Before embarking on the coverage of such a burning topic today as competent table setting - whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner, regarding any celebration, we must nevertheless understand the meaning of the concept itself. It should be noted that the question of how to set the table correctly worries many housewives today. And you can find a lot of information on this topic. That's just not always it is really correct. Many of those who consider themselves to be docks in such a matter are deeply mistaken when, talking about how to set a table for dinner, they begin their teachings with the words: “We spread a beautiful tablecloth, put candles and do not forget about the bouquet ...” Why ? Because they, without even thinking about it, confuse two completely different concepts - decoration and the actual serving. Therefore, let's understand.
Definition
The word "serving" (from service, or servir) means nothing more than service. First of all, convenience is at the head of the process itself. And therefore, when we talk about how nevertheless it is necessary to set the table correctly, we must first of all mean the correct and convenient, we emphasize, the arrangement of cutlery and objects. Everything else - tablecloths, flowers, candles and other delights - this is just a table decoration. No more. What conclusion can be drawn from this? Clear and clear: there are generally accepted ways of table setting, which is carried out according to unshakable rules, honed by years and provided for etiquette. While the table can be decorated in accordance with your own imagination and, preferably, at least with a small amount of common sense. This is also a kind of art, we will not argue. But there is no need to speak about the correctness in this case. If only the lack of taste ... But let's not talk about sad things. Better immediately get down to business.
Classics of the genre
Knowing the basic rules will help not only to set the table correctly, but also not to hit the dirt in the face if you suddenly have to be as a guest at some stunningly fashionable reception. Even if you do not have a clear idea of what the huge variety of devices facing you is intended for, you can adequately get out of the situation, relying on knowledge of the classical method. Plates for table setting are naturally different, but in the generally accepted version there is always in the center a plate for hot, under which there is a snack bar. To her left is a table fork, then for a fish, and at the end a snack fork. To the right are the knives in the following sequence: table, for fish, a snack. Completes the "procession" tablespoon. A dessert spoon is located above the plate with a handle on the right side, and a dessert fork with a handle on the left side. To the left of the main one is a plate for bread with a knife for butter (handle to the right), to the right are glasses: for water, white wine, red wine.
True, it should be noted that a similar arrangement of all devices, although a classic, is not always, of course, appropriate. So, for example, pre-setting a table for breakfast does not require the presence of so many items. But if a solemn reception is planned, then, of course, adhering to these rules, you can adequately and competently set the table.
But it is worth remembering that the only “correct” serving in nature, by and large, does not exist. Say, in France, the forks are always laid so that the prongs look up, in England, on the contrary. Therefore, if you suddenly make the first mistake, you can, without blinking an eye, say that today's table setting (for breakfast, say, or to receive guests) is an Irish version. Who, in fact, will run to check whether this is true or not?
Basic rules, or Mistress note
If you want to learn how to set the table correctly, you need to remember one thing: you must adhere to the style! Even if you memorized the arrangement of spoons, forks, glasses and everything was done correctly, then the varied plates for serving a table of three sets of different colors will nullify all your efforts. Remember - the uniformity of cutlery and additional elements is the key to success. And do not forget: not only the type of devices should be the same, but also their location. And even if you put a minimal set of them on the table, but correctly and beautifully, no one will dare to throw a stone at you. Moreover, do not forget that the classics, of course, are good, but no one forbids you to diversify it. There are other styles of table setting.
So if yesterday, in a fit of feelings, you banged two of your best services on the floor, then the next morning, putting together the remnants of luxury, adding a couple of details for decoration and working your head, you can correct the situation, and then proudly and with dignity say that today is serving Breakfast table made in high-tech style. And you can set the table in English, Japanese, ethnic, romantic styles. However, there are so many of them that this is a topic for another discussion. And we, quite reasonably assuming that we have already mastered and memorized the basics of serving rules, will move from theory to practice.
Home serving
Professionals and without us know how to set the table in their institution. We will learn to do this at home. The table, beautifully and well designed and laid, not only helps to increase appetite and delivers aesthetic pleasure, but also teaches the rules of behavior for him, both children and adults. Of course, most often housewives try to festively serve their home table on weekends or on the occasion of any family celebration. But you need to accustom yourself to do it daily, at any meal. Therefore, let's specifically talk about what table setting looks like for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Breakfast
As a rule, pre-setting a breakfast table requires a minimum set of appliances. At this time, usually many different dishes are not served, because everyone is in a hurry, as a rule, to go about their business for the whole day. But in order for the morning to start well and to charge the household with a positive day, we will try to set the table beautifully and in accordance with the rules of serving etiquette. Do not think it is that simple. Home table setting is also a kind of art.
First we arrange the dinner plates, and then the cups. We put a small spoon on the saucer with the handle to the right side, the handle on the cup should also be located in the same way. It is in this position that they are most convenient to use. If the menu contains eggs, but they are cooked “in a bag” or soft-boiled, then they must be served on a special stand. It is placed on a snack plate along with a special spoon. For porridge, put a deep on a snack plate. All hot drinks must be poured from a coffee pot or teapot, and the appliance itself should then be left in the middle of the table. This is necessary so that it is convenient to reach. Pastries and all kinds of sandwiches are placed on a wide dish, and then also placed in the center of the table. Without fail, a salt shaker, a plate with butter, a sugar bowl should be present on the table. Horseradish, mustard served on demand. Bread is placed on the side (it is possible in a dish specially designed for this purpose or on a plate).
