Unfortunately, the observance of the traditions of family dinners or dinners in our time is not as popular as before. And this is probably due to a chronic lack of time due to the employment of working family members and their endless problems. But how nice it is to get together, for example, on a Sunday evening all together! Therefore, in anticipation of households or friends, it will be useful to find out what table setting should be for dinner.
Convenience First
For some reason, for many, the word “serving” is associated with official receptions or some particularly significant events. It is generally accepted that table decoration is mandatory only on holidays. But the main purpose of serving is not at all elegant decoration and a huge variety of cutlery, but convenience when eating. Therefore, any preparatory work before the meal can already be considered table design. Of course, the serving is different - from everyday to festive. But this does not mean the need to observe all the rules and features on a daily basis. A huge plus, especially for the younger generation, will be the cultivation of the habit of accuracy, order and beauty. Let's take a look at what table setting should be for dinner. And on the example of some specific features we will understand how easy it is to transform the decoration, giving it a touch of mystery and romance. Also a few words will be mentioned about buffet receptions.
Pre- table setting for dinner
Long before the immediate serving of the dishes, some work needs to be done in the form of decoration. In fact, this will be considered pre-serving. It is followed by a performance, with a direct serving of dishes according to the menu. First of all, pay attention to what the table is laid on. If you are waiting for guests, then, of course, you need to cover it with a clean ironed tablecloth. Although it is advisable not to skip this serving step on weekdays. Use inexpensive materials with a variegated pattern for these purposes. A freshly draped tablecloth over the oilcloth will help to emphasize once again the accuracy of the hostess and her cleanliness. Moreover, in our time, having a modern automatic washing machine, it will not be difficult to regularly change the fabric coating to maintain hygiene. Also accompanying attributes in the form of flowers, napkins and other various accessories can be pleasant trifles.
How to make design?
What are the basic rules for table setting for dinner? We list some secrets, the observance of which is desirable in any circumstances.
- Pay particular attention to lighting, as dinner usually takes place in the evening. To do this, it is most advisable to put a table under the chandelier. Then the faces of those present and food will not be in the shade.
- You can decorate the table in different ways, for example, adhering to some theme corresponding to the holiday. So, before the New Year's Eve, it will be appropriate to have small spruce twigs, cones, candles or other fantasy compositions on the table. The main thing is that the total number of these items should be used in moderation, and they should not disturb the guests.
- The universal decoration of the table, of course, are the flowers. Table setting for dinner in this part may not change at all after dinner. Place the bouquets in low vases so that they do not cover the faces of those present sitting opposite each other.
Napkins - an integral element of serving
Without them, it is perhaps unthinkable to imagine any table. Napkins are one of the most important serving elements, the presence of which is as mandatory as, for example, forks or plates. Paper accessories are usually placed in the middle of the table in special stands or glasses. And linen napkins can be wrapped in the form of an intricate composition. Try to use one of the methods in practice:
- Fan Fold the napkin in half and unfold across. Then folds will form out of it in the form of “Accordion”. Lay on a plate, opening on one side in the form of a fan.
- Lily Fold two opposite corners towards the center. Turn the product over. Roll the other two corners in the same way. Then turn the lower folded edges outward to give volume to the composition.
Where should the napkin be in order to have the correct table setting for dinner? The layout of objects provides primarily convenience. Therefore, it is customary to put a napkin either on the device or on the side of it.
The order of dishes
The table setting for dinner usually involves the central location of the main course. So, for example, it can be a Christmas goose or another meat dish. In the same case, if it is planned to be served hot, before inviting guests to the table, you can serve only cold snacks. And after some time, place the main dish in a specially left free space for him. Condiments with seasonings are also located in the center of the table or evenly alternating with appetizers. Sometimes they put a pepper shaker and a salt shaker near each appliance. If there are a lot of guests, then hot dishes can be served, each serving one by one. Bottles of drinks are placed around the edges. They must be opened in advance, even before the guests sit at the table. And do not forget that for dinner it will still be more useful to manage a smaller list of dishes compared to lunch, since it is not entirely useful to overload the body at night.
Instrument Location
The easiest way is the usual table setting for dinner. The photo clearly demonstrates the daily arrangement of devices. The presence of one set of dishes (plate, knife, fork) means the absence of snacks and additional main dishes. If you have to set the festive table, adhere to the following rules:
- When serving, adhere to a symmetrical arrangement so that guests are located against each other.
- The type and number of devices should correspond to the menu and the general sequence of dishes, but, as a rule, usually there are no more than three of them.
- When served snacks, an extreme knife and fork are used, lying on the sides of the plate. For the second dish - the following in order.
- For dessert, a spoon, knife and fork are located in front of the plate itself.
- Snack plates, standing on top of the main ones, are removed together with the same knife and fork before serving the main dish.
- If the menu provides several second courses, plates are replaced.
- Glasses for drinks are in front of the plates.
Food Sequence
Usually, everyday dinner begins after setting cold appetizers and the main course on the table. Therefore, it is not intended to serve it with additional devices. A meal is a little different when changing several dishes at gala receptions and celebrations. First, they serve cold fish snacks - caviar, aspic, pastes, salads. Therefore, if available, the menu provides table setting with appropriate devices, they are located on the edge of the fork and knife for cold dishes. Next in order are snacks from poultry, meat, game, vegetables, mushrooms and eggs. After that, the main main course and additional dishes are served. At the end of dinner, dessert is required. Before this, you need to remove from the table all excess dishes and appliances, with the exception of glasses. At the end of the meal, it is not customary to push anything away. The main sign that the meal is over is a knife and fork parallel to the plate, directed by the handles to the right.
Romantic dinner
In this case, the design should be special. Typically, table setting for a romantic dinner is both sophistication and simplicity. Since the meal should be easy, you should limit the menu to a minimum list, including dishes “with a twist”, special and unusual taste characteristics. Most often they are limited only to cold appetizers, one light hot dish and dessert. In this regard, serving can be simplified, including only two sets of devices. Particular attention should be paid to the design of the table. It is easy to create a romantic atmosphere with the help of appropriate details - flowers, dishes with themed ornaments, candles, additional accessories. All details should be in harmony with each other - starting from the tone of the tablecloth to the shade of colors. And, of course, do not forget about the soundtrack of a romantic evening. Muted music and soft lighting will help create a cozy and warm atmosphere for delicate communication.
How to serve a buffet?
Many parties, especially youth ones, are organized as a buffet. In this case, the invitees move freely around the room, periodically filling their plate with snacks. How is table setting for dinner with such an organization of the event? Empty snack plates are stacked, and forks are placed next to the dishes. On the tray are glasses with drinks. As a rule, these are light wines and cocktails. Snacks are arranged in the form of plates filled with them. Sandwiches with skewers, such as canapes, are very popular and convenient. Separately from the edge of the table are dessert treats and hot drinks. Usually, everyone can make tea, coffee, and add other ingredients to their taste, such as sugar, milk, honey, jam, etc. How appropriate this organization of dinner is for the owners to decide. They should make sure that any guest is comfortable and convenient, regardless of whether it is a traditional party or a modern one.