How to set the table: etiquette rules, necessary appliances, arrangement and serving of dishes

Table setting is a real art, because no holiday can do without a beautiful and original design. Each host receiving guests should be able to arrange cutlery and dishes in accordance with the rules of etiquette. Only thanks to the serving it will be possible to create an unforgettable and cozy atmosphere at any gala event. The purpose of the article is to tell the reader in detail how to set the table correctly and beautifully.

Primary requirements

The main condition of any serving is order. However, you need to not only neatly arrange the cutlery, but also properly set the table. It is thanks to the observance of these simple rules that it will be possible to create a harmonious and pleasant environment in which it will be comfortable not only for the owners, but also for the guests. To fulfill these requirements, you need to consider such important points:

1. The format of the celebration can be a family dinner, a business dinner, a wedding, a buffet table, a festive table, etc. Knowing the number of people who will eat, you can determine the number of dishes and dishes.
2. To choose a table decoration style, you need to know in which room the banquet will take place.
3. Dishes should be chosen for dishes.

When the mentioned nuances are discussed, you can set the table with the following rules:

1. Dishes should be the same color or at least from one set. But this requirement is not taken into account if you need to properly set the home table. As you know, in the family circle it is allowed to put products of different colors and designs. But for the festive event you need to choose bright and plain dishes.
2. For one person you will need at least 80 cm of the length of the table.
3. Dishes, glasses, forks, glasses and other cutlery should be thoroughly washed and polished so that they do not leave greasy stains and stains. If there are any defects (for example, small cracks or chips), in this case, you need to find a replacement for the damaged service or completely throw it away. In addition, there should not be blunt knives or bent appliances on the festive table.
4. The washed dishes should be wiped with a dry terry towel or a hard cloth.
5. The tablecloth should be clean and smooth, but this product is not a mandatory attribute if the owner wants to demonstrate a beautiful and prestigious tabletop made, for example, in mahogany or decorated with an original pattern.
6. Replacement plates - additional devices for decoration. If the owner is interested in how to properly set the table for guests in the traditional style, then he needs to substitute the mentioned products under the main dishes.
7. The room in which the banquet will take place should be clean, bright, ventilated and spacious so that all guests feel comfortable in it.

Observing these simple and important requirements, it will turn out to issue a festive table in accordance with the rules of etiquette.

Serving Order

There is an optimal and quick way to properly set the table for guests at home, consisting of the following steps:

1. Cover the table with a tablecloth.
2. Arrange chairs every 50–80 cm.
3. Arrange empty plates and dishes with dishes.
4. Put glasses, glasses and glasses on the banquet table.
5. Arrange cutlery (spoons, forks, knives, etc.).
6. Put napkins.
7. Place tablespoons and bottles with various sauces.
8. Decorate the table with candles, flowers or other decorative objects.

Tablecloth selection

This product is an important element of decor. A classic option is an exquisite and solemn tablecloth of a snow-white color. However, you can decorate the table with a colored product with a pattern, but in this case, the image should be located on the edge, since excessive variegation and pompousness can be striking.

The main thing is that the tablecloth is combined with the interior palette, cutlery, curtains and decorative furniture upholstery. For example, for a banquet, a classic light item made from a special restaurant fabric that will retain its original color and keep its shape well will be suitable. Suitable color - beige, cream, olive, pistachio, etc. For a family dinner, use an acrylic tablecloth that matches the shape of the table. And interior items for holding a children's event are best designed in colorful colors.

Tablecloth correctly set the table, as you know, can only be subject to these rules:

1. The product should completely cover the rectangular countertop so that its ends hang from the table surface by 20–25 cm.
2. The round tabletop should be covered with a tablecloth of the same shape so that it fits the coating optimally.
3. If the surface of the table is polished, first you need to lay an oilcloth on it. So it turns out to exclude the slip of the product.
4. For the original decor it is recommended to use naperon - a decorative cover, thanks to which it will be possible to make the necessary emphasis in the interior.

Housewives know how to properly cover the table with a tablecloth: open the product, grab the end from one side, gently lift and sharply lower it to the countertop. Thanks to this technique, it will lie flat, but do not pull it around the corners and stretch it very much.

Placement of dishes

After choosing a tablecloth, you should proceed to this stage. If the festive event is the child’s birthday, it is better to use disposable plastic dishes, as this will prevent injuries and damage to quality services. However, in any case, the arrangement of the cutlery should be approached responsibly: they should be in harmony with the dishes. They are individual and auxiliary (for example, ladle). Nevertheless, first you need to arrange the dishes taking into account these rules:

1. The optimal distance between the plate and the cutlery is 5–10 mm.
2. Initially, you need to put porcelain or ceramic dishes on the table, and then glass or crystal.
3. Glasses must be held by the leg, so as not to stain them.
4. On the right side of the snack plate, located at a distance of 2 cm from the edge of the table, you need to put a champagne glass, glasses, a glass and a glass. If alcohol and drinking water are served immediately, closer to the dishes you need to put the container that is better combined with the taste of the first dish.
5. The bread saucer should be placed at a distance of about 10 cm from the snack plate. But usually such products are rarely used.
6. If you need to solve the problem of how to properly set the table for guests who will be treated to the first course (for example, soup or broth), in this case, put a bowl on the snack plate.