We have taken care of convenience, do not forget about jewelry. If the hostess decided so, then the table can be covered with a tablecloth, if it is missing, then you can put decorative napkins under the plates. By the way, the latter (usually in paper form) are also placed on the table in a special stand. The presence of a small vase of flowers is also welcome. In the photo you can see what table setting for breakfast looks like (pictures are in the text). But these are, in general, examples. You, observing the basic rules, can experiment and decorate the table or choose a style in accordance with your preferences.
Dinner
Pre-table setting for dinner suggests the availability of more devices. Nevertheless, in many families this is often the main type of meal. As a rule, in the lunch menu there is a snack, the first dish, the second and - almost always - some dessert. A prerequisite is the presence of snack plates, a knife, a fork, a spoon.
As for the first courses, they will need either deep plates or broth cups. A stand plate is always placed under them. Hot usually served already served in advance on plates. In case there is fish in the menu, you will need to add a special fork and a knife-spatula to the devices, with which you can separate the bones from the meat. Dessert should be served at the very end, and only after the dirty dishes are removed from the table.
Dinner
In this case, the serving is almost the same as the dinner, the only difference is that no plates for the soup are needed. The number of dishes for dinner, as well as the number of main plates, are completely dependent on the menu.
For dinner, dessert plates are immediately placed on the table, forks must be put on the left side of them, and knives on the right. Also, of course, dessert. If you traditionally like to drink a glass of wine at dinner, arrange the dishes appropriate for the drink as described in the classic table setting method.
We set the table for the holiday
As an example, let's take a favorite holiday for everyone - a birthday. In this case, a bright and original table setting is welcome. And so that it really turned out like this, then it needs to be supplemented with decoration. That is, simply put, to decorate. It will be appropriate to put on the table an elegant lace tablecloth, which will give the table a solemn appearance.
You will need all kinds of additional accessories: fruit baskets, salad bowls, vases, elegant and original wine glasses and glasses. A vase of flowers should be placed near the culprit of the celebration, but in such a way that it does not cover either himself or the review. Fruits are a must for a festive table. Baskets with them (identical, naturally) are usually located at the edges. At the same distance from each other are placed plates with sandwiches, as well as bread. Important! The main plates should be at the same distance from each other (fifty centimeters) and one centimeter from the edge of the table. And no less important! We follow, as agreed, style. No miscellaneous utensils! Everything is complete, beautiful and organic.
The order of the plates: for the second (shallow), put large ones on them (for hot), and finish the composition with snack bars. As for the location of the cutlery: fork on the left, knife and spoon on the right. Each salad bowl should have a “personal” spoon. Glasses, glasses and glasses are placed on the right and in descending order. Naturally, do not forget to update the table with fresh appliances.
Children's table setting
By and large, there is no particular difference between the "adult" and the "child" serving. True, recently, more and more plastic dishes began to appear on tables. Firstly, it does not fight, which excludes injuries in children (and services). In addition, manufacturers today offer such a huge selection of beautiful plates and glasses that only one of their decor will give the table a festive look. Especially when you take into account the fact that there is a magnificent, and specifically children's plastic ware on sale.
What is more unusual for serving a children's table? Perhaps the fact that, as a rule, the main dishes on it are not meat and salads, but sweets, cakes, fruits, ice cream. And of course the cake. Therefore, it is necessary to remember all the nuances and stock up on the appropriate devices before the holiday: spoons, vases for desserts, a spatula for cake, and fruit baskets. And, of course, sustained in one style - bright, festive, corresponding to the occasion of the celebration.
Sharing secrets
And now a few words about how to make the serving of your very - a particular table - truly unique and memorable. To do this, you just need to create and fantasize, observing, however, some rules. So, let's say, a tablecloth and dishes must certainly be combined. It is better to choose a snow-white lace tablecloth to delicate sparkling crystal. But porcelain dishes “love” a simpler fabric. As for napkins, it is necessary that they also be in harmony with the tablecloth. But if you use them in two versions - plain and color - it will turn out unbeaten and original. If you fold paper napkins in a special way, then they will not only not be superfluous on your table, but also noticeably decorate it. Moreover, today you can buy such a “paper” with drawings that are fully consistent with the theme of the celebration. Also, candlesticks and candles will never be in the way. And serving a New Year’s table is impossible without them at all. Especially if you arrange them accordingly. However, these accessories should also be in the same color scheme and in harmony with napkins, tablecloths and dishes. All kinds of cute trinkets will be useful: bows, ribbons, figurines. All these jewelry will emphasize both the sophistication of the serving and your personality.
And, of course, flowers. What will it be - a modest bunch of wildflowers or a chic collage - you decide. And the occasion, on which the table is set.
And finally ...
Of course, the right way to set up a table in accordance with all the requirements of etiquette is, of course, aerobatics. But do not think that such a procedure can be done only by professionals. Not the gods, in the end, the pots burned ...