to properly serve dinner. We pay close attention to napkins

ancient art 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 an exquisite appearance. How to decorate a table for guests or husband?

What is table setting

Correct placement 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 simple variety arrangements 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. Devices, their location depend on the specific menu, style of the institution, average cost dishes. 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 serving holiday table 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 it is allowed cream or ivory. 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. small knife for butter located on a pie plate. The cutlery must be polished with boiling water or special means to 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) is provided for drinking water or juice, it is placed on the left.

Napkins

If a problem occurs budget decoration table, serving napkins will help 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 home version servings do not have to be all, 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 white tablecloth.

For the holiday

Making your own dinner for the holiday is a laborious task, because. many dishes are served at the celebrations, there is a large number of of people. 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. Creating a festive atmosphere contribute to: air 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 bright napkins rich 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 round table top- 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:

1. Children's table for a birthday, you can arrange using various toys, cardboard or paper cartoon characters.
2. For a young girl or a woman of age, natural flowers, original desserts, vases with exotic fruits, napkins, sockets, stylish dishes from colored glass.
3. It is customary for men to decorate holiday dinner or dinner succinctly, 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 large quantity sweet 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Breakfast at the cottage. The tablecloth is either not used at all, or linen in a natural gray color. Used as decoration ceramic tableware, enameled bowls with flowers in water.
4. Hen-party. Tablecloth used 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.
5. 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

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 - in order to be able to create a festive atmosphere in your home every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and in holidays Surprise your guests with fantasy decorations, intricately folded napkins and sumptuous crockery.

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 intended for serving fresh berries, jelly and fruit salads.

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

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

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

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

Types of cutlery

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

After arranging the plates, you should immediately lay out all the necessary cutlery. Knives are placed to the right of the plates, forks to the left. A tablespoon is placed near the knife. For a 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 is a festive table without napkins? Napkins are not only a wonderful table decoration, but also a very practical thing. Napkins are linen and paper. Cloth napkins are not intended for wiping hands or face, there are disposable paper napkins for this purpose. Fabric napkins, on the other hand, are usually beautifully decorated by good housewives so that guests can put them on their laps.

Table decor

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

It is necessary to beautifully cover not only dinner table on the occasion of the arrival of guests, but also for the family. Even kitchen and coffee tables deserve special treatment. Here are a few tips to help keep your set table simple and stylish. The main secret lies in the combination of texture, color and accessories.

1. Porcelain and glass

You don't have to spend a fortune on plates or glasses to have an elegant table. If properly decorated, it will look like a million. First of all, you need to pay attention to porcelain and glass.

We start with porcelain. On the table there should be a small plate, a salad plate, a bowl.
Use a stand plate. It is large enough and perfectly frames the dishes, outlining its boundaries. You can use a special rug, which, if desired, can be made with your own hands from decorative paper. Simple wreaths and even leaves will do.

Grouping glasses. If you put more than one glass on the table, then only this trick will already give the table a stylish and elegant look. Glasses should be grouped, there should be glasses for wine and glasses for water.
Cutlery can be connected with a ribbon or twine. In addition, they can be beautifully wrapped in a napkin.

2. Tablecloths

Tablecloths can completely change the mood, immediately creating a festive mood. Now exists huge selection all kinds of tablecloths, napkins, paths, which must certainly be different color, textures and patterns, it is desirable that they are all combined with each other. In addition, there should be themed sets that are suitable for certain holidays.

table track- a tablecloth in the form of a narrow strip passing through the entire table. This is one of the most modern ways decorate the table, especially if there is no desire to hide a beautiful wooden or glass top completely under the fabric. These tracks are universal. They can be easily laid out on top of a regular tablecloth along the table, you can put them across and designate places for guests.
tablecloths must be on the festive table, especially if you want to emphasize the theme or color scheme of the set table.

Napkins. There is no need to abandon tissue napkins in favor of disposable ones. They are an integral part of the table design. If you really don’t feel like doing their laundry after the holiday, then you should take a closer look at paper ones in a banquet style.
Placemat for cutlery determines the place for each guest. They can be not only rectangular, but also square (give modern look), and round (break the angularity of the table).

3. Central composition

On the festive table, there must certainly be a central composition that will decorate it. It will add volume and unite the entire table, but you need to remember that it should be low and narrow.
The main rule is that at least 35 cm should remain on each side for a person and his cutlery. Therefore, we subtract at least 70 cm from the width of the table, the rest of the space can be used for composition. For desktop composition we use flowers, candlesticks, twigs, pebbles.

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

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

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

people behind long years have already managed to derive a kind of "formula", the observance of which ensures comfort at the festive table for everyone. Serving is a real art. Remember the basic nuances so that your table is really elegant. Some interesting ideas holiday table decorations are also always useful.

Basic rules for serving a festive table

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plates for serving a festive table

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

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

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

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

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

Cutlery for serving a festive table

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

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

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

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

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

Learn how to properly arrange glassware.

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

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

Glasses, glasses, wine glasses for table setting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For hygienic purposes, use paper.

Festive table setting ideas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Table setting rules are not just about preparing it for breakfast, lunch, dinner or tea. This is a kind of art, which is more dependent on the taste of the person setting the table, and not on his financial means.

The aesthetics of the table depends on the tablecloth, napkins, cutlery, dishes, flower arrangements present on the table, as well as on the overall harmony with the interior of the room, its colors and style.