The owner must change dirty dishes to clean dishes in a timely manner so that guests can enjoy the true taste of cooked dishes.

Placement of cutlery

There is one important rule: the last fork and knife are for dishes that are served at the very beginning. Next, you need to consistently use the devices. Therefore, the owner must put on the table such a number of forks, spoons and knives, corresponding to the number of dishes served. Experienced waiters and housewives have long come up with a competent method on how to set the table. Devices in this case should be laid out in the following order:

1. To the left of the plate at a distance of 15–20 mm, first you need to put a fork for the main (hot) dish, then for the fish and on the edge, place the smallest tableware for cold snacks.
2. On a saucer, which must be placed in the upper left corner of the dishes, you need to put an oil knife.
3. Above the plate, put the fork and spoon on the table so that the first item is turned upward to the right, and the second to the left. If the menu does not include dessert, then these cutlery should not be placed on the table.
4. On the right side of the plate, first you need to put a knife for the main dish, then for seafood, followed by a sharp object for salad or other snacks, and at the end you need to place a spoon for soup or broth.

Of course, there are other ways of serving (an additional example will be given below), but the classic option on how to properly set the festive table to place the cutlery in the optimal order was considered above.

Napkins

Typically, paper and paper products made from cotton, linen, etc. are used for table setting. The former are placed in special supports that are placed at such a distance that the guest can reach them. But they can also be placed near the right edge of the plate. In addition, unusual compositions are sometimes made from them: roses, envelopes, boats and various geometrical figures (for example, caps or cones). However, their main purpose is not in the decorative function, but in the fact that people wiped their hands or lips on them.

If the question arises about how to properly set the table, in this case you need to use linen napkins, folded four times. They are put under the dishes when there is no snack plate, or guests use them so as not to stain their clothes. It is such products that must be used for table setting at special occasions. And in the family circle you can use paper napkins, but the main thing is that they are combined with a tablecloth and be beautifully folded.

Table vessels

At the end of the serving you need to put on the table:

• crystal or glass salt shaker with stainless steel edges;
• pepper pepper filled with dry pepper;
• a container for mustard or horseradish (serve only with meat and fish dishes);
• bottles for oil (olive or sunflower), vinegar, various sauces, etc.

Housewives know how to set the table correctly: first you need to free up a place in the center, and then put there the table vessels with spices on small boards or saucers.

Serving food

If you follow the rules of etiquette, the owner must bring ready-made food, drinks, fruits, etc. from the kitchen on a tray. Dishes should be put in one row. In addition, it is undesirable to place mixed food on the tray (for example, seafood and meat). If the dish consists of several pieces, put one serving on a plate. However, it is not necessary to play the role of a waiter, since cooked food can simply be put on the table.

The standard menu for any special occasions includes such dishes:

1. Cold appetizers - bread, slices of boiled pork, Korean carrots, pork ears, pickled cucumbers, cheese, fresh vegetables, soy and other delicacies.
2. Salads - Olivier, vinaigrette, Caesar, herring under a fur coat, etc.
3. Main course (hot) - beef steak, ham, fried chicken, meatballs, sirloin chops, fish with a side dish (for example, stuffed duck with apples or pike perch in batter), mashed potatoes, french fries, etc.
4. Dessert - cake, apple pie, fruit salad, milkshake.
5. Drinks - red or white wine, vodka, beer, champagne, juice, lemonade, strong coffee and tea.

However, you can buy ready-made dishes: grilled chicken, pizza, sushi or rolls. In addition, sometimes you will have to make soup or broth. If on New Year's holidays the question arises, how to properly set the table, champagne, tangerines and sweets will be an ideal set for treating guests. Everyone can make their own menu, but the main thing is that all dishes are served in clean dishes.

How to set the buffet table: the best method

Reception - a reception of guests when everyone is eating while standing, they choose any appetizers and serve themselves. This method has the following advantages:

• a lot of free space for dancing and competitions;
• self-service;
• lack of need to warm up and constantly change dishes;
• money saving;
• the opportunity to invite many guests.

In this case, there is a one- and two-way serving method. In the first method, the table must be put, for example, right next to the wall. But usually they use a two-way method, as this is a more convenient option for celebrating a birthday or a wedding celebration. On the table located in the center of the room, you need to put drinks, fruits, snacks and serving items: glassware, wineglasses, wine glasses, cutlery, etc.

Bottles with alcoholic and cooling drinks are usually placed in the middle of the festive table. Snack and dessert plates are stacked in 6-8 pieces. The next stage is the arrangement of cutlery. 30 minutes before the reception, cold snacks, seasonings, bread, sauces are set up, and tongs are placed next to the dishes, with which guests will lay their own food. Tartlets and small sandwiches - canapes served on skewers are considered an ideal dish, which is undoubtedly convenient. On the table you can put sweets: eclairs, sweets and other delicacies.

Some housewives consider this option to be the ideal method of setting the table for the anniversary when there is no desire to cook a large number of hot dishes, but I want to celebrate the holiday actively and cheerfully. In addition, table setting in this case will take much less time.

Conclusion

The article considered a successful and optimal option on how to properly set the table, taking into account the rules of ethics and the arrangement of dishes. If you approach this matter from the creative side, the preparation process will bring a lot of positive impressions. The main thing is to take into account the taste and aesthetic preferences of the invited guests in order to make a lasting impression on them.