In addition, the table setting rules have the following requirements: compliance with the type and occasion of the feast, combination with the menu and correct location serving items.

There is a certain sequence of actions that helps to quickly and correctly arrange numerous serving items.

First, the table is set with a tablecloth, which must be spotlessly clean and ironed. It is desirable that the ends of the tablecloth hang down evenly from all sides of the table by about 25-30 cm, and the corners of the tablecloth should cover the legs of the table.

After that, the plates are arranged. It is recommended not only to wash and wipe them well, but even polish them to a shine with a towel or napkin. The snack plate should be placed strictly against each chair at a distance of about 2 cm from the edge of the table. A pie plate is placed at a distance of 5-15 cm to the left of the snack plate. In this case, the center of the plates should be on the same line. Depending on the type and occasion of the feast, there may be several plates. In such cases, small dining rooms are placed under the snack plates, and a pie plate (bread plate) can be placed so that the edges of the plates farthest from the edge of the table are in line with the small dining plate.

Serving examples for a two-course menu.
A deep plate stands for the main course. A dessert plate is served later as needed. Cutlery is arranged in such a way as not to get confused in their use: the knife and fork lie next to the main dish and, accordingly, are intended for it. The dessert spoon lies behind the plate with the handle to the right. If wine is served, then on the right behind the knife is the appropriate glass for white or red wine. If several drinks are served (beer, juices, water), the rest of the glasses should be in the same place.

In this case, a deep plate designed for spaghetti stands on a large stand dish. With Italian dishes, a plate of bread is always served. Spaghetti is eaten with a spoon and fork, so the knife is replaced with an appropriate device, the dessert spoon lies in the same way as in the previous case, and the butter knife lies on the bread plate. Water is always served with Italian dishes, so a glass of water (mineral, for example) should be in the first position, closer to the dish. The wine glass is located on the top left behind the water glass.

Cutlery is laid out immediately after arranging the plates. If there are a large number of knives, forks and spoons, then start with the cutlery for the main dish. Knives are placed with right side, blade to the plate, forks - on the left side, point up. The soup spoon is placed nose up, next to the knife. If the menu provides for several dishes that require the use of separate devices, then proceed as follows. Closer to the plate is placed a table knife, to the right next to it - a fish knife and last - a snack knife. By the way, if butter is served with bread, then a small butter knife is placed on a bread (or patty) plate, which should be located to the left of the fork. If soup is served, the soup spoon is placed between the diner and fish knives. It can lie instead of a fish knife if a fish dish is not provided. On the left side of the plates, there are forks corresponding to the knives - a dining room, a fish, a snack bar. The distance between the appliances should be slightly less than 1 cm, as well as the distance between the plate and the appliances. The ends of the handles of the cutlery, as well as the plates, should be 2 cm from the edge of the table.

Now it's the turn of glass (crystal) dishes. Each drink has its own serving item. If only water is supposed to be served, then behind each plate, in the center or slightly to the right, a wine glass or glass is placed. It must be located on the line of intersection top edge plates with the end of the first knife. If kvass or fruit drink is served instead of water, then instead of a wine glass they put a mug, and with the handle to the right. For alcoholic beverages, their own dishes are provided, which are placed next to the glass, to the right of it. With several objects for drinks, the glass is shifted to the left of the center of the plate, and next to it, to the right, the rest of the objects are lined up on the same line. But putting more than three items in one row is not accepted. When fully served, items for drinks are arranged in two rows. The distance between objects should be at least 0.5-1 cm.

Serving examples for a four-course menu.
A deep plate and a soup cup stand on a dish-stand. The soup spoon lies to the right along the outer edge, then the knife and fork for snacks. The knife and fork for the main course lie next to the plate. Remember, guests always start eating with the utensils that lie on the outer edge, and then take the utensils towards the plates as they change dishes. Next: a dessert spoon is placed behind the plate. A glass for white wine, which is supposed for snacks, is on the top right behind the soup spoon. If water is supplied, a glass for it is placed on the left behind a glass for wine. And finally, the red wine glass for the main course stands in a straight line above the other glasses.

A soup bowl and a deep plate stand on a platter-stand. To the left, just above the forks, is a plate for bread. The cutlery is arranged as follows: the soup spoon is on the right next to the fish knife, the fish fork lies on the left outer edge, for the main dish, the corresponding fork and knife lie near the plate. A small knife for butter and snacks lies on a patty plate. Dessert devices lie above the plates: a fork with a handle to the left, a spoon with a handle to the right. Glasses are placed in the following sequence from the soup spoon to the right and up: for white wine for snacks, a glass for water and a glass for red wine for the main course.

A napkin is an indispensable attribute of table setting, which is laid out immediately after placing glassware (crystal) on the table. There are many ways to roll napkins, both simple and requiring some skill. Rolled napkins are placed on each guest's dinner plate. In some cases, linen napkins can be replaced with paper ones.

The final chord of the table setting is the arrangement of devices with spices, vases with flowers and other decorative elements. Appliances with salt and pepper are placed in the middle of the table on special stands. A device with mustard, if there is a need for it, is placed nearby. You can also put bottles of vinegar next to the spices, vegetable oil or hot sauces.

And, of course, only flowers will add festive completeness to the table. Plants must be spotlessly clean, petals, leaves and pollen should not be allowed to fall on the table. Flowers can be placed on the table in any flat dish or low vases so that the bouquets do not obscure the people sitting at the table, or the dishes for which the serving was carefully selected.